★ 5

Awesome gym, great program, and fantastic people. Jeff is a great coach. Highly recommended.

Source: Google

★ 5

Love it here. Taylor and Elysa are the best. They’re super encouraging and focused on form - I’ve gotten stronger, enjoyed the process and learned a lot along the way. I always enjoy being there and have loved the results I’ve noticed so far :)

Source: Google

★ 5

What an outstanding team I have the opportunity to train with at W Anderson Starting Strength! The programming is solid, but the experience and expertise of Jeff and the assistance by Max & Taylor make it exceptional!! I am a little over three weeks in and I am excited about where the program will have me in the future!

Source: Google

★ 5

I’m in my Kate 49s, and Strength training has never been”made sense” to me. But after seeing the results a friend of mine got from training here, I figured it was worth a shot. Within just a month I’ve made significant gains, I can see the results in the mirror, and most importantly, I feel really good doing it. I have an old back injury and I was genuinely afraid of triggering it at a certain weight. Now that weight is my warm up and I’m not afraid of pushing further.

Source: Google

★ 5

Starting Strength has been so great for my 15 yo son, who experienced a lot of muscle wasting and weight loss from hyperthyroidism. We appreciate the coaches care and patience as he built strength, and muscle back. We saw his confidence, stamina and posture improve dramatically. Highly recommend!

Source: Google

★ 5

I'm AMAZED at the progress I've made!!! I was having trouble getting off the floor without holding onto something (I'm 55) have no grand children yet and when that day comes I want to be able to play with them freely so I knew I needed help. I randomly came across some of the stories on utube where people in their 80's were making incredible progress doing SS so I knew it would help me. I could barely do a squat with my own body weight when I started. Now after 4 weeks I can squat 75lbs. My press went from 30 to 50. My bench press went from 45 to 65. My deadlift went from 65 to 130...and THIS IS JUST IN FOUR WEEKS. I can't even imagine what the future holds! It takes me an hour to get to the gym so I plan on switching back over to my local gym and coming back here once every week. If you're on the fence about joining just try it! Your health is worth the money!!! It is so incredible how God made our bodies to continually get stronger every 2 days with the right coaching and technique! (And of course...my coaches TJ and Andrea are amazing too!)

Source: Google

★ 5

Great program and coaching! Highly recommend.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

This place offers a fantastic way to get into strength training. I felt very safe while learning the methods and techniques, and I don't think that would be the case at every gym. There is a lot of focus on safety and injury prevention, which I appreciate. The small classes offer the perfect amount of individual attention and the trainers/teachers are patient and knowledgable.

Source: Google

★ 5

I decided to start lifting weights approx two months ago for health reasons. I don't have an athletic background nor did I know much about lifting weights prior to starting. A few weeks ago, I had a handful of extremely constructive sessions with Jeff, one of the main instructors at Starting Strength Austin. He is very knowledgeable and helpful while also having a great coaching personality. He's cordial but will not hesitate to push you when you're under the weight either.

True to its name, Starting Strength can help anyone quite literally get started. Were it not for those key sessions I wouldn't have been able to make progress like I have been doing.

Source: Google

★ 5

Sign up now! Had been lifting on my own for two years with lots of consistency and focus but was making zero progress. After 8 months at Starting Strength, lost 2.5 pounds body fat and gained 4.5 pounds muscle (DXA scan)-no change to diet, if anything might’ve been eating more. And the only other exercise I do is walking! Seriously, 3 hours per week at Starting Strength and then daily walks.. Other favorite thing is knowledgeable modifications if you have a joint bugging you or anything of the sort. Highly recommend. Worth every dollar.

Source: Google

★ 5

Training at Starting Strength Austin for the past couple of years has absolutely transformed my life. I have gained significant lean muscle mass, lost body fat, lost inches off my waist, and increased the size of my arms and chest. I am the strongest I’ve ever been – at over 40.

In addition to the physical improvements, the program has taught me to confront and do hard things – like lifting really heavy weights – improving my mental toughness. I’ve challenged myself beyond what I could ever imagine, and I never thought I’d be where I am today if it wasn’t for Starting Strength Austin. My confidence has skyrocketed.

Stepping into the gym on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays is one of the highlights of my week. The coaches are tremendously helpful, patient, and extremely knowledgeable. They have your goals and objectives in mind and give you first-class attention, taking the guesswork out of barbell training, which can be daunting. In addition, the facilities at Starting Strength Austin are top-notch with the best barbell equipment I’ve ever trained with!

One of my favorite things about Starting Strength Austin is the community. I’ve developed deep relationships with fellow members and am so grateful for all those folks. Everybody checks their ego at the door, picks you up when you’re struggling or having a hard day, and celebrates the big wins, like new PRs and other personal victories. It’s truly a family atmosphere and means the world to me!

Source: Google

★ 5

Great gym, knowledgeable friendly coaches, comfortable environment.

Source: Google

★ 5

This gym is awesome. The coaches definitely push you to your limits and help you achieve your goals.

Source: Google

★ 5

Big fan of this gym!! Mark, Andrea, Jeff, and the rest of the coaching staff do a great job teaching all the barbell lifts and helping us maintain the proper form and progression to get strong. Great equipment and an enjoyable environment with excellent folks who will help you reach your strength goals. Highly recommend as a member for the past 3 years!

Source: Google

★ 5

Great staff!! I enjoy every time I come to workout. They take care of everything. I love just being able to show up and lift weights!

Source: Google

★ 5

I started this gym in 2020 and getting coaching from Mark, Jeff, Elysa, and Andrea.

My starting weights in 2020 were:

205lb squat
85lb overhead press
165lb Bench press
265lb deadlift

As of right now, my PR weights are:

455lb on squat
315lb on overhead press
390lb bench press
465lb on deadlift

This gym will make you strong and gain muscle. I went from 190lb to 257lb.

The coaching and programming from the coaches is fantastic. I highly recommend starting strength as a beginner and expert lifter for strength and powerlifting.

Source: Google

★ 5

If you're looking to get stronger, this is the place to do it. The program works, and the W Anderson coaches are excellent!

Source: Google

★ 5

Great coaches and people! Love the format of working out alongside people, but at your own pace. Nice, clean space, classic strength building and good class sizes.

Source: Google

★ 5

I had a couple of one on one sessions with Jeff and he was excellent. He evaluated my form and helped work on a few issues with me. His attention to detail is outstanding.

Source: Google

★ 5

As an older, weaker, guy I came to Starting Strength through reading The Barbell Prescription. I decided to commit to the method and get a SSC coach from the off which was the best decision I’ve made. Jeff, Mark and all the coaches at Starting Strength Austin are extremely knowledgable and friendly (oh yes - and really strong).They meet you where you are on your strength journey and coach every rep to adjust and improve your form so that you stay safe and build strength workout to workout as the weight on the bar goes up. If you want to stay strong and healthy as you age (and seriously who doesn’t?) this is the place.

Source: Google

★ 5

I've had a great experience at Starting Strength with my primary coach, Jeff, as well as the rest of the staff. My initial goal was to restore full function after a serious accident, and we accomplished that. In addition, despite have a background in lifting (and prior experience with the approach at SS), we have managed to quickly accelerate my progress and reach personal records for strength. Overall, I've found it to be a good investment and well worth the money I've spent.

Source: Google

★ 5

I was running the novice linear progression from the "Blue Book" from January 2024 - November 2024 on my own, making great progress. After hitting a plateau, and suspecting that my form was to blame, I decided it was time to get an in-person trainer to continue improving.

I live in East Austin and went in for my free 30-minute intro and assessment, and was glad to see there was a spot open in the 7:30-9:00AM block. My trainer is Jeff who is great, patient, helpful, knowledgable, and kind.

Together we have overcome several lift barriers in the 4 months I've been training there. Definitely highly suggest the Starting Strength program, the Starting Strength in-person training, and the W. Anderson location in particular 👍🏻.

Source: Google

★ 5

If you want to get stronger, this is the place with the right equipment, and more importantly, the right coaching staff. No gimmicks or fads here - just a proven process based on first principles, effective coaching, and consistency. "Works every time it's tried." I've been training with Jeff Bernitz & his fellow coaches for 6 months now and I've surpassed my goals for squat, deadlift, and overhead press. Jeff is truly outstanding and a testament to the rigors of the Starting Strength method & coaching certification process.

Source: Google

★ 5

I might have reviewed this a couple years ago, but I'm now almost three years in. SS is the best! The reason I like it is the coaching is top notch. The coaches are put through extremely intensive training. EVERY time you do a work set, a coach is watching you and coaching you through it. It makes a huge difference. Also, it's just a warm, welcoming community of people. It's open and useful to all sorts of people. I very much recommend it.

Source: Google

★ 5

I've been attending Starting Strength for about a year now on and off. The gym is always clean, the coaches are knowledgeable and I always look forward to my workout. 10/10 will be coming back.

Source: Google

★ 5

I've been working with Jeff on the platform for almost a year.  He is creative and effective in addressing the issues and weaknesses associated with a competitive lifter approaching 70 years old and thoughtfully answering my myriad questions.

Over the past three months, I've been preparing for a big powerlifting meet in New Orleans.  I worked with Jeff on the platform and Camisha Noble out of Starting Strength Cincinnati on meet preparation.  Jeff did an excellent job coordinating with Camisha to ensure that she was well-informed about my performance on the platform and that his coaching was aligned with her meet preparation plan.

Jeff addressed the problems that surfaced during training.  In particular, I tweaked my right adductor, which presented challenges for the squat, and I tweaked my left shoulder, which presented challenges for the bench press.  While I didn't PR these two lifts at the meet, I remained competitive.  The big success was the deadlift.  I was able to PR the deadlift!

I look forward to continuing the pursuit of getting stronger with Jeff and preparing for the next meet at the end of 2023.

Jeff is a helluva resource for Staring Strength Austin!
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Starting Strength Austin is an excellent resource in the fitness industry. The Starting Strength Method is an efficient, well-thought-out, and well-documented model to get stronger. It is refreshing and encouraging to ask a question and receive a clear, concise, informative answer documented within the model.

The Starting Strength Austin Gym is well-equipped to get stronger and is efficiently operated. It is easy to schedule a 90-minute training session and comforting to know that your personal power rack and barbell will be waiting for you when you arrive. Every session is facilitated by a knowledgeable coach that provides insightful feedback, suggestions for improvement, and motivation to continue to get stronger safely.

Starting Strength Austin represents an excellent value in the fitness community at a fraction of the cost charged by the Big Box Gyms.

Source: Google

★ 5

If you want to get strong this is the place. I started at 42 years old and I added at least 100 lbs to my squat bench and deadlifts. I used to have knee pain but I no longer do. Online coaching is also a good option from these guys.

Source: Google

★ 5

The coaches are top notch and I was able to see strength gains quickly. The individual coaching and attention set it apart from the other gyms I've tried. The entire staff are kind and very knowledgeable. Would recommend this place to anyone.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

About a year ago, I decided I needed to get in shape. 10 years in a desk job with little to no exercise started taking a toll on me. I had no real muscles to speak of, and I had a ton of flab. My lean muscle index (how much muscle I had compared to my height) put me in the 30th percentile, so 70% of guys at my height had more muscle than me. I got fed up with myself, and I knew I needed to do something.

I found Starting Strength Austin, I read a bit about weight training, and I decided to sign up.

The first few months were hard, especially since I’d never really spent time in a barbell gym before. Mark and Jeff were great and taught me what to do and kept pushing me.

At around 3 months, I started to get the hang of things, and started to get hooked on seeing my PRs go up. Around that time my clothes stared to fit better too. At 6 months I had to buy new pants and shirts because my arms, chest, and legs had grown so much I couldn’t fit into my old clothes.

Now, I’m about to hit 12 months. I’ve been going fairly religiously. I miss classes for business trips and vacations, but make 97.5% of my classes. The team’s been good about letting me make up a class if I can’t attend on a specific day, and you can visit other SS gyms if there’s one in the city you’re traveling too. That’s also helped me keep up with my 3x a week schedule.

I’m happy to say I just did a Dexa scan to track my 1 year progress, and I’ve jumped to the 85th percentile for my height in muscle mass. I’m about to hit the 1k pound club, and I’m starting to set my sights on 1200 club now.

Weight training has changed my life: I look forward to it every week, I’m strong, and I can’t imagine going back to the man I was a year ago. Kudos to Mark, Jeff, Ethan and the rest of the team. Great gym, great program, great coaches. Anybody curious about weight training should stop by.

Source: Google

★ 5

I've been a member of Starting Strength Austin for about seven months. Taking up Starting Strength is one of the best decisions I've made in a long time. The program works, the members are friendly and supportive, and the coaches and management have fostered a welcoming community. The membership is worth every penny.

Source: Google

★ 5

It's all about the coaching for me! Strength training became an obvious "must do" for my fitness. But how to begin? Starting Strength program and the coaches teach the technique details that give me the confidence to stick with it. Starting Strength is a game changer!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

I spent many years looking for ways to stay active. I would workout 6 days a week often twice a day. Physically I felt good but I knew I needed more.

When I joined Starting Strength I was blown away when I was told that I am to lift 3x week and rest, eat and hydrate as homework for the other 4 days.

I thought, that’s it? Strange.
The truth is.. I underestimated the power of sleep and rest.

I quickly gained strength, my back squats went from 55 lbs to reaching 192.5 lbs in only 7 months. With no injuries!

Gaining strength has been amazing!
Yes, I was finally fulfilled physically! But something I wasn’t expecting.. also Mentally.
As someone who has struggled with mental health I’ve never felt better.

“The deadlift also serves as a way to train the mind to do things that are hard”

Train your body AND your mind!

Thank you Mark and David for believing in me when I didn’t believe in myself. You’ve taught me to challenge my thoughts, you’ve taught me to silence them!
I am stronger than my mind!

Thanks y’all! And Cheers to many more lifts!

Briana

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Excellent experience.
The trainers are seasoned and well educated.
You get the experience of a personal trainer in a small group setting.
Best bang for my buck.

Source: Google

★ 5

This was by far the greatest training experience of my life. The coaches are super attentive and knowledgeable. I’m always surprised by their breadth of knowledge and I ask a LOT of questions.

Personally I gained 30lb with my BF% only going up 0.8% in 7 months and I was not a total newbie. Best results I’ve ever gotten.

That being said I saw other gym members of all ages and genders achieve their goals on a consistent basis. These guys are the real deal!

Source: Google

★ 5

I have been training at Staring Strength Austin for the past two months I can confidently say that it has been the best training I've ever had.

I was a bit hesitant at the beginning about their methodology but it works and it works well, never have I seen such improvement in this amount of time.

They gym and equipment are top notch, Kudos to Jeff, Aaron and Andrea run this gym incredible well, they make sure to watch every single rep you make and give you feedback every time. I'm really grateful for everything they have taught me in this time.

If you are looking to work hard, get stronger and learn a bunch this is definitely the place to do so.

Source: Google

★ 2

They will force you to use their app which is terrible and slow. When you say you don't like it they won't care. You'll spend about an hour a month+ just signing into it. In my experience you'll be getting coached by a non-certified trainee on about 50% of your lifts. They have nice equipment I suppose.

Source: Google

★ 5

Friendly staff and received great coaching from Aaron. Highly recommended to go visit them if you are in town.

Source: Google

★ 5

Highly recommend Starting Strength - Austin Gym. The five stars are based on:
1. Effective training program, 2. Efficient training program, and 3. The coaches and members

1.Effective training program.
In first 10 weeks:
From:
Squat:75lb to 160lb
Deadlift:135lb to 210lb
Bench:60lb to 90lb
Press:40lb to 60lb
I felt like like I lost strength after a lot of computer work/sitting. I now have excellent strength and it is noticeable in my day-to-day tasks.
I can more easily manage bags of mulch, soil, cases of Costco TopoChico and other moderately heavy items without strain.

I am never sore or injured after working out at Starting Strength - to me this is remarkable given the amount of weight we are loading on the barbell. I'm not sure why I'm not sore after lifting that heavy weight, but coaches assure us that's normal with proper rest and technique.
Before starting, I had nighttime shoulder pain for 1 ½ years after slipping on ice. Also, six months before starting barbell lifting, I pulled my back twisting to lift up a water-filled garden hose. All discomfort/pain from shoulder and back have gone to zero since lifting.

2. It is an efficient training program.
Above gains/results in first 10 weeks (4.5 hours/week) attending the Monday, Wednesday, Friday sessions. It is a well-organized and disciplined method to gain strength quickly and safely.
Show up, rest/eat in between days, do the technique and weight the coaches suggest then get meaningful results.
No drug/supplements etc were ever recommended/taken. Hard work for those 4.5 hours and noticeable strength were my experience.

3. Starting Strength Austin is a fun and healthy culture of coaches and members.
Coaches are affable and experienced teaching proper technique and getting me to intended/optimal strength.
Members are in their own lane working hard to get stronger - no one is competing/comparing.
Members are from all walks of life, ability, age, and varying levels of strength and health. Good crew.

Source: Google

★ 5

Starting Strength was a great place for me to learn proper lifting technique and to increase my max weight lifted fast (but safely). I suffered no injures and increased my strength rapidly. Aaron was a great coach, and goes the extra mile.

Source: Google

★ 5

I've been going to Starting Strength Austin for 6 months. I had heard about the Starting Strength method through a podcast and was surprised to find that they had a physical gym so close to my house. I had done weightlifting in high school, but I hadn't seriously lifted heavy weight since then. I missed the feeling of becoming stronger and concerns with my family's health history encouraged me to take the plunge. It's been one of the best decisions I've ever made.
Mark and Aaron are friendly and professional coaches and have guided me every step of the way. They helped me learn the fundamentals and form of the lifts and it's paid huge dividends. I'm stronger now than I've ever been in my life.
My classmates have also been encouraging and supportive. There's no macho showboating as we're all striving to beat our individual PRs. No one's going to put you down for the weight that you're lifting because we all started from somewhere and understand that everyone has different goals and abilities.
If you want to get stronger, join a community of people trying to better themselves, and come to a clean and inviting space where you'll never have to wait for a rack, join Starting Strength Austin.

Source: Google

★ 5

I am so lucky to have found Starting Strength Austin. Since I signed up about 4 and a half months ago, I have gotten healthier than I’ve been in years and stronger than I’ve ever been. I came in recovering from a number of health related issues which deterred me from thinking I could safely train with heavy weights. But I gave it a try based on the testimony of a neighbor and my interest to find the most practical way to get strong and healthy. It is so gratifying to see more and more plates on the bar and listen to my doctor ask me what in the world have I been doing after reviewing the best lab results he has seen me have.

Mark, Aaron, Andrea and Austin have been extraordinarily positive influences in my life and I cannot thank them enough.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Great gym. Been training at a high level for years, various different forms etc. And I’ve made more progress here, faster and more consistently than anything else ive done before for strength. Niggling injuries from my gym bro days went away in the first month, and I’m the strongest I’ve ever been.

Source: Google

★ 5

The simplest, most effective strength training program on the planet and the coaches are all smoking hot.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

For my 2.5 months being attending this gym I have had the pleasure of getting to know these coaches on a personal basis.

Mark, Austin, Andrea, Aaron, & Matthew are all phenomenal individuals that genuinely love coaching and seeing you become a stronger version of yourself.
If you have any doubts about this program/training gym, I went from a 90lbs on my squat to 210lbs in less than 3 months. 45lbs on my bench to 135lbs easily. 70lbs on my deadlift to 225lbs, and 45lbs to 100lbs on my Press.

Numbers aside, these people and the environment they create are a phenomenal place if you want to become a stronger version of yourself. You will not be disappointed.
If you have any questions they'll happily take the time to help you, look on thier website for the open house dates and feel free to drop by!

I'm looking forward to coming back whenever I'm not a broke college student. Cheers y'all and thank you so much for the learning experience!

Source: Google

★ 2

Source: Google

★ 5

Great people. Great way to get big and strong. Or thin and strong. Or medium sized and strong. Feels like family.

Source: Google

★ 5

I am hesitant to leave a review here, but I must complain! The Starting Strength coaches have been working with me for a lottle over a month now and already I am too strong. Pickle jars cower when I open the fridge. Small waify men run screaming when I enter their Zumba classes. The seams of my clothes cry from relentless stretching, and strangers throw themselves at my feet in adoration. Absolutely not what I expected and I cannot believe they didn't tell me it would be like this. You should definitely try. Results may vary.

Source: Google

★ 5

Starting Strength Austin is outstanding. I thought I was familiar with the program before joining, but thanks to the gym's staff, I have a much better idea as to what - and what not - to do. Not only have I gotten considerably stronger since signing up, but I've done so in a way that's felt completely natural and healthy.

Jarrod, Patrick, Kyle, and Abbas are incredibly knowledgeable and helpful when it comes to helping you get exactly what you want out of a workout. If you're looking for a great gym with a positive attitude, give Starting Strength Austin a go.

Source: Google

★ 5

Bad back my whole life and they are helping me use weight training to strengthen my entire core, back, diaphragm area. Strongest I have ever felt and I'm only 5-weeks into the program. Highly recommend for anyone, even if you've never stepped foot into a gym.

Source: Google

★ 5

Jarrod, Patrick and co. are amazing! We've been at Starting Strength Austin for about a month and half now and loving it.

It's a great feeling to be stronger than ever in the midst of a pandemic.
The gym is meticulously maintained and the workout stations are far apart, allowing for natural social distancing.

I would highly recommend for any age and skill level. Give them a shout today!

Source: Google

★ 5

If you’re looking for an encouraging community of people passionate about getting stronger this is the place to be. Weightlifting or barbell training can seem overwhelming and intimidating at first, but the starting strength coaches and members make everyone feel welcomed no matter their experience, age, physical ability, weight, etc. They are focused on getting you stronger no matter where you are starting, or the pace it takes you to get where you want to be. They focus heavily on proper form, technique and gradual increases in weight, which is critical to prevent injury and increase your strength. I couldn’t recommend starting strength or their coaches more! Go check them out - you’ll be so glad you did!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Solid gym. Nice aesthetic, solid equipment for serious barbell training. Coaches are knowledgeable and experienced. Will recommend.

Source: Google

★ 5

I have been a follower of the Starting Strength method for years, with good results, using the Starting Strength book and online forum. It's even better to meet in person with a trained Starting Strength coach, but unfortunately there aren't any such coaches where I live. So when I found out I was traveling to Austin, I thought "Austin has a Starting Strength gym! Yippee!"

So I got an expert review of my lifting form and some highly specific advice that I have been benefiting from ever since. Special thanks to Jarrod for agreeing to meet with me at a time that accommodated both our schedules.

Source: Google

★ 5

Best workout experience ever. I scheduled a one on one session with Joyce and it has been incredibly valuable. If you are following SS and think you’ve got it, you probably don’t! You should get to a training session when you can. I’ve always been athletic and devoted lots of time to watching all the SS videos (many times), listening to the podcasts repeatedly, and taking video of my workouts. Joyce is a fantastic coach! Working with her eliminated some nagging pain I’ve experienced from deadlift and she fixed my form on squat and deadlift which has strengthened a weak spot in my back. All my lifts are stronger.

Source: Google

★ 5

Joyce and Jarrod are awesome coaches. After four months of being coached by Joyce, I had become stronger than ever. Before I had persistent back and neck pain, which has gone away now. She helped me train through my really bad back pain. The atmosphere at the gym is not like a commercial gym and the gym members maintain a consistent etiquette. I trained at the new location for a month recently, and the only thing I feel different is the location and gym equipment, and both of those are better than before.

Source: Google

★ 5

Great coaches! In six weeks, I was probably the strongest I've ever been! Thank you all!

Source: Google

★ 5

I took a squat class with Jarrod since I am new to Starting Strength. He was (and is) a fantastic coach! He and Joyce were both extremely friendly and welcoming during my course.

Source: Google

★ 5

"This is the year I get serious about fitness..."
If you've ever said (or thought) that, you probably started with cardio. Deconditioned people need cardio, no doubt about it. I bought the fancy exercise bike that you put in your $7 million penthouse... you know the one. And I love it! But after you're able to climb a few flights of stairs without huffing and puffing, then what? You know what you're supposed to do: add strength training. That's where $h!t gets real.

I've *gone to* gyms, but I literally had never had a gym membership in my life. I hate the feeling of walking into a gym and not being sure what to do. I decided to try Joyce Luke's new Starting Strength gym on Anderson Lane, and wow, was that a good choice! No more fooling around with the pink dumbbells... they will put you under a 45# barbell and take it from there. (Actually, me being an over-60 under-muscled woman, they started me under a 35-pounder; and if you can't handle that, they have 15# bars too.)

Membership includes coaching, and while it's not literally one-on-one (in that you are not the only person being coached), it FEELS like one-on-one (in that a coach always seem to appear like magic, just when you're starting to do your set). Your first session is ultra-detailed coaching in the mechanics of the lifts and determination of correct starting weights. Every session after that, you will get form critiques and encouragement from your coach on every lift. They call it "small class" but I would compare it to tutoring. And every session after your first, you will go up in your weights.

There is nothing like the feeling of accomplishment you get when you discover that you are actually capable of lifting more at every single workout. If you're a big young man, you may be adding 10-20 pounds per workout. I started out adding 5 pounds per workout. The coaches will work out what's right for you, and hold you to it.

The gym itself is the opposite of the big franchises. It's not cavernous, it's not crammed with treadmills, there's not a single television in the place. People don't dress to impress. No yoga, no smoothie bar, nobody in a corporate-logoed polo shirt trying to sign you up for a "training package." No big ropes, no running around in the Texas heat and then doing burpees till you yak. It's a clean, bright, compact place built to support one thing: barbell training using the big compound lifts (squat, overhead press, deadlift, bench press). If you want to do Olympic lifts, they have a platform for that. You can chin yourself in the racks. But mainly, it's a place where people go to get strong using barbells.

You sign up for a time slot and you go at that time, three times a week. This means you get to know your fellow lifters (because they're always there the same time as you). I work out alongside Jeremy, Steve, Alicia, Sean1, Sean2, Taylor, Kathy, Bo, Brian, Peter, and Jonathon. (Note: I've been a member for *seven weeks* and I know the names of almost everyone who shares my time slot... how cool is that?) There is always someone available to spot you (spotters are required on bench press), and btw they teach you the correct way to be a spotter as well.

Did I feel self-conscious the first time I walked in? Not gonna lie, I did. But it's 100% obvious that everyone in the gym is there with the same goal, and the vibe is very encouraging. The guy who just deadlifted 405# was so nice to me after my first squat class, where I squatted a hyuuuuge 50# and felt like a moron (hi, Nicholas, and thank you!) I've never walked out the door without a fellow lifter or coach or both calling out "Bye, see you next time!"

Can't end this review without a shout out to Joyce Luke and her MWF crew Mark and Jesse. They nail the fine balance between encouragement and correction. It's not that the lifts are so difficult to learn, but as the weight gets heavier, correct form gets both more difficult and more important. They're there to keep things on track and to keep their lifters safe and injury-free, as well as to get them stronger. Two thumbs up!

Source: Google

★ 5

The people who work there really want you to get better. You never feel like you are working out pointlessly. Joyce and Jarrod are beasts, too, so you can tell they really tell they know their stuff.

Source: Google

★ 5

I recently attended a squat workshop coached by Jarrod Schaefer, and he was really awesome to work with. He did a great job of cleaning up my squat form and answering questions I had about the Starting Strength method. He was also just generally friendly and personable. I didn't work with Joyce, but I met her briefly and I'm sure she is a great coach too!

The squat racks, benches, and bars are all the custom made Starting Strength line from Texas Strength Systems and are excellent. Highly recommend.

Source: Google

★ 5

I started training with Joyce over three years ago. I was desperate to become healthy, and after trying everything from yoga to running to Crossfit, decided strength training was for me. I am so glad I did, and my only regret is that I did not take the plunge sooner. I have never felt stronger or more confident in myself. I love being able to pick up items with ease when people tell me to “be careful, it’s too heavy” and the sense of accomplishment I feel when I hit a new personal best. Starting Strength has been life-changing, and I’m looking forward to making it a lifelong pursuit.

Source: Google

★ 5

Jarrod trained me in the early part of last year, leading up to my first pregnancy. I enjoyed going through the LP and seeing just how strong I was!!! I had previously trained with a handful of personal trainers at your typical box gyms, and would not have considered myself a novice weightlifter. Once I got going, however, I learned that my form was far from perfect, and that the way I was lifting prior to finding starting strength was inefficient and hindering my progress.

I am now about 1 week out from being cleared to exercise again, and I can’t wait to get back under the barbell!

I cannot recommend this gym enough to anyone who is looking to get stronger, alleviate pain, or just be healthier.

Source: Google

★ 5

I have been a big fan of Starting Strength from a very long time and have been doing the lifts on my own for 3+ years. Investing to be trained by world class trainers Joyce and Jarrod was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I used to feel all kinds of aches and pains and often would plateau with my strength gains. Now, my form is much much better and I have made great progress with my strength gains. I highly recommend this gym :)

Source: Google

★ 5

Joyce and Jarrod are 2 of the best coaches in the business. I have been working with Joyce fore 6 months and she has helped me make significant changes in my form that have helped me continue to improve. As a long time lifter, that is very important. The atmosphere in the gym is awesome.

Source: Google

★ 5

I started training with Joyce and Jarrod off an on about a year ago and I can’t stress how good it has been for my strength and overall health! Getting all the kinks out of my squat has allowed me to finally get stronger than I ever thought I could and I can’t recommend paying them a visit highly enough!

Source: Google

★ 5

I started training with Joyce and Jarrod shortly after moving to Austin. I've gotten so much stronger as a result of their coaching, and I'm in the best shape I've been in years. They've coached me through some physical struggles and been nothing but encouraging, helpful, and motivating.

Source: Google

★ 5

My wife and I trained here on a trip to Austin, TX recently and were both extremely happy with the training we received. We worked on the squat, press, and deadlift with Jarrod. Because of the improvement in my form, my strength has gone up significantly. I can't stress enough how valuable it is to have a well-trained coach signaling you during your lifts. If you're serious about getting stronger, this is the gym for you.

Source: Google

★ 5

I spent the morning with Jarrod learning how to squat, press, and deadlift during a 2 hour clinic. I had a great time and enjoyed his instruction. He had a great way of explaining the movements and getting me to feel the difference between proper and improper form. I am still a novice with these lifts and Jarrod's instruction will help ensure that I get strong, and more importantly, do so safely.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Joyce is an amazing coach unlike any other I've worked with at UT Austin or gyms. The culture here is great too. Supportive, smart, serious.

Source: Google

★ 5

Attended the Barbell Training seminar with Joyce. Extremely helpful and I'm looking forward to implementing everything I learned while adjusting my lifts. Would definitely recommend for anyone!

Source: Google

★ 5

Friendly staff and you can get orthopedic acupuncture there before or after your workout and then go to their Qi Gong/Tai Qi class.

Source: Google

★ 5

Joyce Luke is amazing. Her training and expertise can see into what ails you, and what rehabilitation training is needed for repair and for strengthening. She is able to balance you, as well as push your limits to make you stronger. The small "garage-gym" environment makes you feel safe and the community within the garage-gym is warm and welcoming.

Source: Google