Deryck locking out his final set during the training camp at Starting Strength Orlando. He and his wife traveled three hours across Florida to attend and have their technique zeroed in. [photo courtesy of Pete Troupos]

SSC Xavier Lima uses Steve to demonstrate some of the key points of the bench press and explain why they’re important. Attendees at our training camp held at Starting Strength Orlando were taken through the full teaching methods for both the press and bench press. [photo courtesy of Pete Troupos]

Steve demonstrating a solid bottom position at Starting Strength Orlando while attending our latest training camp in Florida. [photo courtesy of Pete Troupos]

Dave benches 237.5 for a smooth single in preparation for Benching Bonanza, which will be held on Friday night, November 17 at Testify Strength & Conditioning in Omaha, NE. [photo courtesy of Phil Meggers]

Matt Saba sets a rack pull PR of 445# for 5 reps at Starting Strength Boston. [photo courtesy of Michael Shammas]

Thomas Pascarella from Starting Strength Chicago made it onto the Gyms' leaderboard this week with a 505 squat PR. Before coaching, he was stuck at 385. To celebrate, he had some more milk and protein. [photo courtesy of Andrew Grossman]

Meet Report

The 2023 WFAC Strengthlifting Fall Classic was hosted this past Saturday by meet director Jordan Burnett, announcer Mark Rippetoe, along with all the usual suspects. Full results

DeNae Kirkpatrick, a member at Starting Strength Oklahoma City, squats during the 2023 WFAC Strengthlifting Fall Classic. [photo courtesy of Nick Delgadillo]

12-year-old Blaine Terrell hits his second attempt press during the 2023 WFAC Strengthlifting Fall Classic. [photo courtesy of Nick Delgadillo]

Starting Strength Coach Josh Wells crushes a 275 kg opening deadlift at the meet. [photo courtesy of Nick Delgadillo]

JosephMayoGolf

Since there are about 20,000 different protein powders on the market, how does one know which is actually good quality? Who do we trust to actually get the truth so as to make an informed decision? What brand do you guys trust?

Mark Rippetoe

I have used NOW unflavored Whey Protein Isolate for years (NOT the concentrate), when I needed a protein drink. Flavored is a bad idea, since you get tired of chocolate or strawberry, and you can make this stuff taste any way you want.

Ramus

labdoor.com does product testing of vitamins and supplements. They are supposed to be independent and purchase items for testing via retail.

Jay77

Coach Rip, love your input on any number of issues we all face in today's world. As such, I would love some advice on purchasing a new truck.

This will be a "business truck" which will on occasion have the opportunity to pull a trailer, though, we have trucks for that. The role it will fill will be a daily driver of 15 mile round trip, parts delivery truck when needed, and an alternative family vehicle......and the damn thing is going to have to ride higher than the traffic headlights, I am of middle age and am getting rather night blind.

Always had 1/2 tons with the only goal of being transportation. Now I want some capability with an eye to the future. We drive our vehicles for 300k miles (Lexus and Toyota) so I would expect this purchase to give me 20 years and retire on the farm. Another consideration is a vehicle that can be serviced easier than others if possible with the ability to handle many repairs outside the dealership service department. This eases my mind when we consider the downward trajectory of society. So my very obvious question is Dodge, GM, Ford....diesel or gas burner...and any other "bells and whistles” you or anyone reading would add.

It may help to know that our business is fabrication and hydraulics with a team that has a couple of former CAT mechanics. Thank you so much.

Mark Rippetoe

Why would you buy a new truck? Maybe you mean "another truck."

Jay77

Well, I was actually considering something new. This is based on our history of vehicle ownership lasting 2 decades and a desire for this truck to do the same...I get the feeling that this is incorrect. So, let's go with "another" truck. Perhaps the best year and model on the best truck.. In addition, four wheel drive or no? We have a Lexus LX (Fancy Landcruiser) with the most complex 4 wheel drive system on the planet and I have used it zero time here in Alabama. So, my thinking is no....BUT, you are the fellow with the answers.. Thanks again Coach!

Mark Rippetoe

I have a 2004 Dodge 2500 (3/4 ton) 4-door 4x4 with a long wide bed. It has the 5.9 Cummins Diesel with no requirement for DEF. Most important, it has a standard transmission. 200K on the chassis, and I'll have it for another 20 years. I also have a 2005 2WD in the same configuration. If you can find one like that, you should buy it. Standard transmissions are not available on 3/4 ton trucks in the United States anymore.