This gym is the best! The owner, LeAnn, is so friendly and helpful. The coaches are knowledgeable , kind and fun - especially John. Lifting weights has ended my chronic hip and shoulder pain. It’s amazing! I’m so much stronger and more secure. I started lifting when I turned 71 and I’m still going strong!

UPDATED REVIEW, AFTER SIX MONTHS AT STARTING STRENGTH—BOISE WEST This last Saturday, November 8, 2025 was my six month anniversary at Starting Strength—Boise West. Thanks to John, Mason, Travis, Tony, and Sam, at the ripe old age of 71 I have made incredible progress in building up strength. Below is my start lifting weight, against my lifting weights accomplished in the last couple of weeks: Bench press. 70 to 135 (two 45 plates) Rack Pull. 65 to 225 (four 45 plates) Overhead Press 22 to 87.5 Deadlift. 65 to 175 (after about three months) I’ve been able to accomplish the above due to the professional and focused training provided by John and Mason primarily, with additional training and support provided by Travis, Tony, and Sam. Their attention to my lifting with proper form, plus the caring and encouragement they have given me has allowed me to increase my strength in multiples of two, three, and even four times depending of the specific lifting exercise. I know with their continual support and expertise I’ll meet and exceed my goals of 225 for bench, 315 for rack pull and deadlift, and 135 for overhead press. Not only do they provide the expertise to grow and excel in the physical realm, but they provide the emotional and mental support which is also necessary for successful lifting. They act as counselors. Case in point: A couple of weeks ago I was programmed to bench 135 (my previous to Starting Strength PR). During my warm-ups, I reached one rep at 125–no problem. But after two tries, I missed 135. Needless to say, I was quite frustrated and thrown for a loop. This failure on my part haunted me the rest of the day. Later that afternoon, as I was trying to process what had happened, walking along the Boise Greenbelt, John texted me, telling me I was doing a great job, and stating he had confidence I would successfully lift 135 the next week. John didn’t have to do that, but his words of encouragement and support helped me accept that there will be ups and downs in the training process, and I just needed to accept that and keep working hard. The following Monday, I tried again. I missed the first attempt at 135 but John pointed out it was not for lack of strength, but improper form. I gave it a few more minutes, and tried again, concentrating hard on correct form, and lo, and behold, I got my 135!! I also need to point out the day after I missed 135 twice, though John had scheduled me for rack pull at 205 rather then a PR of 225, after successfully doing 205, he asked me if I wanted to try the four 45 plates. I said yes, and I did it! 225!! After thanking John for allowing me the successful 225 attempt, he said “I decided you needed.a win.” This is the beauty of the Starting Strength program which is effected by professional trainers who are committed to you succeeding and meeting your lifting goals. So, again, thank you John, Mason, Travis, Tony, and Sam for helping this old guy succeed at barbell lifting beyond my wildest expectations! I money I spend for Starting Strength Training is worth every penny, and I continue to recommend it to anyone who wants to get stronger, male or female, young or old! And one more thing! My fellow Starting Strength trainees are great people and working out with them along with John and the other trainers is always a lot of fun. So sign up now and start lifting!!!

Great gym, great people, and great coaching from the Starting Strength Coaches! I was able to drop in for a class while traveling, and they were very accommodating. This was the second time in the past few years I was able to do so. The first was with Coach John, and this time, Coach Tony guided me through my workout. I lift at home in my garage, and even though I video my lifts for form errors, it's essential to get a coach's eyes on you. I envy those who live close to a Starting Strength Gym. I can't recommend them highly enough - if you want to get stronger, learn the lifts, have excellent coaches guiding you on the way, and have a great community of like-minded people, then Starting Strength Boise is the answer. This is the way.