Spend the day learning the theory and practice of the press and the bench press with Starting Strength Coaches Inna Koppel and Chris Palladino.
The camp will focus on good execution of the lifts, the practical aspects of performing the lifts, and how they fit into a training program. Participants will spend lots of time on the platform receiving coaching and instruction on the press and bench press in a small group setting. Attendees will learn the hallmarks of a properly executed press and how it should look and feel when it is performed correctly. Attendees will be coached through the practical portion of the press and then take a short break.
Following the press session, the group will be introduced to the Starting Strength model of the bench press, with focus not only on the movement itself, but also on proper spotting and safety techniques. Similar to the press session, attendees will learn how a correctly performed bench press should look and feel when done according to the model as they are coached through their warm-ups and work sets.
After the practical sessions are complete, we will begin a discussion of programming and how to identify and correct common technical problems. The camp will wrap up with a question and answer session. Whether you are just starting out with strength training, struggling with the basics of the lifts, or looking to polish your technique and understanding of these movements, you will come away with valuable insights and experience to benefit your training. Attendance will be capped at twelve to allow for individualized instruction.
What to Bring
Proper weightlifting shoes are highly recommended. They increase stability, control, and consistency in all of the lifts and should be considered essential equipment if barbell training is a priority. If participants use weightlifting belts, they are encouraged to bring them. You are also encouraged to wear a 100% cotton shirt if possible or avoid wearing any slick/moisture wicking material.
Coaches
Inna Koppel has been a Starting Strength Coach since 2014. She established the first Starting Strength Affiliate Gym on Long Island. Her primary area of expertise is in coaching women, ranging from teens to late-life, including perinatal training, with a special interest in the elderly and frail. Inna’s interest in using barbells to help the elderly achieve a better quality of life led her to assist in implementation of, in collaboration with neuroscientists, the first and only trial of barbell training in the dementia population. After the COVID-19 policies in New York forced her to close her Affiliate Gym, Inna joined the Starting Strength Gyms franchise team as the Head of Recruiting. She has been tasked with identifying and developing coaching talent to ensure that Starting Strength Gyms continue to recruit the most talented and experienced coaches in the industry.
Christopher Palladino is a Physical Therapist, Starting Strength Coach and the owner and operator of Stronger Physical Therapy, a garage-based gym located in Bellmore, NY. Chris has a B.S. in Exercise Science from Hofstra University, M.S. in Exercise Science from Adelphi University, is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and completed his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from New York Institute of Technology in 2020. Chris has been working in the fitness industry since 2007 as a personal trainer, manager, and sports performance coach and has been training the barbell method since 2014. As a Starting Strength coach, Chris teaches the method to groups and individuals of all ages, in person and online as well as running Starting Strength Camps in his local area. Regarding online coaching, Chris works with athletes of all abilities and specifically individuals with a wide variety of injuries that require special attention. With two degrees in exercise science and a passion for strength and conditioning, his mission as a physical therapist is to integrate his knowledge as a health care professional with his love for barbell training.
