The Team

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 hold 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

Dr. Austin Baraki is a practicing Internal Medicine Physician, competitive lifter, and strength coach located in San Antonio, Texas. Originally from Virginia Beach, Virginia, 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 career as a competitive swimmer through the collegiate level, he discovered the barbell and began training for strength and competitive powerlifting. He  also coaches individuals ranging from beginners of all ages to national and internationally competitive athletes.

His interests include the application of strength training in the context of complex medical conditions, sarcopenia, pain neuroscience & rehabilitation, as well as cognitive and sport psychology. 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.

Alan Thrall owns a Strongman/Powerlifting gym called Untamed Strength located in Sacramento, CA. He has experience competing in Powerlifting, Strongman, and Olympic Weightlifting. He enjoys coaching in person at Untamed Strength and online with Barbell Medicine.

When Alan isn’t coaching, training, or making YouTube videos, he enjoys spending time with his wife, son, and dog.

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 working at Stanford Children’s Heal as the Advanced Clinical Specialist in the rehabilitation department. Prior, 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 is involved in the peer reviewed process for academic journals and has spoked at national level conferences within the physical therapy profession on topics from utilization of resistance training in the rehabilitation of endurance athletes to post operative hip progressions. When he is not in the gym or treating, he can typically found reading, cooking, or brewing beer.

Background
Charlie Dickson is a licensed physical therapist in the state of Virginia. 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. Charlie has been strength training for over a decade and began powerlifting in 2014. He went on to win the Junior 83kg International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) World Championship in the summer of 2018. When Charlie isn’t studying or lifting heavy things, you can find him playing with his dogs, hiking, or contemplating the meaning of life.

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 5th place
• 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 310kg squat, 205kg bench press, and a 332.5kg deadlift.

Hassan Mansour is a full-time strength coach at Barbell Medicine, where he primarily conducts online coaching with individuals ranging from beginners to seasoned, competitive lifters. Hassan spent years coaching barbell training in black-iron gyms. His personal best lifts include a 560# squat, 350# bench press, and 555# deadlift. Currently he finds himself venturing into Olympic weightlifting, as well.

Hassan earned a bachelor’s degree in Economics from Montclair State University, and previously worked building homes as a contractor. During his downtime, Hassan enjoys reading ancient philosophy and reminding everyone that they are, in fact, undertrained.

Background
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 in Sydney, 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, a strongman competitor, and a mediocre powerlifter, his real interest lie in introducing the general population to the joys of training, both as an enjoyable pastime, and for the immense health benefits training provides.

When he isn’t coaching or training, Joe spends time with his wife and son, drinks hipster beers, and listens to extreme metal, preferably all at the same time if his wife lets him!

Background
Alex Kovaleski is a powerlifting coach, powerlifting competitor, Physical Therapist Assistant, and student in Ohio. He has experienced powerlifting as a coach for three years, a competitor for over ten years, and participated in the Arnold Sports Festival – as well as other national level competitions – in both roles. Alex believes that a tuned-in coach, open communication, and client education are the most powerful tools for developing a lifter. Upon completion of his informal postbaccalaureate coursework, Alex wishes to attend medical school with the end goal of helping more individuals adopt barbell training. If Alex is not studying or coaching, he can be found training in his basement or in pursuit of the best chocolate chip cookie that his surrounding area has to offer.

Education & Credentials

• Franklin University – Bachelor of Science in Allied Healthcare Management (2018)
• Clark State Community College – Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant Technology (2015)

Performance

• 262.5kg Squat
• 185kg Bench Press
• 280kg Deadlift

Notable competition placings

• 2014 Arnold Sports Festival USAPL Ohio Invitational – 2nd place, 120+ Jr
• 2015 USAPL Raw National Championships – 3rd place, 120+ Jr
• 2016 Arnold Sports Festival USAPL NextLifter Ohio Classic – 1st place, 120+ Jr
• 2017 Arnold Sports Festival USAPL NextLifter Ohio Classic – 2nd place, 120+ Open

Records

• OH State Raw Record – Squat, -120 Teen 1
• OH State Raw Record – Total, -120 Teen 1
• OH State Record – Squat, -120 Teen 1
• OH State Record – Total, -120 Teen 1

After graduating high school Rheece began a 4-year Bachelor of Economics & Bachelor Applied Finance degree. Following this, Rheece realised 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 organisations 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 strength coach as well as the lead Master Rowing Instructor at UCanRow2, partnered with Concept2. She is also a certified Pregnancy & Postpartum Athleticism Coach. Cassi is passionate about helping people of all ages and abilities learn to love and appreciate their strong and useful bodies. She loves training folks of all experience levels in strength and rowing, both remotely and in her new state of Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Cassi works with her clients to establish solid habits that can help them become healthier and happier, and ultimately, live a more awesome life! She firmly believes that successful communities are built within inclusive and welcoming environments, both online and in-person. When not coaching others, Cassi is a competitive powerlifter, masters rower (on and off the water), and a mother to a toddler (her toughest sport yet). You can also find her as a co-host of the podcast More Female Strength, which is about strength and culture for people who lift.

Ben is a strength coach based out of Arlington, Virginia, and brings many years of experience as an athlete. Around the age of 5, he started playing football, hockey, and baseball, although he claims he was never really good at any ball sports. Later on, he started wrestling and competing in judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Through these sports, Ben started going to the gym and participating in strength training. Much like other new gym-goers, he started feeling frustrated with his progress. To move away from these plateaus and reach his true potential he started researching and educating himself on all things barbell. Helping others through these frustrating gym moments is where his true passion lies.

While running a successful Tik Tok account and pursuing a master’s in applied physiology and kinesiology takes up a lot of his time, Ben always finds a way to spend time with his two cats (Cannoli and Bookie).

Caleb Viau is a performance coach located in Norfolk, Virginia. He has worked at length with various populations, from first-time gym-goers to elite powerlifters. Over his coaching career, he has refined his philosophy and believes a successful coach/ client
relationship is built on communication, education, and adaptability. What he loves most about coaching is empowering others to realize how capable they truly are, watching the confidence they build in the gym reflected in their everyday lives.

Following completion of his Exercise Science degree from Old Dominion University Caleb turned his goals towards medicine and is currently enrolled at Eastern Virginia Medical School working towards his Master’s degree in biomedical science where he hopes to matriculate directly into their Medical Doctorate program.

When not in the gym or studying, you can find Caleb reading, stargazing, or finding any reason to get outside.

Powerlifting performance
2017 USPA Drug tested nationals open and junior division (2nd)
Best lifts
650# Squat
395# Bench
680# Deadlift

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.

Chris Hughen is a licensed physical therapist in the state of Washington and is located in Tacoma. Chris was born and raised in Austin, TX, and received his B.S. in Kinesiology from the University of North Texas in DFW. During his time in undergrad, Chris completed four Strength and Conditioning internships through the US, working with a wide spectrum of athletes and populations. After graduation, Chris worked as a personal trainer with EXOS at Google throughout the Bay Area. During this time, he also interned with Derek Miles at Stanford Children’s Health. Chris returned back to Texas where he completed his Doctorate of Physical Therapy at UT Health San Antonio. When Chris isn’t in the clinic or working with clients through Barbell Medicine, you can find him exploring new coffee shops, reading, listening to podcasts, going for hikes, and finding dogs to pet.

Q is a Doctor of Physical Therapy who graduated in 2021 from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions. He has owned and operated his own clinic which included both in-person and online treatment options. Before becoming a physical therapist, he worked at the University of North Carolina as a strength and conditioning coach while earning a masters degree in Exercise Physiology. While at the University of North Carolina, he also co-authored 13 articles covering various topics. Q is a former collegiate lacrosse player at the University of North Carolina and a member of the USA Olympic National Bobsled Team.

Since the beginning of his career, Q has worked closely with diverse groups in the strength sports community and alongside other sports performance companies within the fitness and rehab space. His passion is to help individuals unlock their highest potential and bring forth the best effort possible in both strength and rehabilitation scenarios.