Lessons From the Underground Strength Con

The recent Underground Strength Con, hosted by Joe Riggio and Zach Even-Esh, brought together some of the most dedicated and experienced coaches in the industry for two days of learning, training, and camaraderie. Turnkey Coach served as the lead sponsor for the event, reinforcing its growing partnership with Varsity House, which recently brought three of its gyms onto the platform. The gathering showcased not only the evolving landscape of strength coaching but also the enduring value of community-driven professional development.

Several key themes emerged from the weekend, offering insight into what sets great coaches apart and how modern tools are reshaping the coaching experience.

1. Elite Coaches Embrace Continuous Learning

A defining characteristic of the event was the shared commitment to continuous education. Coaches with decades of experience sat alongside first-time attendees, each engaged in the same pursuit: becoming better at their craft. This commitment mirrors a core value shared by Barbell Logic: growth through lifelong learning and constant refinement.

This mindset also drives the ongoing evolution of Turnkey Coach. During early morning sessions at Varsity House, developers observed coaches using the platform in real time. These observations directly inspired new feature updates, such as faster on-the-floor workout editing and customizable calendar views. Continuous improvement, in this context, becomes a shared responsibility between software providers and the coaches who rely on their tools.

2. Training Together Still Matters

Although remote and hybrid coaching continue to grow, the event underscored the irreplaceable value of in-person training experiences. Morning open gym sessions and the Underground Strength Games added an element of fun, challenge, and physical connection that cannot be replicated through a screen.

Events such as the fat-bar deadlift competition, chin-up and med ball slam medley, and max push-up challenge brought athletes and coaches together in friendly competition. These moments highlighted an important truth: coaches thrive when they train alongside others who share their commitment to strength and personal development.

Instruction from industry leaders offered attendees new skills to incorporate into their own training and coaching. Even small adjustments learned in these environments can meaningfully expand a coach’s toolbox and reinvigorate their own practice.

3. Openness to Different Coaching Methods Builds Stronger Coaches

Another standout theme from the event was the respect shown for diverse coaching philosophies. Instead of rigid adherence to a single “correct” method, presenters and participants alike acknowledged that effective coaching comes in many forms.

This atmosphere of intellectual humility set the tone for the event. Coaches were encouraged to apply methods they genuinely believe in—but also to ensure those methods come from real-world experience, not untested theories or social media trends. Authenticity, evidence, and application were the pillars of credibility.

This open-mindedness mirrors the versatility of Turnkey Coach, which supports a broad range of training philosophies and coaching approaches, giving coaches the flexibility to work the way they believe best serves their clients.

4. Community and Fun Are Essential Ingredients

While the event delivered high-level education, it also reinforced something equally important: coaching communities thrive when they have fun together. The camaraderie, shared meals, and good-humored competitions created an environment where coaches could connect without pretense.

Strength culture has historically been rooted in community—from old-school gyms to powerlifting clubs to small-group training environments. Events like Underground Strength Con reflect that heritage, offering a refreshing contrast to the increasingly competitive and sometimes caustic tone of online fitness spaces.

This blend of professional development and genuine enjoyment is one reason Turnkey Coach will continue sponsoring events like this in the future. These gatherings strengthen the industry as a whole and help build deeper, more collaborative relationships among coaches.

The Future of Coaching Is Hybrid—and Platforms Must Adapt

A major takeaway from observing Varsity House’s systems is that the modern coaching landscape cannot be limited to a single mode of service delivery. Many coaches excel in fully in-person environments. Others thrive with remote clients. Increasingly, hybrid models—combining in-person sessions, asynchronous coaching, and group formats—are becoming the norm.

Turnkey Coach is designed to support this entire spectrum, offering coaches a single platform for:

• In-person training
• Small- and large-group sessions
• Hybrid coaching models
• Fully remote, asynchronous coaching

This unified approach helps coaches increase revenue, extend client lifetime value, and streamline their operations without juggling multiple tools or onboarding systems. Integrations with platforms like Ignite further support seamless client management from lead to long-term program delivery.

As the coaching world continues to evolve, events like Underground Strength Con will remain essential touchpoints—places where coaches reconnect with their purpose, sharpen their craft, and strengthen the communities that make this industry unique. The future of coaching is collaborative, hybrid, and built on a shared commitment to continuous improvement.

This material was recently covered in the Business of Coaching Workshop, a series designed to help coaches grow their businesses by mastering key principles like trust, pricing, and delivering value. Each session dives into actionable strategies to build better client relationships and drive success. Want to take your coaching practice to the next level? Join us for the next workshop—it’s free.