★ 5

I am a 56-year old woman with little weightlifting experience. I love this gym. My coaches, JD and Josh, are careful and exacting about good form to maximize strength AND avoid injury. This gym is for people who want to fundamentally BE strong, not just look strong. Within two weeks, I could tell I was stronger, my balance was better, sleep was better. This is such a quality experience, because the coaches have us take turns so that they can watch and give immediate feedback on each lift. You can do this. If you want to improve your health and be stronger for whatever you do, check out this gym or the other one in central Houston. Hopefully they will open one in The Woodlands soon. You'll be so glad you did this!

Source: Google

★ 5

Starting Strength Katy continues to be an excellent gym, built on a proven program and outstanding coaching. The focus here is always on form first—not just loading up weight for the sake of a personal record—which means every session builds lasting strength and confidence.

The coaching staff, including Josh Wells, Shelly Hancock, Adam Williford and JD Shipley, bring deep expertise and provide tailored programming that fits each individual. As someone older, my training looks different from younger lifters, and the coaches adjust accordingly so that I can make steady, safe progress.

The facility itself is clean, well-equipped, and organized. Sessions are structured at the same time each week, which keeps training consistent and sustainable. What really stands out is the community: lifters here range from teenagers to folks in their seventies, men and women alike, all encouraging one another. There’s no intimidation factor—just motivation and inspiration from being surrounded by people getting stronger together.

From the moment you walk in and hear a friendly “HELLO,” you know this isn’t just a gym—it’s a place where progress happens. I’ve made more strength gains here with personal coaching than I ever could have on my own. Starting Strength Katy has been my training home since January 2022, and I couldn’t recommend it more highly.

Source: Google

★ 5

Starting Strength is the best! I have never felt better after working with Josh, Shelly, Adam, and JD. Whether you’re new to working out or a seasoned lifter, you will not be disappointed.

Source: Google

★ 5

Years ago, after my first bone density test, taking calcium supplements with vitamin D to offset my loss of bone mass became part of my daily routine. Although the supplements helped to slow bone loss, they could not stop, or much less, reverse it. A little over a year ago, I joined the Starting Strength gym in Katy, TX. I was aware that weight bearing exercise is recommended to prevent bone loss, but working with Starting Strength coaches did more than that. My last bone scan shows new bone growth in both my spine and hips!
Watching friends struggle as they try to recover from broken hips, I am convinced that choosing to grow new bone while exercising under the expert care of my Starting Strength coaches is the better choice.

After one failed attempt after another to regain my strength following a long illness and in the face of a Parkinson’s diagnosis, my husband passed along to me a video he found on the Starting Strength approach. One phone call and three introductory sessions later, I chose to give their gym in Katy, TX a try. Am I glad I did! Only after a few weeks, I saw significant changes in my physical health. Under the expertise, personalized programing and care of the Starting Strength Katy coaches, not only my strength, but also my balance and overall conditioning just keep improving.

Source: Google

★ 5

Starting strength Katy was a great place for my 13yr old son to learn the basic barbell movements correctly. The coaches give 1 on 1 attention to each trainee during their workouts with correction/feedback. I felt the coaches worked hard to make the classes a welcoming environment for their trainees regardless of age and experience level.

I would strongly recommend the Katy location to anyone who is interested in barbell training.

Source: Google

★ 5

Our 13/14 year old athlete was not allowed to participate in weightlifting at school so we needed a way for him to be introduced safely and correctly to the various strength movements.

Coach Josh & coach Shelley and ALL of the crew are super attentive to proper form and proper progression for each individual. Our son got much stronger, faster, and generally more athletic as a result - and with the individual attention he wouldn't have gotten at school anyway.

Highly recommend!

Source: Google

★ 5

My wife was the first to sign up for Starting Strength Katy. We chose Starting Strength because of evidence (YouTube) that they might help her with her Parkinson's. And that they did. She has progressively gained strength throughout the first six months of her membership.

I had lifted weights for some time in my garage gym. Watching the coaching that my wife received, however, convinced me that I had much to learn from the Starting Strength Katy coaches. So two weeks after her initial lesson, I began also. The results have been gratifying. Not only am I progressing in weight, more importantly, I am learning correct form - a form that not only increases my lifting ability, but protects me from injury. Our schedule as a couple has resulted in our using three different Starting Strength coaches. All three are excellent.

The Starting Strength Katy environment is unique to my experience with commercial gyms. Each participant is assigned an individual squat rack. This means (a) no waiting on the equipment to do a set and (b) necessarily small classes so that each individual receives personal attention from the coaches. Although my wife and I are retirement age, we find ourselves lifting with others from teenage on up, and at various levels (including advanced) of weight-lifting experience. Interaction between participants is cordial, but still sparse enough that one can concentrate on their individual sets. A great environment.

The word “Starting" is informative. Each participant begins with barbell-only exercises, specifically the squat, dead lift, bench press, and standing press. Once a member has progressed to a certain point, intermediate lifts, such as Olympic lifts, may be added. Further, some simple cable exercises, such as lat pulldowns maybe tailored to a member’s needs. Nevertheless, the core path of Starting Strength Katy is steady personal progression on basic compound barbell exercises.

I could not be more pleased with my membership in Starting Strength Katy.

Source: Google

★ 5

Go see Josh and team! They are wonderful people, and they CAN get you stronger. Even if “stronger” to you means being able to get off the couch without struggling. You’d be surprised who and how they can help. I highly recommend checking them out!

Source: Google

★ 5

If you would have told me when I started less than a month ago, that I would be where I am currently after only 9 sessions, I would not have believed you. I am 55 years old and did not expect this level of progress

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Starting Strength is an absolutely fantastic place to receive first class training on the big complex lifts (squats, deadlifts, bench press, and overhead press, along with other assistance exercises). Each time you lift a weight, you will do so under the supervision of a highly-trained coach that has assessed your abilities, limitations, and strengths to maximize your results in the gym. For the amount of personal attention each gym-member receives on each lift and overall programming (especially as you advance), you get an incredible value for your gym membership.

Josh Wells, the head coach, is highly skilled in his ability to relate to any type of person who walks in the door from young kids to trainees well into their 70's and 80s, and explain the lifts, build trust as a coach, and how to flat out "make a person stronger."

Lastly, the way classes are structured (folks on their own lifting platforms and resting between sets), there is a large social component to each class, not unlike a barber shop, where one can jump into any topic being discussed. Its all very light-hearted and fun.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

I was looking for a gym that was strength training focused, and this place is just that. The staff is friendly and they really listen to you when developing your program. I highly recommend this place!

Source: Google

★ 5

Fantastic experience. This is the place to become strong!
Totally worth it!

Source: Google

★ 5

The staff is extremely friendly and well trained. Every lift is supervised and the gym is very friendly to both beginner and experienced lifters.

Source: Google

★ 5

I am new to lifting and started attending Starting Strength about a month ago. I have seen significant improvement in every exercise and love the environment. Josh and Adam are both phenomenal coaches and help me work on perfecting form and lifting heavier. I would recommend the program to absolutely anyone who’s interested in getting stronger and seeing real improvement.

Source: Google

★ 5

Starting strength is a welcoming environment for all levels. The coaches are very supportive and encouraging, definitely know what they are doing over there! Josh, Shelly and Adam are amazing. Lots of very personalized attention every time!

Source: Google

★ 5

Stronger is better and the program is super effective for anyone and everyone. The coaches are outstanding and a joy to work with!!

Source: Google

★ 5

I have trained with coach Adam and coach Josh at SS Katy and benefited from their deep expertise in strength training and biomechanics. Not only did I lean the core lifts from them but also understand the "why" behind each movement. Coach Josh’s diagnostic skills are particularly impressive; he quickly identifies and corrects form errors, preventing injuries and enhancing performance. Coach Adam designs individualized, progressive training programs tailored to my needs sets him apart. Furthermore, his dedication to the gym and his clients' progress and his continuous pursuit of knowledge make him an effective and inspiring coach.

Source: Google

★ 5

Starting Strength delivers on their promise to get you stronger. If you are consistent, I don't know a better way to get measurable results. The coaches are detail oriented and are world class at instruction. I have been going for 9 months, at 50 years old, I'm stronger than I have ever been.

Source: Google

★ 5

Great coaches, fun place to workout. They treat you like friends instead of clients. This is the only program I’ve stuck with, every session you’re going up in weights so I always feel stronger and progressing.

Source: Google

★ 1

i have been looking for a good facility to frequent a couple days a week for certain workouts im not equiped to do at my home gym. but you using the term "old man" is a deal breaker since apparently you were never taught to respect people older than you.
so you wont be getting my business ever!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

My son (12yr) and I (42yr) both train at Starting Strength Katy. We have loved our experience to date.

I’ve lifted weights for 7+ years but was always concerned about lifting too heavy without guidance and a watchful eye due to a previous ACL tear. I joined the Katy location in January of 2023. Working with Matt has been excellent and I am now working with weight I was previously too scared to lift. I love that the gym has individual platforms and that everyone has individual coaching based on their needs even within a group environment. I am consistently impressed with the class I attend because it’s a wide array of ages (20-75yr) and strength levels (beginners to advanced) but it’s clear that everyone is progressing each week towards their personal goals and milestones.

My son started in March learning the fundamentals of weightlifting. After consulting with his doctor, we agreed he was a good size and age to start learning. Initially, he looked a bit like a newborn giraffe as he worked to understand how to get his form and body placement correct. Josh has given him special attention to teach him how to set up his platform correctly and use the equipment safely. Within a month, he has drastically improved his technique and is now steadily increasing his squat, deadlift, bench and press. His self confidence has skyrocketed. He is excited to come each week and compete with his mom!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Fantastic! Josh was a wealth of information and is very adept at relaying pertinent coaching tips. The facilities are immaculate and the equipment is first rate. If you want to get stronger and learn/improve your technique, this gym is a MUST.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Matthew is a great coach. I highly recommend the Starting Strength method. My intro workout was better than I expected.
Updating to add: 4 workouts completed and I feel super excited to continue my strength training!

Source: Google

★ 5

I have been an athlete most of my life and have always struggled with gaining strength. I started training here a few months ago and have increased my strength and hit numbers on lifts I never thought I would be able to manage. You won't find a place with more knowledgeable coaches in the area. If you are looking to gain strength this is the gym you need to be in.

Source: Google

★ 5

The coaches are awesome, the space is sleek, and the experience is very rewarding, no matter where you are in your fitness journey. 10/10, would recommend.

Source: Google

★ 5

I really like Starting Strength. I have been working at it, 3 days a week for almost a year. Frankly, the thought of weightlifting was a complete anathema for me, never done, it no interest. My son is an avid weightlifter and very persuasive, I had just retired, mid 60's, suffering from the ravages of a lifetime of being hunched over documents or a computer screen. My wife, Jennifer, and I signed on at the Katy Starting Strength.
I was pleasantly surprised, a spotless, well equipped, bright and airy facility, catering to a maximum of 8 people at one time. The low numbers allow active, hands on instruction from knowledgeable, friendly coaches in a very convivial atmosphere.
Individuals follow a series of 'lifts' adjusted to one's needs and abilities. In this the coaches play a vital role, taking the time to get to know the personalities and foibles of their clients. In my experience this is the most important factor in a very positive experience. Starting Strength is a great program, the coaches make it work!

Source: Google

★ 5

Starting Strength is awesome!

Before I started lifting I had minor back pain, shoulder issues, and a very tense jaw. Through lifting I have been able to eliminate those issues! I never thought I was a sprty person, but I now enjoy doing active things!

All of the coaches are so caring. They take good care of us!

Source: Google

★ 5

Starting Strength Katy is one of a kind and truly awesome! All of the staff are professional and care a great deal about their clients. I am grateful for the experience I’ve had so far and will continue training because it works and makes me stronger physically, mentally, and spiritually.

Source: Google

★ 5

A great non intimidating environment where you get individualized training in a group setting. I love that you have your own station with equipment reserved for you and people at all stages of fitness there to encourage you and get stronger alongside you.

Source: Google

★ 5

This is not a gym. This is a place where people get stronger, have better posture, sleep better, eat better and overall feel better. All of this is possible with the incredible passion that is put in by the coaches who are genuinely interested in helping people become stronger and healthier.

Source: Google

★ 5

I'm 78, had a recent shoulder replacement. I had stopped doing weight-bearing exercises months ago due to shoulder pain. I began at Starting Strength 6 months after surgery. With the excellent coaching and encouragement at SS , I have restored shoulder movement almost 100%, and improved strength considerably I'd recommend Starting Strength to anyone for building and maintaining strength and health.

Source: Google

★ 5

I latched onto Starting Strength when I stumbled upon some of their You Tube tutorial videos. Basic barbell lifts, outstanding coaching, your own power rack and weights and no BS. When the Houston location opened I took a class but it was just too far to travel.....so I was stoked when the Katy location opened. Matt is an excellent coach and all coaches connect quickly on a personal and professional level. Yes, it is a bit pricey when compared to a normal big box gym but the value is more than there. The level of coaching is what sets it apart from most places. If you want to get strong, give this place a shot.

Source: Google

★ 5

I'm really enjoying the coaching experience at this gym. I started knowing nothing about barbell training and not having worked out for a very long time. The coaches are awesome, very knowledgeable & experienced and they really pay attention to details. I feel challenged to progress session by session. Also like the fact that its a friendly and encouraging environment.

Source: Google

★ 5

Starting Strength - Katy has been a God-send miracle for me. I haven’t lifted free weights since 1979, and I am now lifting free weights. To lift a weight over my head that I thought would be too difficult and then when I do, I feel like I can do more difficult things weights and beyond. It’s produced a breakthrough in all aspects of my life both physically and mentally and even spiritually! To see an old man lift weights getting power and transformation is phenomenal. I recommend setting up an assessment appointment and begin to experience life in a remarkable way!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

I was looking for gyms in my area to start the year right and I am so glad I found and settled on Starting Strength Katy. I casually explored weightlifting outside of a gym setting prior but felt like I needed more structure and form correction and this program is it. Very inclusive and encouraging for beginners (there are 4 generations in my class!). You get taught everything from basic gym etiquette, how to handle and load your weights correctly, and how to eventually figure out your own warmups.

No one is going to snatch equipment from you here or record you and make fun of you. Everyone has their own platform and enough equipment sectioned out around the gym, and the coaches efficiently cycle through a very small intimate class between reps and rest and form corrections. There are no strangers trying to spot you out of nowhere to make you feel uncomfortable and lose your balance.

Everyone is friendly, respectful, and encouraging. On a social level the members and staff quickly grow on you and foster a community to keep everyone involved and engaged. I feel very challenged in a healthy way by having to log and plan my workouts as well as the subtle friendly competition between gyms where stats are posted on a screen. There's even a slack channel to keep everyone up to date on notices and last minute scheduling. A real neighborhood vibe.

I've had the pleasure to work with JD, Nick, and most importantly Josh my regular coach. All are consistent with the program, help you find the lighter side of an otherwise strenuous workout. Josh has exceptional people skills and talent in helping you relax and alternating to driving your focus when you need to go that last inch in a lift or squat. I got to a point where I got too into my head and hung up on my progress and all were extremely supportive of redirecting my frustration into further progress. I'm still kind of in shock at how much I am able to lift and squat in such a short period of time.

This is a gym experience I am hard pressed to find anywhere else.

Source: Google

★ 5

At first glance Starting Strength Katy will look like a guys gym. I’m here to tell you that is not the case. I was looking for a way to gain more strength and feel better. Since I’ve started I have gain strength and I sleep so much better. The trainers Josh and JD are right by your side to make sure you are lifting properly and safely. I have some health issues I’m working through and they are right there asking me if I’m good throughout my workout. If you are looking to gain strength and function better throughout your day I highly recommend you take the time to check them out. I’m so glad I did.

Source: Google

★ 5

I was doing online training with Josh, the head coach, for a year and a half before this gym opened. I jumped on the chance to join this gym as soon as I could, nothing beats real-time coaching! I get feedback every rep of the way to ensure I stay safe and get strong at the same time. The coaches here are incredibly knowledgeable and will work with you so that you're stronger and more capable in everyday life. Check them out, you won't regret it!

Source: Google

★ 5

Starting Strength is without doubt the most efficient way to get strong. My almost 17 year old grandson has been on program for three years and can squat 535 pounds. Coaches at Katy location are great.

Source: Google

★ 5

The short version: Everyone should be strength training and this is the place to do it. Want to reduce the chances of muscle and bone loss in older age? The answer is strength training. Want to be able to pick up and play with your grandkids? The answer is strength training. Want to be able to move around and be self sufficient when you are in your 80's and 90's? You need muscle mass and strength. This program is straight to the point and most importantly effective. You 100% will make progress, get stronger, and add weight to the bar every time you train. There are currently people in their 20's, people in their 70's, and everyone in between training at this location. Everyone is welcome. I train here 3 days per week and have no intention of stopping.

Source: Google

★ 5

LOVE the new Starting Strength gym in Katy! Transferred over from the Houston gym and the facility is consistent in the arrangement, programming and most importantly the knowledgeable coaching. I’ve never been stronger in my life than I am now! Thank you Starting Strength!

Source: Google

★ 5

I have found the Starting Starting Strength program to produce real, consistent and safe results!

The Starting Strength Certified Coaches are unique, very knowledgeable, and patient!

Their program has been proven over decades and helped me to understand the safe way to lift under the watchful eyes of a Starting Strength Coach!

My wife is also lifting with me! This is the first time lifting in her life she has lifted barbells.

She is working on strengthening not only her muscles, but also her bones and hopefully reversing her Osteoporosis! Many women have!

I highly recommend this program for anyone who is serious living a strong and healthy life!

I love Psalm 90:10. “The days of your life are 70 ’years—- or eighty if you have the strength!

Source: Google