Barbell Strength Coach

At Starting Strength Gyms we are looking for an exceptional Coach that gains personal satisfaction from improving the physical existence of their clients.

• Life-changing work: Coaches at Starting Strength dramatically improve our members’ quality of life and health outcomes including reversing bone-density loss, frailty, type II diabetes, and back pain.
• Low sales pressure: We don’t do term contracts or use pushy sales tactics—our method and results speak for themselves.
• Elite environment: Coach and train in a beautiful, top-tier facility filled with custom equipment for barbell training.
• Competitive pay: Get paid like an “engineer” of human health and performance, not a pin-setter with a sales quota. $35/hr for running group sessions (~30 hours per week) plus bonuses for private coaching, online coaching, etc.

Joining Starting Strength Gyms means:

• Competitive pay: Earn $60k (for ~30 hours/week of group coaching) in year one and up to $85k in year two.
• Paid training: Pursue your Starting Strength Coach certification while being paid your full hourly rate, with hands-on guidance from our team of SSCs.
• Free membership: Take advantage of a $455/month gym membership at no charge to experience the program’s results for yourself.
• A great place to work: Work with successful, intelligent members and a team of like-minded fitness pros in a beautiful, clean facility.
• Real impact: Reverse Type II diabetes, bone density loss, poor balance, and a host of other medical conditions through the power of linearly progressive barbell training.

As a Strength Coach, you’ll spend the bulk of your time doing what you love—coaching. Here’s what you’ll do:

• Lead small group training sessions: Coach groups with a max 1:8 coach:trainee ratio, providing individualized attention to ensure proper form and progress.
• Design personalized programs: Create tailored training programs using the Starting Strength method, guaranteeing continuous, measurable strength gains.
• Foster a supportive environment: Build camaraderie among members who are serious about their goals and value your expertise.
• Uphold elite standards: Maintain the premium experience that sets Starting Strength Gyms apart.
• Grow as a coach: Continuously refine your skills with ongoing development as a strength coach.

Your job is 90% coaching—demonstrating competence, kindness, and a commitment to helping members succeed during small group training sessions. 

Starting Strength Gyms exist for one reason: to make people stronger. Physical strength is the foundation for a better life, and our proven barbell-based method delivers results that other fitness programs can’t. From turning skinny guys into big, strong men to helping grandparents squat more than their bodyweight, we’re changing lives every day—literally and measurably, by the numbers on the bar. Check out our YouTube channel for 100s of member testimonials. Our standards are high, our members are exceptional, and our coaches are the best in the industry. Learn more about our mission on our website, Google Starting Strength Gyms.

We’re seeking experienced coaches who bring:

• A proven background: Experience in fitness, personal training, or a related field of helping people move in line with a well-defined model.
• Exceptional people skills: A natural ability to connect, motivate, and inspire others. Building positive relationships nourishes your soul.
• Passion for strength: A dedication to helping people of all ages achieve their true potential, including your own.
• Commitment to mastery: Willingness to learn and excel in the Starting Strength method (prior knowledge is a plus, but not required—we’ll train you).
• Team spirit: The ability to thrive in a positive, supportive, high-performing gym culture.

Note: Prior fitness certifications are not required. You’ll be pursuing your Starting Strength Coach certification while you learn our method.

If you are an experienced fitness professional that’s tired of the sales-driven culture of commercial gyms and want to focus on what truly matters—helping people get stronger, healthier, and more confident, we’d love to hear from you. 

Looking forward to meeting you,

Ray Gillenwater

Founder, Starting Strength Gyms