Following the success of Starting Strength Dallas, Brent Carter has opened Starting Strength Plano. I have had the great fortune to train with Brent and his coaches for almost two years now. I could not be happier with my results.
No matter your age, fitness, physical condition, or weightlifting experience (or lack thereof), If you are serious about wanting to get strong, this is where you want to be. Brent Carter and his team of expert coaches will teach you the proper barbell lifting techniques and will provide critique and feedback for you every training session as you progress through the program. Developed by Mark Rippetoe, the Starting Strength methodology is designed to increase strength through four basic compound barbell lifts - the squat, deadlift, overhead press, and bench press. Trainees will typically perform three of the four barbell lifts per training session for 3 work sets of 5 reps. Squats and deadlifts are typically performed every training session and overhead press and bench press will alternate between sessions. As the trainee successfully completes a session, weight on the bar is increased for the next training session. Methodically and steadily, trainees lift heavier and heavier weights, and strength correspondingly increases. You will get strong.
The gym is bright, airy, clean, and very well designed. Every lifter has their own dedicated platform during the training session. The bars and weights are of superb quality.
Training is typically conducted in 90 minute classes comprised of 4-8 lifters. Coaches provide initial instruction (and additional instruction if/as necessary) for every trainee. The coaches also critique and provide feedback for trainees for their last warm up set and for every work set. As every trainee has his or her own pace (there is usually about 5 minutes rest between work sets), there is ample time for the coaching staff to rotate among trainees and dedicate 100% attention to each trainee's lifts. I liken this to having a teaching golf pro accompany you for an entire 18 hole round, providing instruction for every swing.
Training at a Starting Strength gym is an incredible value. Instead of paying an exorbitant amount for 30-45 minutes of a personal trainer's one-on-one time, the Starting Strength trainee, for a lower price, receives individualized attention for every lift. Aside from financial savings, the best "value" one gets training at a Starting Strength gym is the increase in one's strength. Like I said, you will get strong.
Finally, a few words about the atmosphere and camaraderie at Starting Strength gyms. Brent and his staff are truly first-rate. They are experienced, extremely knowledgeable, dedicated to helping their trainees, and caring. Trainees come from all sorts of ages and backgrounds and have all sorts of weight training abilities and experiences. No matter if you are an experienced lifter, or if you have never lifted a barbell before, you will be warmly welcomed by Brent and his staff and by your fellow gym mates. Everyone celebrates each other's achievements in the journey of developing strength, and this also contributes to making Starting Strength gyms such wonderful places to train. read more
