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500 lb Squatter, Gym Owner, Lt Colonel JD Thomason | Starting Strength Gyms Podcast #51

Ray Gillenwater, SSC | May 22, 2023

SS Colorado Springs Gym Owner, JD, joins Ray on the podcast to discuss his role as a military leader, his motivation for opening a gym, recovering from a rooftop fall with strength training, and squatting 500 lb in his 40s.

  • 01:25 - JD's squat PR with no proof
  • 03:29 - Role in the military
  • 08:38 - Motivation for opening Starting Strength Colorado Springs...you fell off a roof?
  • 15:03 - Back to Starting Strength
  • 17:29 - When did you start hurting less?
  • 19:00 - Other considerations than opening a Starting Strength Gym
  • 25:31 - JD's role in the military and the skills needed
  • 29:49 - Philosophical viewpoints coming from the military
  • 32:59 - Plan for hiring
  • 39:17 - How to contact JD
  • 41:42 - Goals for the next few years
  • 46:08 - We will grow as slowly as we need to
  • 49:21 - Apprenticeship in Orlando
  • 57:40 - Last day in the Army

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