Starting Strength Denver

Father's Day is around the corner. Give dad something built to last.

A Learn to Lift Session is a 1:1 coaching session with an expert coach who will teach him how to get stronger — safely and efficiently. He'll walk out with real confidence under the bar and a path to staying strong for life.

Save 50% on Learn to Lift Session gift cards through June 22.
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In Episode 6 of the Stronger Is Better Podcast, Nick Delgadillo sits down with Starting Strength Gyms founder Ray Gillenwater for a wide-ranging conversation about entrepreneurship, vision, and the founding story of Starting Strength Gyms. Ray shares how his experiences in tech, corporate leadership, and global markets led him to Starting Strength—and why strength training is at the core of building better people, teams, and businesses.

They explore the parallels between barbell training and business operations, discuss lessons from launching a franchise, and highlight the power of doing hard things. From his time at BlackBerry to the launch of Starting Strength Gyms, Ray’s story offers valuable insight for entrepreneurs, coaches, and anyone seeking freedom through ownership.

Freedom and Purpose through Entrepreneurship with Ray Gillenwater | Stronger Is Better Podcast #6 In this episode of the Stronger Is Better Podcast, Nick Delgadillo sits down with Starting Strength Gyms founder Ray Gillenwater for a wide-ranging conversat...

In Episode 5 of the Stronger Is Better Podcast, host Nick Delgadillo speaks with Alex Ptacek, Head Coach at Starting Strength Chicago, and his trainee Mike Kelly. Mike shares the gripping and ultimately inspiring story of suffering a catastrophic quad injury—followed by multiple surgeries, setbacks, and an unwavering commitment to recovery. Alex and Mike detail the coaching, rehab, and mindset needed to not only recover but hit PRs after the injury.

This episode is a masterclass in first principles thinking, coaching accountability, and what’s possible when grit meets process. Whether you’re a coach, trainee, or recovering from injury yourself—this one is not to be missed.

Grit and Resilience with Mike Kelly and Alex Ptacek | Stronger Is Better Podcast #5 In this episode of the Stronger Is Better Podcast, host Nick Delgadillo speaks with Alex Ptacek, Head Coach at Starting Strength Chicago, and his trainee Mik...

In Episode 4 of the Stronger Is Better Podcast, Nick Delgadillo sits down with long-time client and friend Erin Spiva to discuss six years of consistent barbell training, lessons learned, and how strength carries over into real life, including hobbies like pole fitness.

Erin shares her journey from getting started to becoming a client who trains with purpose and balance. They dive into training as a woman, programming adjustments for neuromuscular efficiency, nutrition habits, the myth of “bulking up,” chin-ups, and what happens when you pair heavy lifting with pole sport. A practical episode that demonstrates how strength makes everything better.

Goals and Balance - A Woman’s Perspective with Erin Spiva | Stronger Is Better Podcast #4 In Episode 4 of the Stronger Is Better Podcast, Nick Delgadillo sits down with long-time client and friend Erin Spiva to discuss six years of consistent barb...

In Episode 2 of the Stronger Is Better podcast, Nick Delgadillo breaks down strength standards into three categories: competitive goals, evaluative benchmarks, and personal targets. He explains why most people have skewed expectations about what’s possible—and how to set realistic goals without having to become a powerlifter.
Nick introduces the widely respected 2/3/4/5 baseline strength goals (200 lb press / 300 lb bench / 400 lb squat / 500 lb deadlift for men) and a proportional set for women. These aren’t elite standards—they’re what you should aim for before considering specialization.
Whether you’re a coach, athlete, or everyday lifter, this episode provides a grounded, motivating framework for assessing and pursuing your strength potential. You can listen to the podcast on all podcast audio service or on YouTube linked below.
If you have topic ideas or questions for the podcast, please submit them to [email protected].

How Strong Should You Be? | Stronger is Better Podcast #2 In Episode 2 of the Stronger Is Better podcast, Nick Delgadillo breaks down strength standards into three categories: competitive goals, evaluative benchmark...

No Judgement. No egos. Just REAL strength training.
Come join our community of people who support one another - from beginners to experience lifters, our coaches are with you every rep of the way!

Welcome to Episode 1 of the Stronger is Better Podcast, brought to you by Starting Strength Gyms and hosted by Nick Delgadillo.

In this kickoff episode, Nick lays out a comprehensive roadmap for barbell programming — from the simple and powerful Novice Linear Progression all the way to advanced programming strategies used by experienced lifters and coaches.

You’ll learn the first principles behind effective programming, how to progress as a lifter, and how to systematically plan your training to keep getting stronger over time.

Simplifying Advanced Programming | Stronger is Better Podcast #1 Welcome to Episode 1 of the Stronger is Better Podcast, brought to you by Starting Strength Gyms and hosted by Nick Delgadillo. In this kickoff episode, Nick...

Come join us for a FREE 30-minute session, no strings attached! We offer TWO convenient locations: Centennial & Lakewood! Just click the link below and follow the steps! 💪

https://www.startingstrengthgyms.com/denverarea/

Starting Strength Coach Aaron Frederick discusses fat loss, muscle gain, and "building the right house."

Check out our blog - https://www.startingstrengthgyms.com/library/hypertrophy-and-fat-loss/