MARK RIPPETOE

About Mark Rippetoe

Mark Rippetoe has been in the fitness industry since 1978. He was a competitive powerlifter for ten years, retiring from competition in 1988. He is the author of the widely acclaimed Starting Strength: Basic Barbell Training and several other books on strength training and fitness.

After earning his Bachelor of Science in petroleum geology from Midwestern State University, Mark met his mentor, weightlifting coach Bill Starr in 1979. This encounter set him on a path that would revolutionize the world of strength training.

In 1984, Mark acquired Anderson's Gym in Wichita Falls, Texas, which he renamed the Wichita Falls Athletic Club. This facility became the testing ground for refining his barbell training program, which culminated in the publishing of his groundbreaking work in 2005.

Mark's approach to strength training focuses on building fundamental strength with compound lifts—the squat, deadlift, press, bench press, and power clean—with limited assistance exercises. His methodology has influenced countless coaches, athletes, and fitness enthusiasts worldwide.

"Strong people are harder to kill than weak people and more useful in general."

The Starting Strength method is based on the principle that strength is the most important physical adaptation a human can develop. It underlies and supports all other athletic attributes, from power and speed to endurance and coordination.

My approach focuses on a small number of compound barbell exercises that work the entire body as a system, training the largest amount of muscle mass over the longest effective range of motion. This produces the most efficient strength gains possible.

The program is built on progressive overload - gradually increasing the weight lifted while maintaining proper technique. This simple yet profound concept is often overlooked in favor of novelty and variety, but remains the most effective way to get stronger.

Key Principles

• Focus on compound barbell lifts - Squats, deadlifts, presses, and bench presses train the whole body as a coordinated system.
• Progressive overload - Systematically increasing the weight lifted is the primary driver of strength gains.
• Proper technique - Efficiency of movement and safety depend on adherence to biomechanically sound movement patterns.
• Appropriate recovery - Strength is built during rest periods between training sessions, not during the workout itself.
• Simplicity over complexity - The most effective training programs focus on a few important exercises done well, not a large variety done poorly.
• Individual programming - Training must be adjusted based on recovery ability, age, gender, and training advancement.

This philosophy has produced thousands of stronger, healthier individuals across all demographics, from competitive athletes to grandparents wanting to maintain independence.