Get Real-Time Feedback On Your Lifts From Our World-Class Coaches
The Starting Strength Coach Credential is the Most Advanced in the Industry
Stephen Babbitt has spent his career doing one thing: making people stronger. As a Starting Strength Coach, a certification held by only a small number of coaches in the world, he brings both deep technical expertise and a genuine enjoyment of the work. Ask anyone who's trained with him. Stephen is the kind of coach who remembers your goals, notices when your squat looks a little off before you feel it, and celebrates your PRs like they're his own.
Before coming to Philadelphia, Stephen spent five years coaching at Starting Strength Boston, where several of his lifters went on to become some of the strongest in the entire Starting Strength gym network. But he's just as proud of the 65-year-old who deadlifted her bodyweight for the first time as he is of the lifters putting up elite numbers. He has coached teenagers, grandparents, athletes, and people who had never touched a barbell before. His approach never changes: meet you where you are, teach you to lift correctly, and add weight to the bar.
Stephen takes your strength seriously and makes the process something you actually look forward to.
Kristian came to strength training in his 40s, motivated by a desire to be healthier and more capable for his kids. Training under Jeremy Fischer, SSC, in Brooklyn, NY, he discovered the Starting Strength method and quickly fell in love with barbell training and the results it produced: feeling better, looking better, and being more physically capable in everyday life.
After relocating to Southeastern Pennsylvania, Kristian made a deliberate mid-life career change from documentary film editing and post-production consulting, including teaching at the School of Visual Arts in New York City, to coaching full-time. That career revealed a talent for mentoring and teaching that transfers directly to the platform. He is currently pursuing his Starting Strength Coach (SSC) credential and holds certifications as an ACE Certified Personal Trainer and Functional Kettlebell Instructor.
Outside the gym, Kristian enjoys music, games of chance, and getting outside in the sun.
Chip's strength journey began several years ago while recovering from a serious car accident that left him handicapped for several months. After experiencing the benefits of strength firsthand, he is committed to improving the lives of his community members through the Starting Strength Method.
Chip has successfully coached lifters of all ages & abilities, ranging from elderly novices to young athletes. After developing his skills at Starting Strength Cincinnati, he opened the Philadelphia location and is currently pursuing the Starting Strength Coach certification.
