Chicago — North Side

Built in the garage.

Strength and performance training for people who want to become the strongest, most capable version of themselves — physically and mentally.

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From a 4:30 mile to a 550 lb deadlift.

I've been drawn to difficult physical training for as long as I can remember. It started with waking up at 5 AM on Saturday mornings as a kid to train for basketball with my dad, and arriving two hours early to soccer games just to make sure I was ready. That drive never left — it only grew.

In high school, I went from running a 6-minute mile to clocking a 4:30 mile, a 9:26 two-mile that qualified me for the state meet, and a 15:12 three-mile in cross country. I learned what it meant to push past limits I thought were fixed.

When I started lifting weights at 19, I weighed 125 lbs. Through years of dedicated training, I've built myself to over 180 lbs with all-time bests of a 425 lb squat, 315 lb bench press, and 550 lb deadlift. In 2025, I ran the Chicago Marathon in under 4 hours while maintaining that strength.

I train out of my garage gym on the north side of Chicago, and I'm here to help people experience the same transformation I've lived — not just physically, but in the confidence and mental fortitude that comes with becoming undeniably strong.

Josh Plischke racing in high school track

The Running Years

Josh Plischke 550 lb deadlift

550 lbs deadlift

4:30
Mile Time
550lb
Deadlift
<4hr
Chicago Marathon
125→180
Transformation (lbs)

The transformation is real.

125 lbs → 180+ lbs — From distance runner to strength athlete

Josh before - front view at 125 lbs
Before — 125 lbs
Josh after - front view at 180+ lbs
After — 180+ lbs
Josh before - back view at 125 lbs
Before — Back
Josh after - back view current
After — Back

Train with Josh

01

Online Coaching

Fully customized programming, nutrition guidance, and direct access to me — no matter where you are. Weekly check-ins, form reviews, and adjustments based on your progress.

Anywhere

02

In-Person Training

Train with me in the garage gym on Chicago's north side. Hands-on coaching, real-time technique correction, and the kind of environment where real work gets done.

Chicago — North Side

03

Training Programs

Proven programs built from the methods I've used to get strong, lean, and jacked. Structured plans you can follow at your own pace in your own gym. Coming soon.

Coming Soon

Ready to transform?

Whether you're looking for online coaching, in-person training in Chicago, or you just have questions — reach out. Every transformation starts with a single step.

Location Chicago, IL — North Side