Serving the UK Starting Strength Community: In-Person 1:1 & 2:1 Coaching plus Online Coaching wherever you are in the world.
About Me
I found Starting Strength back in 2016 and began training with my first coach. Despite having done many popular programmes in the former years and having worked with personal trainers I found myself making more progress in 3 months of Starting Strength than I had in the past ten years of all my training.
From there I was hooked! I went on to work as a professional in gyms in 2018 and gained several years experience that helped me earn the Starting Strength coaching credential in 2022.
As an SSC I have coached across the UK to a wide demographic of people, organised and hosted training camps and am a moderator for the Starting Strength technique forum.
Before becoming a Starting Strength coach I spent more than a decade in the music industry.
I was fortunate enough to travel the world with music and during this time I gained a great deal of experience with optimising my physical health for my touring schedule, it was important to not only feel good with effective training supporting me but also understand how to recover with the right approach to healthy eating.
To this day many of the people I coach are business leaders and executives with busy lifestyles, sometimes training in their home gyms, with me, or wherever they are in the world with my online coaching service.
I’ve coached young athletes, all the way through to masters lifters, giving guidance from my perspective as a SSC for their training as well as helping form a complete picture of overall healthy living with useful information on nutrition and recovery.
I share my experience of keeping my body in great physical condition into my 40s with my clients alongside guided nutritional advice for healthy eating that supports the strength training journey.
I present wellbeing talks influenced by strength training and the Starting Strength Method, make regular video content on the technical aspects of training with barbells and I’ve authored articles on health and training and currently co-host the Profound Fitness Podcast.
You can contact me via my website with any enquiries you have or learn more about my services by clicking the tabs below.
Byron Johnston, SSC
Starting Strength coaching Sessions in a Private gym.
At Profound Fitness there is no busy gym floor or waiting for equipment as it is a private facility.
This environment lends itself perfectly to learning the Starting Strength method with confidence from day one of your training with me.
During coaching sessions I introduce or refine your form of the barbell lifts as needed as well as providing guidance on nutrition to support your strength training and in-depth discussions on the Starting Strength method to further your knowledge and autonomy within your own lifting.
You can learn the method in 1:1 or 2:1 sessions at full pricing is viewable at my website for my services: https://www.strengthrevolution.org/services
Gym Located in Mayford Surrey (Near Guildford & Woking and just 30 mins from Heathrow airport if you are planning on travelling from overseas)
**Sessions are also available in Kent and I am open to enquiries throughout the UK.
I offer two forms of Online coaching both of which are highly effective.
You can see the latest pricing an offers for these services at my website: https://www.strengthrevolution.org/services
Online Membership
Coaching that keeps you on track whether you strength train in your local gym or home/garage gym anywhere in the world.
Programming customised to your goals and adjusted every week according to your schedule & progress.
Form checks and feedback on every programmed gym session.
- Each time you go back into the gym you’ll have the feedback to know how to progress with confidence.
Full online support directly with me and access to all exercise videos via easy to use app.
- Healthy eating guidance to support your workouts and goals.
- Access to exclusive members articles and website areas.
- Includes video call or phone consultation before you begin.
The online membership is a rolling monthly service with no minimum contract length.
Video Call
1:1 Video call where we review your form videos together, go over corrections for the lifts, discuss programming adjustments and any other questions you have around training or nutrition.
Simply upload your form videos from your smartphone to Youtube or the video platform of your choice and send me the links.
The video call usually takes from 60 to 90 minutes and you can book a slot for this service as and when you require it.
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52 Reviews on “Byron Johnston, SSC”
Hands down the best coach in the world! He looks after his trainees, even when they’re not having a 1:1 meeting. He is very helpful and is always willing to answer questions. His philosophy is to create self-sufficient lifters by transferring his knowledge to his trainees. I would not have been this strong without him, both mentally and physically.
Training with Byron was the best experience I’ve had with a strength coach. Byron was knowledgeable, diligent and easy to get on with. We spent a couple of hours correcting my form for the squat, deadlift and press 2.0, before briefly going through programming.
After following a Starting Strength linear progression and making some progress, I started to pick up injuries and lost confidence. I decided the only way I was going to allow myself to continue was if I got some professional coaching.
Being from the UK, I realised Byron was my closest coach and although this meant a pretty substantial drive from Nottingham and back in the same day, I decided it was worth it considering all the good things I had heard. I was not disappointed!
From first contact with Byron, everything was handled with professionalism. Having sent over videos of my lifts prior to the coaching session, Byron had already accumulated a list improvements before I had even set foot in the door. After going through each of the four main lifts, I was surprised at the number of errors I had been making, some of which would have been impossible for Byron to see, or communicate to me, had I not been there in person. During the session Byron filmed my lifts and made notes of things I need to work on, meaning I now have a record I can refer to at home.
I now feel confident to progress with my training, and have a renewed sense of motivation. I’ll definitely be contacting Byron in the near future for further guidance and support.
I trained with Byron while I was recovering from having a bad back. Because of my poor form, I’d injured my back. Byron helped me to deadlift and squat without injuring myself, improving my form dramatically. Over time, my back pain went away. Thanks Byron!
I started training with Byron to further my strength and conditioning for the mountain bike racing events I compete in. Byron helped me to review and better my technique for lifting. Byron also helped with scheduling my training, and my training around races and events. Amazing coach!
Byron is an amazing coach for all our family.
My wife and I wanted to begin a journey into strength training having read about healthy ageing but knew nothing about lifting weights. Both of us have participated in sports throughout our lives but focused on cardio fitness so knew nothing about strength training.
Byron has opened our eyes to a new world of fitness and the benefits of strength training. We have found the journey enjoyable and have learned so much from Byron on the way
He has an passion that is infectious as he encourages you along each step of the way. The results are incredible and have convinced all of us that this is a lifelong pursuit.
Our teenage sons have become strength training converts and love the simplicity of the Starting Strength ethos. They can do their workouts and see massive benefits without spending hours in the gym like a lot of their friends. More importantly, the benefits they have seen in their other sports have shown them the importance of having the strength foundation.
Byron connected with each of us in an engaging way and kept all of us motivated and engaged. He has a huge knowledge base but pitches it at the level of the client. He’s always available to help or to add and doesn’t limit his training to the weight room…he’s a real life coach who has changed our family dynamic for the better.
Thanks Byron
What a great coach Byron is! Strength training with him has really opened my eyes to what an effective workout lifting weights is, particularly in midlife.
As a 50 year old, busy Mum of three, I was often tired and lacked strength and stamina. I wanted to reverse that, lose some weight, build muscle and work towards being fit and strong going forward.
Byron’s patience, personality and specific knowledge of the subject have set me well on the way to achieving those goals. After just three months I can really see the results both in the progression of the weights I am lifting and in the positive changes in my body.
He sets a specific programme just for you, assessing your goals and nutritional needs, and along the way teaches you to be able to lift safely & effectively on your own. I can’t wait to see how I progress further. I would recommend him highly, thanks Byron!
I just signed up with Byron a couple weeks ago, and he’s been so awesome helping me with so many aspects of my training and progression. His attention to detail and precision is exactly what I need. He has an enormous amount of knowledge, and one can see his passion for his clients’ success. It’s clear that he is also on his own path of health utilizing the SS method, which is a great testament to everything it stands for. I’m so thrilled that I found him, and I am excited to work with him in my process to transforming my strength, health, and fitness.
Byron is an Amazing Coach! I live in the US so all our workouts are online. I can honestly say that through his talented coaching and incredible knowledge I am more physically fit than ever.
I thought that working out with an ocean between us would be difficult but Byron takes the time to help me not only correct my lifts but understand the ” why” too. On top of being stronger, I have more energy and confidence as well. I live a very hands on life and being able to lift heavy weights correctly has carried over into my everyday tasks. I have tried many different forms of workouts, even other coaches but Byron is the best! Highly recommend to everyone.
So I recently discovered Starting Strength, bought the book and app. I decided because I had been away from strength training for so long, that that I wanted to start over again with a one on one coaching session.
Byron was great, explaining each lift with a demonstration, and then giving verbal instruction whilst attempting the exercise for the first time, then giving cues after that, until he and the student are happy with the form.
I went away for my working weights for each exercise and got a good introduction into what program to start of with as a novice.
He has loads of patience, always happy to answer questions, and re-explain an aspect of an exercise if you don’t think you quite have it correct.
Highly recommended.
I had an online session with Byron as I live in South Africa and I found him to be an excellent coach. He analysed all of my lifts, advised me on how to fix/improve them and even offered me programming advice. Additionally, he was very easy to talk to and he was happy to answer all of my questions.
I’m a guy in his 50s who has been lifting a while but due to illnesses I had a long period away from the barbell last year. When I started again I had some real sticking points especially with the deadlift so organised a session with Byron.
This was a great move!
We met in the gym in Mayford & spent a couple of hours going over the lifts in detail. He demonstrated & worked on each lift with me to ensure I was getting the form correct (no surprise, I hadn’t been) & that I had the right reminders to help me lift better.
He was also able to give some great advice on future planning & nutrition applying his deep appreciation & knowledge of every aspect of strength training.
I’m already lifting better at home & I’ll plan to have more sessions with him in future to make sure I stay on track.
I throughly recommend training with Byron.
I had a video call with Byron to go over my form and programming I’ve never had a coach but what a revelation. I wish I’d done this 10 years ago! Incredibly knowledgable and helpful.
Came all the way from Blackpool for a session with Byron. First of all really easy place to find and nice roomy gym that we had to ourselves for the whole session. At 6’7 I find things a little more difficult and I requested Byron to teach me as if I’ve never lifted before so covered all of the fundamentals. He was patient and encouraging and I was able to walk away feeling confident in starting my NLP with the ‘big four’.
After covering the lifts we went through a section on programming tailored to me then finished with nutrition. I came away with lots of notes to refer to on my phone, a video of my best set for each of the lifts and the confidence to get stuck into the program. I’ll be checking in with Byron in the not too distant future and thoroughly recommend him no matter what your training needs are.
I booked a session with Byron because I needed coaching in the power clean and bench press.
In the 2 1/2 hour session, I managed to execute a half decent power clean. With the bench, it turned out that I had been gripping the bar too narrow ever since I started years ago.
Byron gave me useful cues for these lifts, and also for the press. He took videos of the highlights and sent them to me for future reference.
He also gave me good advice about elbow cuffs and shoulder mobility.
I will definitely book him again.
If you’re thinking about reaching out to a starting strength coach, don’t hesitate: contact Byron today!
Great session! I asked Byron to help with longstanding lower back issues and to make me stronger and fitter now I’ve hit 40! He demonstrated proper technique and gave me a modified programme in the first instance until my back is stronger, and I wish I’d had this coaching years ago.
Also, as a doctor (NHS consultant) I strongly recommend Byron and the StartingStrength programme as a simple and effective way to gain strength and for rehabilitation from injury.
As a post-novice lifter who trains alone, I felt my squat was going off the rails a bit and my other lifts also needed checking. So I booked a session with Byron. He has a sharp coaching eye, plus the ability to communicate the necessary adjustments clearly and effectively. My squat was sorted quickly, and problems identified and solved with my press, bench and deadlift too. All this, combined with some great programming suggestions and nutrition tips, made the session with Byron the most productive couple of hours I have ever spent in a gym.
I am a couple of months into my NLP and train in my home gym . 1st few weeks were fine but very soon I recognised I needed help. The SS videos online and the book helped but I wanted to see an actual SS coach. Luckily Byron Johnson who works out of a private gym in Guilford, UK is only an hour away from me. We met up in the gym and spent 3 hrs going over the squat, deadlift, press and bench press. His tips and ques were excellent, easy to understand and remember. He then kindly gave me programming advice for all the lifts for the next 3-6 months. We then went over nutrition and the importance of Protein intake. I really recommend looking him up and reaching out for a form check regardless of were you are as a lifter. It was well worth the money, has given me more confidence to push on and on top he is a great guy.
Byron and I started working together 3 months ago with the initial goal of learning how to do the compound lifts correctly so that I could replicate them in the gym – an environment where I was not the most comfortable. In this very short span of time, the results I’ve seen have been incredible. I have made exponential increases in my strength across all the lifts and am close to doubling my deadlift weight. Byron is very patient and has a holistic approach to training – accounting for many individual nuances, anticipating where roadblocks might come along to slow progress and adjusting the approach to navigate them. As a busy professional, I have an erratic schedule at times so I greatly appreciate the agility that Byron brings to his training approach.
The biggest change for me, however, has been in my mindset. I have gone from being very unsure about what I’m doing in the gym to walking in with confidence and knowing exactly how to set myself up each session. I’ve gone from stressing out about counting calories and macros to tuning into my body and feeding it to fuel my progress in the gym.
Byron holds you accountable, celebrates every milestone with you, and he’s pushed me beyond what I could have imagined possible when we first discussed my goals in our initial session. I highly recommend working with him if you want to completely change your perspective on strength training.
I contacted Byron as I was having problems with my deadlift. We met up and within a few minutes he had identified my problem and helped me fix it. We then went over the other lifts and again he pointed out errors I was making and how I could correct them. He also gave me advice on programming and nutrition, I was very happy with the whole experience and would highly recommend him. Normal, down to earth bloke too. Gym was also nice.
I travelled down from Scotland for a consultation with Byron. We covered all five of the main lifts as well as some additional time spent on programming and nutrition.
Byron was extremely friendly and fun to work with. He gave me loads of fantastic cues and sorted out issues with all of my lifts. I’d highly recommend anyone make the trip to see Byron regardless of what stage of your strength journey.
I flew down from Glasgow for a coaching session with Byron and I was really happy with how it went. His attention to detail is exactly what I was looking for, and he was great at pointing out where I was going wrong and cueing me during the lifts. Having tried for a long time to get into strength training and always being discouraged when I felt I didn’t know what I was doing, I am very glad to have worked with Byron as I finally feel confident I can progress in barbell training. His expertise was well worth travelling for.
I took the opportunity to train with Byron when I was visiting London from Sweden it was totally worth it.
If you want to train compound lifts (and you should) it’s definitely worth training with a coach who knows what he’s doing and Byron is definitely that.
I’ve been lifting using the SS method for a few months but was aware I had an issue with form on a few of the lifts. Anyway I booked Byron in for a session to go over my squats, DL and press and he was extremely helpful in showing me some of my issues and giving me the tools needed to change things. He took genuine enjoyment from seeing me begin to get certain things and was very helpful in explaining the rationale behind what he was asking of me. Wherever you’re an experienced lifter with impressive squat, bench, DL numbers or you’re totally new to lifting weights Byron will be an insightful, encouraging and engaged coach. I highly recommend both the strength and training philosophy method he uses and also his coaching skills.
I had a two and a half hour session with Byron earlier today. It was a brilliant experience. I learnt a lot and I also enjoyed it very much. I really can’t recommend Byron highly enough – he’s that good!
I’d done some squatting before but the other Starting Strength lifts were totally new for me. I’m in my early fifties, have a sedentary job and need to lose fat for better health. Byron took into account my circumstances when discussing with me what my goals should be and what lifts I should concentrate on initially. His instructions, explanations and demonstrations were really clear and delivered in an always friendly (but also firm when required!) manner.
He made lots of helpful corrections to my squatting form – which I could feel made an immediate difference – and also taught me step by step the proper way to do the other lifts. They’re things which I wouldn’t have picked up from reading or watching videos. With Byron clearly explaining and demonstrating the proper forms and correcting me when I tried them, this will no doubt save me a lot of time and wasted effort at the start of my strength training journey.
Byron also checked on my nutrition and we also discussed about programming going forward, stretches to do at home (important given my lack of flexibility), how to warm up and also answers to all of the questions which I had. I ended up with lots of notes of points to bear in mind when setting up and performing each of the lifts and also a set of videos of me doing each lift which Byron made for me to review later. Byron very kindly offered that I could contact him again whenever I feel I need more support and how that might best fit into my schedule (whether that’s meeting up again, a video call or by e-mail). I definitely intend to see Byron again soon to check on my progress and keep me on track.
I finished our session really full of enthusiasm and (for the first time in my life with physical exercise) I can’t wait until next week when I can go to my local gym to try out what I learnt today!
If you are contemplating booking a coaching session, I highly recommend you go ahead and do so with Byron.
Byron is a really good guy with a wealth of knowledge, possessing the ability to solve the problems you want fixed and also to fix a load more you don’t realise you have.
I’m a 44-yr-old with previous Starting Strength experience and have received good coaching from Starting Strength coaches in the past. I hadn’t lifted for 6 years after having kids and travelling for work took over my life and am now getting back into it again.
Detrained with rusty form, I tweaked my lower back deadlifting and knew it was time to get help from a Starting Strength coach again.
Did a 2-hour session with Byron for Deadlift, Bench and Press. He gave much appreciated advice on programming, nutrition and protein, forgiving me for being a vegan rather than the meat and milk guzzler I was previously.
As we went through the lifts, he made a video of each of my top sets with the technique fixed so I can refer back to them. He also made notes on a whiteboard for me to photograph. I’m really happy with a change he made to my deadlift that feels really good on my lower back.
I’d never bothered getting coached for Bench Press before, thinking my technique was fine. Byron set me straight, seeing that my bar path was inefficient and helping me dial in exactly where to move my elbows. Also teaching me a really nice way of stopping my lower back from aching during the lift.
I’m really looking forward to booking another session with Byron to work on Power Cleans and to check my other lifts again as I progress up in weight. I’ve had a lot of low back niggles over the last few years and was really cautious of deadlifting despite it previously being my favourite lift. With what he has taught me, I now feel the confidence to go from deadlifting 60Kg at the beginning of this year, back up to and beyond my previous PR of 175Kg as a now older and vegan lifter.
Thank you Byron.
If you live in the UK and are thinking about having a coaching session with Byron, do yourself a favour and just book him. He’s a nice guy, very knowledgable and will save you a lot of wasted time and effort.
I discovered Starting Strength in 2021. After a couple of years of self coaching – reading the books and watching the videos – things had been going really well but lately my progress has been stalling. I was contemplating going over to Wichita Falls for the seminar before I discovered we had Byron, a certified SSC right here in the UK and he was a mere 40 miles from me. I immediately booked a session with him and a few days later I arrived at Profound Fitness.
He immediately spotted some major flaws in my technique that I was completely unaware of. After 2 1/2 hours and many reps coaching squat, press, bench and deadlift, I left with my technique dialled in, form check videos for reference, detailed new programming and renewed confidence that I am back on track and ready for new PR’s.
I’m looking forward to regular visits in the near future to stay on top of things.
Cheers Byron, see you soon.
Byron is an excellent coach, both online and in person. He sees what is wrong and fixes it. And he puts a lot of effort into the online coaching so you can understand it. I don’t think you will find anyone better.
I know I was stuck with form errors and programming and now I am not . Who solved the issues with minimal fuss and pin point accuracy? . Byron Johnson! . He’s like the lifter whisperer on steroids ( ok the wrong analogy given we are talking about weight lifting . No signs of gyno or acne on this man) .
In all seriousness I can’t recommend Byron enough . He’s fully approved and accredited by Mr Rippetoe and it shows !! . I was stuck on all my lifts and clueless to what I should be doing going forward. All issue solved ! . It doesn’t get better as far as personal training for SS goes .
Had a 2hr form session with Byron a couple of months ago. I’m not new to SS (did a DL and squat training camp pre pandemic) but train myself so all sorts of rubbish found its way into my training alongside inconsistency. Thoroughly recommend it and am definitely seeing the benefit having been reminded of the basics that I had been ignoring. I got a lot more out of this than the camp – perhaps the individual attention and the focus on the often neglected lifts. Will definitely be back. Thanks a tonne Byron!
I had a 2 hour session with Byron recently and can say it was by far the best and most in depth training session I have ever had. I have been away from training for over a decade due to issues with my shoulder (impingement symptoms) and a torn meniscus in my knee. I have had surgery for both of these but have experienced ongoing pain in both. I came across SS barbell training, the SS website, and the Profound Fitness podcacst and decided to see if this was an option for me to get back into training.
I made an appointment to see Byron to really try to understand the various lifts whilst explaining my shoulder/knee concerns. We went through them one by one and he was mindful of making sure the weight was manageable and the movements were not causing pain. He also explained that some adaptions could be necessary given my history but in the end I was able to perform the lifts with good form and no pain.
SS barbell training is a very detailed book which I will continue reading but I found it very helpful to have someone who really understands the technique to walk you through the lifts in real time, providing you customised notes for each lift, videos of your form, cues when you need them and finally your programming for progression.
Thanks Bryon!
I went for an in person training session along with my wife. We wanted some expert help with unpicking some problems she was having with her form and for Byron to give me some pointers on what to look for when she was training. I work with a starting strength online coach and Byron also looked at my lifts just to see if there was anything that might not have come through on camera that could be improved, and gave some very helpful pointers.
We had a great 2.5 hour session packed full of useful coaching and guidance. Byron took pictures of the right starting positions, made notes on cues to follow at home and really built my wife’s confidence over this session. He took the time to share thoughts on programming and diet.
We live too far away to see Bryon as a weekly in person coach but would highly recommend him for anyone looking for this. For a one off coaching session this was excellent and something that we will likely come back for.
Byron is very personable and creates a safe training environment where you feel comfortable to ask questions. A great experience all round.
I just had an excellent 1:1 session last week with Byron and it was excellent. He’s a lovely guy and can meet you where you are at and identify issues quickly and suggest changes in a very constructive manner. He really sets you up to make signficant progress and is passionate about spreading the word about SS across the UK (& Ireland where I flew in from).
I’ve been training solo trying to implement the SS NLP in a somehwat haphazard manner and despite watching all manner of videos and re reading passages from the book was really struggling with certain elements of my setups with all the main lifts. Having Byron identify and help resolve those issues with a minimum of fuss was just fantastic and highyl recommmend him.
Having had surgery, my training had been on hold for 157 days. Starting back in the gym was difficult from a mental, as well as a physical, perspective. Byron agreed to provide some 1:1 coaching for me while in the area.
Man alive! After our session I felt that my confidence has returned. The way that Byron explained what was not going well with my lifts made so much sense, and telling me what was good with my lifts boosted my confidence so much. Great queues, from a knowledgeable professional coach, and thoroughly lovely chap. I would not hesitate in recommending Byron. If you reside in UK I would advise you to attend a Starting Strength camp so you can experience some first class coaching for yourself.
I’d tried the Starting Strength method before, doing my best to work on my own lifting form using books and videos, but had never got as far as I wanted with it and really felt like I could benefit from some 1:1 barbell coaching. Discovering to my surprise that Byron (a certified Starting Strength coach) was actually quite near to me, I immediately arranged a session with him. From initial contact onwards, Byron couldn’t have been more friendly, helpful, knowledgable and professional. We spent three hours working through all the lifts as well as programming and nutrition at the excellent private gym facility in Mayford. Byron was able to immediately identify mistakes I was making and offer advice on how to correct them, taking photos and videos throughout for my own future reference. I don’t think my technique was a million miles off, but there were definitely a lot of small things that needed correcting that I never would have noticed without an expert on hand to offer guidance, and his advice on programming, nutrition and many other aspects of strength training was absolutely invaluable. I got exactly what I needed out of the session, and expect to be booking another one at a later date to check in on my form and make sure I’m on the right track. In the meantime, Byron is available to answer any questions that might arise as I progress. Can’t recommend him highly enough, a great experience.
Had an online “video form review” session with Byron; producing videos was easy enough as was uploading. Had a greatly productive session going through the SS lifts and videos getting a swath of feedback on each – hopefully setting me on the right path early on as a beginner. I hope to have an in person session at some point in future and continue the good work. Recommend.
I had a fantastic session with Byron. In a couple of hours we had gone through form on the squat, deadlift, press and bench, and Byron easily sorted out issues with these that were holding me back. On top of that, Byron also went through programming with me, for the next couple of months or so.
Byron’s a great guy, very approachable and knowledgeable, and for my part I needed coaching I could trust after a slightly wobbly start to the programme. Would thoroughly recommend to anyone considering or just starting Starting Strength!
I spent a few hours last weekend getting 1-to-1 coaching with Byron and I am so glad I did.
I gave up squatting, deadlifting and overhead pressing a couple of years ago as they were causing too many niggling injuries in my neck, shoulders, back and hips. After a couple of hours working with Byron, all three lifts are back in my programme and the movements feel “right” for the first time ever.
I was a little bit apprehensive prior to the session as I had never had any coaching before. However, Byron put me at ease from the start and it was a pleasure working with him.
I learnt so much in so little time during which Byron overhauled my setup on the lifts mentioned above plus the bench press and gave me numerous invaluable tips and cues.
Byron explained everything step by step and took photos and videos of me setting up and executing the lifts so I can refer back to them.
Byron also gave me some great guidance on programming and nutrition.
Byron is extremely knowledgeable, very thorough in his approach and a really nice bloke to boot.
I am excited to train using the new form Byron has taught me and I look forward to further coaching from Byron in the future.
Highly recommended.
I’ve been reasonably active most of my adult life. I’ve played rugby, exercised at the gym and played Squash. We have 3 dogs and I walk them pretty much every day. Me and my Wife love to find an AirBnB in the Lake District (and more recently on the Isle of Skye) and spend our days hiking and hill climbing with our Mountaineering Dogs.
I came across Starting Strength during the Covid pandemic, and read the Starting Strength blue book (3rd edition) but figured that as an overweight bloke in his 50s, it wasn’t something I could reasonably expect my old bones to be able to do.
I started following the Greysteel YouTube channel following a recommendation and figured ‘what do I have to lose?’
I downloaded and paid for the Starting Strength app and searched for a UK based SSC.
In came Byron….
I’m 55 years old, and live in Leeds.
I decided that if I am going to do this, then I need to learn how to do it properly from the outset so arranged with Byron to make the 5 hour journey to his facility, just outside Woking.
From the second I walked through the door, I knew I’d made the right decision. Byron is a great coach.
We discussed my ‘experience’ of using the barbell previously (not much) and what I wanted from the session.
Byron then, very patiently set about explaining what we would be doing during the 2 hour session and from there we went through the key lifts which form the Novice Phase 1 programme, one by one.
Throughout, Byron was very clear in his explanation of everything from preparing for the lift, what I should (and shouldn’t) be doing during the lift and how to properly finish the lift. I was surprised by the detail he covered across the session.
Byron recorded notes associated with areas for me to consider and correct for each lift and I took a photo with my phone on the notes for each. When we’d got to a point where Byron was comfortable with my progress with each lift, he then videoed me throughout the lift so I had a record of what it ‘should’ look like, to complement the notes. We also discussed salient points on nutrition to complement my training.
The drive home took me just under 6.5 hours (Friday afternoon on a Bank Holiday weekend!) but this did not diminish the high I was on after the session. The time flew by as I listened to several ‘Starting Strength Radio’ podcasts during the journey.
In summary, if you are a beginner or even someone with some experience of barbell training I cannot recommend Byron highly enough.
Anyone with a leg length discrepancy or problems performing the movements should come to this man.
Byron is a very gifted coach and he has a genuine desire to get to the root of any issues you may have.
I’ve struggled for years to gain strength but I’m now the strongest I’ve ever been.
I have about 2cm short right leg which has prevented progress on the squat. Byron quickly had some ideas and we continued to experiment until I could squat confidently.
He also gave me excellent advice around my diet and sleep.
If you’re in UK or Europe and want to become a better lifter it would be worth seeing Byron believe me.
Had a great coaching session with Byron in Woking. After a quick train from London we got straight into a 2 and a half hour session going through my form for all the major lifts and programming.
The advice for my form was exactly what I needed and the programming was very detailed and tailor-made for my fitness regiment which includes football on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Honestly couldn’t have been happier with the session and Byron is a very friendly and approachable guy.
Thanks again Byron!
Invaluable session with Byron. I had been stalling and Byron was able to quickly identify the problems and give me fixes to get me back to progressing immediately. I will be back for more.
Byron booked me and my 2 teenage sons for a session this past weekend; if anyone has youngsters getting into strength training, I highly highly recommend getting in touch.
Byron is a terrific coach, pleasant but focused, a terrific communicator. He took all three of us very steadily through a workout on squats and then deadlift, fine-tuning our forms with notes and videos. I have experience in the gym but not as a “coach”, although I assume that role for my boys. The session was useful for me on a second level as I need to be the one using the cues and form checks to keep the boys on track.
Byron cleared a few hours for us and was 100% committed to taking as much time as we needed to get all three of us to the point where our set-up and movements were where they needed to be. Its not exactly local for us, but everybody felt it was more than worth the travel; we’ll try to get another one in for cleans and the press movements if we can arrange it.
If you have kids starting to hit the gym, I really can’t stress enough how useful and valuable this session was. Strongest recommendation, huge thumbs up!
Really great SS session with Byron. I was familiar with the techniques from the material online but it was great to spend two hours digging into the weeds with a coach in person.
The session was well-structured, focusing on the areas that need the most attention, and he was attentive to make sure that I left with clear notes on cues / points to work on (whiteboard + photo of it is a GREAT idea Byron).
I contacted Byron as I have a nagging hamstring tendonitis issue which I could not sort on my own.
I’ve been barbell training on my own for around 7 years already but he put me through my paces and tweeked my form here and there on the main lifts and it was clear that some needed a lot more tweeking than others! Just goes to show even though you think you’re doing it correctly only a coaches critical eye can tell!
Looking forward to my catch up session with him in a few months
I contacted Byron online to ask whether he could help me with programming. We spoke on the phone and he quickly identified the fact that in fact I needed help with technique. I booked a video call form check during which we reviewed films of my lifts. Byron told me precisely and clearly how to correct faults in both my set up and movements. This one video call has transformed my lifts and has proved essential and invaluable. I would recommend all lifters (particularly those who can’t visit Byron in person) do the same.
I had a two hour session with Byron going over the 4 main lifts. After decades of being a high mileage runner, doing little or no strength training, it was a real eye opener starting barbell training a year ago in my mid 50s. Like most beginners I made initial gains fast but with little or no real attention to my form. I had found the SS method of teaching/training on YouTube and had been thinking about getting some coaching, but kept putting it off, I should have seen Byron ages ago! I’m from near Brighton so it was a relatively short drive to his gym. Plenty to correct with form on all my lifts, and in particular the press which I was concerned about because my shoulders have always been troublesome/weak since injuring them in my teens. It was poor form that was causing me difficulties with the lift and strengthening my shoulders. I’m looking forward to making progress in this area, as I start out on the SS training program which we went over. A catch-up/check-up will follow in a few months’ time.
On a side note – does anyone think Byron looks like John Simms (who played the Master in Dr Who)?! 😉
Recently had a superb 3-hour initial session with Byron. We thoroughly went over my technique on all of the main barbell lifts, and I came away with a whole bunch of pointers and cues to use in correcting my form as I progress.
We also went over nutrition and programming, and I now feel well-equipped to confidently continue the novice LP and make steady progress whilst keeping an eye on all of the form corrections that Byron has pointed out.
Byron was even generous enough to provide me with a snack when I became lightheaded during the deadlifts! (Lesson learned: make sure you’re well-fueled before your workout.)
I wholeheartedly recommend Byron to anyone who’s thinking about seeing a strength coach. I’ll definitely be making a return visit in the future.
Byron is very passionate about the benefits of weight training and this comes across in the training he gives. We went over all the main lifts and he gave some really great advice on improving my form (including to wear a baseball cap so I stop looking at myself in the mirror while squatting!).
I feel much more confident now that I am performing the lifts safely and would recommend Byron to anyone wanting to learn how to improve their lifting whatever stage of the journey they are at.
I hit Byron up because I wanted some in-person coaching. Specifically, I had a painful left upper arm after heavy squats and just couldn’t make it stop on my own. Byron helped me do a better warm-up and reset my squat grip and lo and behold, no pain during the heavy squats! All my other lifts also got a critical eye and now I’m more confident that I’m actually doing it right.
He also helped me see that the soreness I was experiencing and all the failed lifts really mean that I am at the end of the novice phase and needed some programming changes. I was still firmly thinking myself a rank novice.
All in all, I expected this to last an hour or so, but we spent over 2 hours and I regret nothing. Oh, and he drove me to the station afterwards because my bus was long gone 🙂
I am a 53 year old chap, never been too active, but began the Starting Strength programme on my own via you tube videos 3 months ago. Ive struggled with the deadlift and press so I sought out Byron for help with this. I’m glad I did as I have been doing the deadlift quite wrong, which probably explains my recent back injury. He adjusted all my lifts which has increased my confidence and this will allow me to move forward. For me, the thing Byron understands is the older body isn’t the same as a younger one in terms of recovery. He has altered my programme to allow for this and Im already feeling the benefit. Byron was very welcoming and engaged throughout the session and knows his stuff. Strongly recommend for anyone on the Starting Strength programme because if you are self taught, from my experience, you are probably doing some things wrong!
I contacted Byron after experiencing lateral hip pain after squatting. I had attempted to modify my technique but continued to experience discomfort after training. I decided to seek out some coaching.
It was a great decision! Byron reviewed some video footage ahead of time and already had pointers when before I’d even arrived.
We refined my squat technique and using Byron’s modifications I was able to complete sets of 5 with minimal discomfort. We also worked on my press and power clean. Byron gave me advice on nutrition and programming too.
I left the session with a clear understanding of how I should proceed with my training.
Byron has an empathetic and supportive manner. He has a fantastic eye for detail. If you’re wondering if a coaching session will be worth the time and money, it definitely will be.
As the only SS coach currently in the UK, Byron is perhaps Britain’s best kept secret. I had a great hour long session with him going through my form and discussing some of my programming challenges. I have read the SS books but you simply cannot replace having a coach go through your lift with you one on one. I will be back Byron
I’ve read the books many times, tried Starting Strength for years and every time it got heavy, I got stuck and gave up.
Byron helped to tweak things, set off many light bulbs, and made barbell training simple & logical.
Friendly and answered any questions me and my training partner had thoroughly and convincingly, knowing the WHY rather than giving a generic response.
Couldn’t recommend more highly and will be back in a few months for a form/programming check-in.
I had a 1:1 session with Byron in Bristol where we worked on my technique on bench, press, squat and deadlift. I would highly recommend this option to anyone seeking to get their technique dialled in. I’ve been lifting for about a year and making reasonable progress but I was carrying several bad habits which Byron helped me work through. He’s very knowledgeable and also a really nice guy.
Highly recommended! Byron has an incredibly sharp eye for form on all the lifts. He did a ton of prep for our video call and had very clear coaching points, demonstrations, and explanations that include the why. He helped me work through a hamstring tendinopathy issue with programming and nutrition recommendations. Very knowledgeable and friendly.