Starting Strength Denver

06/19/2026

3 Days Left — Save 50% on Father's Day Learn to Lift Sessions

You've watched your dad show up for everyone around him his entire life. This Father's Day, give him something that shows up for him.

A Learn to Lift Session is a personalized, 1:1 coaching experience where an expert coach will teach him how to get stronger, safely and efficiently.

He'll build real confidence under the bar and keep something that's entirely his. A path to staying strong for himself.

Father's Day is almost here. Save 50% off a Learn to Lift Session gift card for dad:
store.startingstrengthgyms.com/collections/gift-cards

06/05/2026

He's always been the strong one for everyone else. This Father's Day, give him something that keeps him strong for himself.

A Learn to Lift Session is a 1:1 introduction to barbell training with an expert coach. He'll learn how to lift safely, build real capability under the bar, and walk out with the foundation to keep training for life.

50% off Learn to Lift Session gift cards through June 22.

Link in bio, or go to store.startingstrengthgyms.com/collections/gift-cards

05/12/2026

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.
Tap the link in bio to purchase, or go to: store.startingstrengthgyms.com/collections/gift-cards

04/22/2026

This Mother's Day, give a gift that actually makes a difference in how she feels and moves.

A Learn to Lift Session is a private, 1:1 coaching experience designed to teach the mechanics of safe and effective barbell training. It’s the perfect starting point for anyone looking to build a foundation of strength.

The Offer:
Save 50% on a Learn to Lift Session gift card for mom.

Tap the link in our bio or visit: store.startingstrengthgyms.com/collections/gift-cards to purchase.

08/09/2025

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.

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...

08/02/2025

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.

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...

07/26/2025

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.

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...

07/19/2025

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].

In Episode 2 of the Stronger Is Better podcast, Nick Delgadillo breaks down strength standards into three categories: competitive goals, evaluative benchmark...

07/16/2025

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!

07/12/2025

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.

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...