Jordan Feigenbaum is an experienced strength coach who also has his medical degree and residency training. In addition to a veritable laundry list of credentials, Jordan is also an elite powerlifter who currently holds one of the top 20 totals of all-time (source: Powerlifting Watch). If he’s not coaching, training, or playing doctor, you’ll likely find Jordan hopping a plane to somewhere fun or reading a book.

Education & Credentials

• Eastern Virginia Medical School- Doctor of Medicine (2016)
• Saint Louis University School of Medicine- Master’s of Anatomy and Physiology (2012)
• Truman State University-Bachelor of Science in Biology (2008)
• Starting Strength- Starting Strength Coach and Seminar Staff Member (2012-2018)
• National Strength and Conditioning Association- Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (2008- Present)
• United States of America Weightlifting- Club Coach (2009-Present)
• American College of Sports Medicine- Health and Fitness Specialist (2008-Present)
• CrossFit- Level 1 Instructor (2009-Present)

Performance

Austin Baraki, MD is a practicing Physician, Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine, educator, and coach. He completed his undergraduate degree in Chemistry at the College of William & Mary, his doctorate in medicine at Eastern Virginia Medical School, and Internal Medicine Residency at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio.

After a 15 year competitive swimming career through the collegiate level, he discovered the barbell and began training for strength and competitive powerlifting. He has coached individuals ranging from beginners of all ages to national and internationally competitive athletes.

His interests include complex diagnostic challenges, medical education, the application of strength training in the context of medical conditions & aging, as well as musculoskeletal pain & rehabilitation. He enjoys reading, writing, teaching, and spending time with his wife, Dr. Loraine Baraki.

Leah Lutz is a full-time Barbell Medicine coach and oversees much of the administrative work here. Previously a teacher, primarily in middle school English, she now coaches full-time, in-person and online. With personal experience in major weight loss (130 lbs) and going from fearing the gym to competing internationally, in addition to having years of experience in teaching and training, Leah now works with a wide variety of clients (college students to grandparents, new lifters and competitors), loves connecting with each one, and hopes to provide plenty of education, personal interaction, and motivation throughout the coaching relationship.

Her personal powerlifting accomplishments include: World Classic Championship USA team member, multiple IPF World Classic medals, 1st place 2016 USAPL Raw Nationals, 72 M1 class, and multiple CA state records in the 63 and 72kg classes.

Thomas Campitelli began his barbell coaching career in 2009 and his clients have included the elderly and infirm as well as national and international competitors in powerlifting.  Based out of sunny Oakland, CA, he travels extensively throughout the US and the world to coach and lecture at barbell seminars. Tom works with lifters of all levels of ability both in-person and remotely, and has many years of experience assisting his trainees at competitions where he provides a calm demeanor and an excellent eye for attempt selection. He brings an expansive understanding of human movement and strength programming as well as a compassionate approach to his coaching that enables his clients to succeed at their varied pursuits.

Dr. Loraine Baraki is a U.S. Army Officer and Gynecologic Surgeon/Obstetrician, currently practicing and teaching at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas. She holds her medical degree from Eastern Virginia Medical School and completed residency training at Brooke Army Medical Center, before subsequent assignments at Fort Polk, Louisiana, Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, and William Beaumont Army Medical Center in El Paso, TX.

Dr. Baraki draws inspiration from her military family background, emphasizing athletic achievement and self-improvement throughout her career. She has trained and competed as a track sprinter, endurance running, CrossFit, weightlifting, and Powerlifting, where she ranked as the No. 6 powerlifter in the U.S. in her weight class at the 2019 USA Powerlifting Raw Nationals. Dr. Baraki combines her expertise in Women’s Health and strength training by advocating for exercise, including resistance training, throughout life, including as part of perinatal and perimenopausal care.

Claire is a powerlifting and strength coach in San Diego, CA. She has mentored a range of athletes, spanning from recreational fitness enthusiasts to competitive powerlifters. Claire specifically enjoys training women and focuses much of her time on women’s empowerment.

Claire received her bachelor’s degree in Physiology and Neuroscience from the University of Colorado Boulder in 2018. Simultaneously, she earned a master’s degree in Physiology working specifically with biomechanics and high-level athletes with amputations. She is involved in clinical and performance research and is currently applying to medical school to pursue her commitment to women’s empowerment, health, and education through science and medicine.

Claire is a lifelong athlete and nationally competitive powerlifter herself, and has been competing since 2018. Her most notable competitions include making the podium at 2019 Raw Nationals and placing first at the 2020 Arnold SBD Pro American in the 72 kg class. She holds multiple state records for powerlifting as well.

When not training or coaching, you can find Claire hiking up mountains to find a quiet place to read.

Powerlifting Bests

177.5 kg Squat, 115kg Bench, 200 kg Deadlift

Derek is a residency trained physical therapist currently operating Miles Rehab and Performance out of RTS Barbell in Cincinnati, Ohio. Prior he worked as the Advanced Clinical Specialist at Stanford Children’s hospital working primarily with the youth athlete population. He worked at the University of Florida for 10 years in sports medicine, treating a variety of athletic injuries from overuse to post-operative. He remains involved in the peer reviewed process for academic journals and has spoken at national conferences on topics such as the utilization of resistance training in rehabilitation and in the introduction of power training into post-operative protocols. 

Charlie Dickson is a licensed physical therapist in the states of Arizona and Virginia with over 15 years of strength training experience. He graduated Summa Cum Laude with his B.S. in Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise from Virginia Tech and earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Radford University. In 2018, Charlie won the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) World Championship in the Junior 83kg class. Charlie specializes in guiding individuals through pain/injury and has helped hundreds of clients reach their health and performance goals over the course of his coaching career.

Education & Credentials

• Radford University – Doctor of Physical Therapy (2020)
• Virginia Tech – Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise (2017)

Performance

• 2019 USAPL Raw Nationals: 93kg silver medalist
• 2018 IPF 83kg Junior World Champion
• 2017 USAPL Raw Nationals: 83kg silver medalist
• 2016 Arnold Pro Raw Challenge: 83kg gold medalist, best overall junior lifter

Charlie has achieved personal best lifts of a 689lb/312.5kg squat, 452lb/205kg bench press, and a 733lb/332.5kg deadlift in competition.

Hassan Mansour has been a full-time strength coach at Barbell Medicine for seven years, where he primarily conducts online coaching with individuals ranging from beginners to seasoned competitive lifters. Hassan has spent years coaching barbell training in black-iron gyms where he works with athletes in-person to this day. Hassan is occasionally part of the platform coaching staff at Barbell Medicine seminars.
He manages strength and conditioning plans for a variety of athletes ranging from powerlifters (up to competitive regional and national level lifters), Olympic weightlifters, strongman competitors, fencers, and mixed martial artists.
His best lifts include a 600-lb back squat, 403-lb bench press, and 606-lb deadlift. When he ventured into Olympic weightlifting, Hassan snatched 113kg and clean and jerked 136kg in competition.
Hassan earned a bachelor’s degree in Economics from Montclair State University before moving into the strength and conditioning field. His current focus and continuing self-education revolve around individualizing training for peak performance while placing a premium on the health and well-being of athletes.

Vanessa is a Registered Dietitian and full-time Barbell Medicine nutrition coach. She has 7 years of clinical nutrition experience and 8+ years of experience working with clients one on one. After spending a significant portion of her career in a hospital, she knew she wanted to work with clients in a more preventative health setting. Vanessa has always had a passion for helping others and has coached a variety of individuals from athletes, those with chronic disease, disordered eating, and those looking to improve their nutrition and body composition for overall health. She strives to provide education and an individualized approach to each person she works with.

Education & Credentials

• Registered Dietitian, RDN
• San Diego State University, Bachelors of Science in Foods and Nutrition (2010)
• San Fransisco State University, Graduate Certificate in Dietetics (2011)

Joe Pemberton is a strength coach and owner of Sydney Strength Training, and Hobart Strength Training, in Australia. Previously a Chartered Accountant, Joe found corporate life didn’t give him the same buzz as helping people change their lives through training, so in 2011 he started coaching full-time.

Although Joe has an athletic background as a national level swimmer, strongman competitor, and powerlifter, his real interest lies in helping beginners and the general population incorporate training into their lives in a sustainable way.

When he isn’t coaching or training, Joe spends time with his wife and 3 kids, and if he’s lucky he might sneak into the bush for a dirt bike ride!

After graduating high school, Rheece began a 4-year Bachelor of Economics & Bachelor Applied Finance degree. Following this, Rheece realized a life behind a desk wasn’t for him and soon after switched over to a Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science, from which he graduated in 2016.

Throughout his studies in sports science Rheece worked as a Strength & Conditioning Coach at Hunter Sport High School in Newcastle and interned at various elite sporting organizations including The New South Wales Institute of Sport.

Rheece has previously competed as a national level swimmer but now enjoys competitive Powerlifting and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

Rheece became a Starting Strength Coach (SSC) in 2017 and relinquished this credential in 2019, and now, in addition to SST duties, is an online coach with Barbell Medicine.

Cassi Niemann is a Barbell Medicine Coach and the lead UCanRow2 Master Rowing Instructor in partnership with Concept2. She is based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and also offers in-person coaching in small strength training groups. With over a decade of experience in powerlifting and a lifetime of competitive involvement in various sports, Cassi has a broad and practical understanding of athletic training. Her knowledge extends to nutrition, mobility, and working with a diverse range of athletes, including those who are pregnant, postpartum, or navigating menopause.

Cassi is dedicated to helping individuals of all abilities develop a deep appreciation for their bodies through strength and conditioning. Her focus is on supporting clients in building consistent training habits that improve their overall health, happiness, and quality of life. She is committed to fostering inclusive and welcoming environments, both online and in-person, to build strong and supportive communities.

Cameron Clowser is a licensed Chiropractor in the state of Virginia and is located in Virginia Beach. He graduated with his B.S. in Physical Education with a concentration in Exercise Science from Old Dominion University in 2016. After receiving his undergraduate degree, he moved on to graduate school where he earned his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Sherman College of Chiropractic in 2020, where he also received an award for Clinical Excellence. He is a part of both the online performance and rehab team here at Barbell medicine.

Cameron’s love for strength training and physical fitness developed during high school where he was first introduced to the weight room during his sports development. He has a passion for powerlifting, but also enjoys training/educating recreational lifters and the beginner who is just discovering resistance training and its benefits.

Sal is the owner and operator of a Semi-Private Training Studio called Watchdog Strength. He has several years of experience coaching a wide population of individuals ranging from the general population to, seniors, busy professionals, disabled veterans, special needs clients, as well as competitive powerlifters.

Sal’s primary focus when working with a general population client is to find a fun and effective training structure. This typically involves in depth discussions prior to a plan being created, and constant follow up to ensure progression, adherence, and enjoyment. 

For competitive athletes, Sal shifts his focus to efficiency and adherence. Competitive athletes can expect detailed feedback on technique, as well as programming that is designed to maximize the benefits of each session. 

When Sal isn’t actively coaching clients, he is coaching and educating his staff to ensure they are providing personal training services that are second to none. 

Nick Occhipinti is an Assistant Professor of Exercise Science at Centenary University, an experienced strength and conditioning coach, and a licensed chiropractor in New Jersey. 

He earned his bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from Rutgers University, his master’s degree in Exercise Science and Health Promotion from PennWest California, and his doctoral degree from the University of Bridgeport, where he graduated as class valedictorian. Nick also holds the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) credential through the National Strength and Conditioning Association.

With over 15 years of experience coaching both competitive athletes and beginners, Nick has helped clients reach their health and performance goals through in-person and online training. In addition to his coaching work, he has taught exercise science at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, with particular interest in exercise physiology and biomechanics. 

Outside of his professional life, Nick enjoys spending time with his family, lifting weights, running, hiking with his dog, getting outdoors, traveling, and playing music. He also enjoys reading, writing, learning new things, and the occasional TV binge with his wife.