Charleston's School of Strength
A locally owned school of strength where StrongFirst coaches teach Hardstyle kettlebell, barbell and bodyweight training in group classes and one-on-one. Move better, get stronger and become resilient, whatever your starting point.
“The environment is laid-back and welcoming.”
Philosophy
That’s why we practice movement quality before quantity.
Quality movement before quantity. Master the patterns that matter most for you, and regain your mobility, flexibility and strength.
An intentionally inefficient training style that delivers surprisingly efficient results. Learn to work hard and smart, and see improvement in less time.
Simple, healthy choices, tried and true methods and old-fashioned accountability. Get strong in the club, but get lean in the kitchen.
The master quality. Like bacon, it makes everything better, and chasing it always leads you to your goals. You must be StrongFirst.
Consistency is the key to success. We treat all of our training as practice, with many ways to help you stay consistent.
A well-programmed strength practice plus simple nutrition and lifestyle coaching, for healthy habits and long-term results.
“We can help you achieve any goal, but you must be StrongFirst.”
The coaches
Co-owners Mike Fickling and Brett Bracken, formerly Progressive Fitness, bring Charleston a modern take on an old-school approach to strength training.
Co-Owner, Founder & Instructor
StrongFirst Elite · SFG I · SFB · SFL · CHEK Practitioner
Raised in rural South Carolina, Mike found coaching through Wing Chun Kung Fu and his mentor, CHEK Practitioner John Tysinger. A husband, father, surfer and lifter of heavy things, he guides students from all walks of life to become healthier, stronger and anti-fragile.
Mike’s story
Co-Owner & Instructor
StrongFirst Elite · SFG I · SFG II · SFL · ACSM Exercise Physiologist
A three-time Big South All-Conference pole vaulter at Charleston Southern, Brett holds a B.S. in Kinesiology and an M.S. in Health, Exercise and Sport Science from The Citadel. Outside class: Highland Games, stone lifting and a world record in short steel bending.
Brett’s story“No one becomes who they are alone.”
Credentials
Founded by Pavel Tsatsouline, StrongFirst is a school of strength. Instructors must pass a written test, demonstrate rigorously tested technique, prove their teaching skills and pass a strength test. Our coaches have also been chosen to assist-instruct at StrongFirst certifications and Kettlebell User Courses.
About our certifications| Certification | Mike | Brett |
|---|---|---|
| StrongFirst EliteStrongFirst's elite instructor status | ||
| SFG IKettlebell: swing, get-up, clean, press, squat, snatch | ||
| SFG IIAdvanced kettlebell: windmill, bent press, double jerk | No | |
| SFBBodyweight strength | No | |
| SFLBarbell: deadlift, squat, bench press |
| Certification | Mike | Brett |
|---|---|---|
| StrongFirst EliteStrongFirst's elite instructor status | ||
| SFG IKettlebell: swing, get-up, clean, press, squat, snatch | ||
| SFG IIAdvanced kettlebell: windmill, bent press, double jerk | No | |
| SFBBodyweight strength | No | |
| SFLBarbell: deadlift, squat, bench press |
Programs
Every option is built on the same thing: skilled, attentive coaching. Not sure where to start? Get in touch and we’ll help you choose.
Unlimited coached group classes on a month-to-month membership. Cancel anytime.
One-on-one and small group coaching with individual programming built around your goals.
Join a single group class to experience our coaching before you commit.
A 12-week transformation program combining semi-private strength training, conditioning and a four-phase nutrition system.
Schedule
Coached group classes, Monday through Saturday. New here? Get in touch and we’ll get you settled in.
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | 6:00AM | No class | 6:00AM | No class | 6:00AM | 8:00AM | Closed |
| Midday | 12:00PM | 12:00PM | 12:00PM | 12:00PM | 12:00PM | No class | |
| Evening | 5:30PM | 5:30PM | 5:30PM | 5:30PM | No class | No class |
| Day | Morning | Midday | Evening |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 6:00AM | 12:00PM | 5:30PM |
| Tuesday | No class | 12:00PM | 5:30PM |
| Wednesday | 6:00AM | 12:00PM | 5:30PM |
| Thursday | No class | 12:00PM | 5:30PM |
| Friday | 6:00AM | 12:00PM | No class |
| Saturday | 8:00AM | No class | No class |
| Sunday | Closed | ||
Want to try a class first? Call or email ahead to schedule a drop-in. Personal coaching is by appointment: [Hours TBD]
Full scheduleVisit
Right behind Earth Fare, off Folly Road. [Owner to confirm]
