What is "Starting Strength?"

The phrase "Starting Strength" has two distinct meanings. Firstly it is Starting Strength The Book by Mark Rippetoe and Lon Kilgore. Secondly it is Starting Strength The Program also by Mark Rippetoe and widely referred to as "Rippetoe's." It is this second meaning of "Starting Strength" that this wiki primarily addresses while acting only as a supplement to "Starting Strength" the book. If you've been hearing about the Starting Strength program and the prospect of increased strength, musculature, bone density and overall wellness is something that you are willing to work hard for, consider this a first step on that path.

I'd recommend you first start by visiting www.startingstrength.com and ordering Starting Strength for yourself. As I said this wiki is merely a supplement to the book and doesn't contain 1/10th of the information you'll find within its' pages. It might take a week or more to get it in the mail, but in the meantime you can get started by running The Starting Strength Program. If you look to the right side of the page you'll see a menu titled, "Getting Started on Starting Strength." After taking a few minutes to read the five articles in the order that they are presented you'll have all the essentials needed to get started on the program. If you'd like a more in-depth understanding of the program feel free to skim The FAQ in its' entirety to find most every conceivable answer to any questions you might have.

When your book arrives by mail you'll want to immediately begin your study of its' contents to ensure your continued progress on the program. It will guide you not only in how to perform the lifts correctly, but also in understanding how your individual bodyparts can work together as a single unit. The awareness of the distictive mechanics at play within your body, called biomechanics, will aid you in every single circumstance that your human body is physically called upon, and its' application is universal whether it be picking 400 pounds loaded on a barbell up off the floor or a dropped inkpen. Simply put: If the human body had come with an instruction manual that manual would be called Starting Strength by Mark Rippetoe.

Now go get strong dammit!

Newest Video

Barbell Positioning

Watch More in the The Instructional Video Section.

Newest Topics

Friends of Starting Strength
Like-minded websites.

Programming
Programming for Weight Training.

Featured Questions

Can Girls do Starting Strength?
Get The Answer Here

Should I Be Going to Failure?
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Newest Articles and Interviews

T-Nation Interview with Mark Rippetoe by Chris Colucci

What do you get when you combine 30 years of coaching experience with a deep-seated need to teach as many people as possible the benefits of lifting heavy iron? You get Mark Rippetoe.

Get The Whole Interview Here!

Texas BBQ: Talking Shop with Mark Rippetoe By Craig Rasmussen

I thought it would be great to get down there for a workout at a good gym and get a chance to talk with Mark to ask him some questions about Starting Strength.

Part One
Part Two

Get More in the The Articles and Interviews Section.

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Getting Started on Starting Strength

1. Buy The Book
2. The Starting Strength Novice/Beginner Programs
3. The Main Lifts
4. The First Day
5. Adding Weight
6. Getting Stuck and Getting Unstuck

Popular Articles  

Popular Articles

• The Books
• The Starting Strength FAQ
• Is Starting Strength Right for You?
• After Starting Strength
• Nutrition, Supplements and Cardio
• Instructional Videos
• The Injury Assistance Section
• The Equipment Section
• Journal Articles and Interviews with Mark Rippetoe
• Starting Strength Tools and Downloads
• Digital Coaching
• The Wit and Wisdom of Mark Rippetoe
• The Exercise Glossary
• What is Crossfit?!
• How To Construct Your Own Workout Routine
• Further Reading
• Site Index

Starting Strength, Second Edition

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Stubbed Articles  

Stubbed Articles That Need Content

• Wichita Falls Athletic Club
• Strongman Training
• Performance Sports Conditioning
• Crossfit Wichita Falls
• Powerlifting Programs
• Exercise Routine Programming
• Reviews of Mark Rippetoe's Books
• Starting Strength Testimonials
• An Index of Mark Rippetoe's Q&A Threads
• Friends of The Starting Strength Wiki
• Squat Form Check Compilation
• Bench Press Form Check Compilation
• Deadlift Form Check Compilation
• Press Form Check Compilation
• Power Clean Form Check Compilation