Starting Strength Gyms Library

  • Not Just a Gym—A Place Where Strength Changes Lives

    Not Just a Gym—A Place Where Strength Changes Lives

    Luke Schroeder was chasing what he thought was health—first losing weight, then dropping even lower, yet still feeling weak and in pain. It wasn’t until he found Starting Strength that he realized what was missing: real strength.

    Through barbell training, he rebuilt himself—stronger, healthier, and more capable than ever. But strength wasn’t just something he gained for himself. He wanted to help others find it too.

    That’s why he left the corporate grind to open Starting Strength Cincinnati, where anyone—whether they’re a nurse who sees frailty every day or a 97-year-old lifter—can build the strength to change their life.
    Strength is simple, but most people don’t know where to start.

    That’s where Starting Strength Gyms comes in. With expert coaching and a proven method, we guide people like Luke—and like you—through a clear path to getting stronger.

  • Overcoming Ehlers-Danlos Through Strength Training

    Overcoming Ehlers-Danlos Through Strength Training

    Josh, a Marine Corps veteran, lived with constant pain. Hip injuries and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome made walking unstable and difficult. Physical therapy didn’t help. Staying active only made things worse.


    He needed a real solution, not another temporary fix. Strength training wasn’t just about getting bigger—it was about rebuilding stability, reducing pain, and restoring control over his body.


    A year into training at Starting Strength Indianapolis, Josh moves with confidence. His pain is under control, his balance has improved, and he’s gained 60 lbs of strength. The biggest surprise? His stomach issues from lead poisoning disappeared.


    Strength goes beyond lifting—it builds stability, resilience, and control over your body. Take control of your health and strength today.

  • How Heather Rebuilt Her Body After a Terrifying Car Crash

    How Heather Rebuilt Her Body After a Terrifying Car Crash

    A car accident left Heather with whiplash, concussions, and a back too weak to hold a chiropractic adjustment. She was scared to lift, but her husband—who recovered quickly thanks to strength training—encouraged her to try.

    What started as a way to rebuild her back turned into something much bigger. With each session, Heather saw herself getting stronger—not just physically, but mentally. Lifting gave her back her confidence, her energy, and even improved her memory and ability to articulate her thoughts. Most importantly, it gave her back something she didn’t realize she had lost—being the fun mom again.

    Now, she plays harder with her kids, lifts more than she ever thought possible, and feels truly capable for the first time in years. Strength training didn’t just help her heal—it changed the way she sees herself.

  • Museum Director Dr. Amanda Dotseth Doesn’t Fear the Barbell

    Museum Director Dr. Amanda Dotseth Doesn't Fear the Barbell

    Amanda Dotseth, a busy director with a sedentary job, knows the challenges of starting a strength training program. Like many, she faced doubts about lifting weights and struggled to find a sustainable fitness routine. With Starting Strength’s expert coaching and proven methods, Amanda built functional strength, boosted her confidence, and discovered how rewarding it is to make consistent progress—no matter her schedule.

    In this video, she shares her journey from a skeptical beginner to a confident lifter, explaining how Starting Strength helped her overcome fears, debunk myths about lifting for women, and achieve results that go beyond just fitness. If you’re hesitant about stepping into the gym, worried about looking bulky, or unsure where to start, Amanda’s story will inspire you to take the first step.