Tony Gentilcore: The Strength Coach Who Writes with Wit and Wisdom
Tony Gentilcore is a name that resonates in the fitness industry as a strength and conditioning coach, writer, and educator who’s been shaping the way people train and think about fitness since 2002. Based in Brookline, Massachusetts, he’s the owner of CORE training studio and the co-founder of The Core Collective, a gym that brings together trainers, coaches, and physical therapists to provide top-tier service to clients. But what sets Gentilcore apart isn’t just his expertise in deadlifts or his ability to help clients move better—it’s his unique blend of humor, relatability, and no-nonsense advice that shines through in his writing.
A Coach First, Writer Second
Gentilcore doesn’t consider himself a writer by trade. As he’s famously quipped, his high school English teachers would “shit a copy of For Whom the Bell Tolls” if they knew he was a published author with thousands of daily readers. Yet, since his first article was published on T-Nation.com in 2006, Gentilcore has penned countless pieces for major outlets like Men’s Health, Bodybuilding.com, Stack, and his own blog, Because Heavy Things Won’t Lift Themselves. His writing style is conversational, laced with sardonic wit and pop culture references—think Star Wars, Matt Damon, and the occasional jab at fitness fads like detox teas or kipping pull-ups.
He got into writing as a way to vent about the “lame and boring” fitness articles he encountered early in his career. Inspired by T-Nation’s TC Luoma, who advised him that “people want to learn, but they also want to be entertained,” Gentilcore found his niche by combining practical training advice with humor and relatability. Whether he’s debunking fitness myths, explaining how to perfect a deadlift, or poking fun at the industry’s obsession with “fixing” people, his articles resonate because they feel like a conversation with a knowledgeable friend who doesn’t take himself too seriously.
The Evolution of a Fitness Philosophy
Gentilcore’s approach to training has evolved over his two-decade career. Starting as a personal trainer in 2002, he co-founded Cressey Sports Performance in 2007 with Eric Cressey and Pete Dupuis, turning it into a premier baseball training facility. After leaving CSP in 2015, he opened CORE and later The Core Collective, focusing on individualized training and fostering a collaborative environment for fitness professionals. His philosophy emphasizes consistency, technique, and resiliency over flashy fads or overly complex programming. As he’s said, “People rarely need variety, they need to not have a 185 lb deadlift.”
His writing reflects this ethos. In articles like “What’s the Single Best Thing You Can Do to Improve Your Program?” Gentilcore stresses the importance of sticking to the basics—squat, hinge, push, pull, and carry—and mastering technique rather than chasing new trends. He’s critical of the fitness industry’s tendency to label clients as “broken” or “dysfunctional,” instead advocating for positive language and focusing on what clients can do. This approach, paired with his knack for breaking down complex concepts, makes his content accessible to both fitness professionals and everyday gym-goers.
A Voice for Practicality and Positivity
Gentilcore’s articles often tackle common pain points in fitness. For example, in “All About Recovery,” he emphasizes that progress in the gym hinges on what happens outside it—sleep, nutrition, and stress management. He’s also written extensively on core training, debunking myths about “activating” muscles and advocating for a balanced approach that considers individual needs. His piece “What Most of Your Clients Want” dives into the emotional side of coaching, reminding trainers to show empathy and patience, as clients often seek connection and understanding as much as results.
On social media, Gentilcore’s posts echo this practical, positive vibe. He’s called out harmful coaching practices, like telling clients they’re “broken,” and shared insights on why even coaches need coaches—to avoid burnout and keep learning. His humor shines through, whether he’s joking about his aversion to single-leg exercises or his love for hip-hop and Star Wars.
Building a Brand with Authenticity
Gentilcore’s journey from a small-town kid in Groton, New York, to a fitness industry leader is a testament to his work ethic and authenticity. He’s transparent about his early struggles with writing and his gradual rise to prominence, which took years of consistent effort. His blog, initially called “The G-Spot” (a nod to his last name and a marketing misstep he now laughs about), evolved into a platform where he shares everything from training tips to reflections on gym ownership and the fitness industry’s pendulum swings.
Today, Gentilcore’s brand is built on trust and relatability. He’s not just a coach who lifts heavy things—he’s a guide who helps people navigate the often-confusing world of fitness with clarity and a good laugh. Whether you’re reading his blog, training at CORE, or following him on X (@tonygentilcore1), you’re getting a dose of practical wisdom from someone who’s as passionate about deadlifts as he is about making fitness approachable.
Why You Should Read Tony Gentilcore
If you’re looking for fitness advice that cuts through the noise, Gentilcore’s work is a must-read. His articles offer actionable insights, whether you’re a trainer looking to improve your programming or a lifter aiming to hit a new PR. Plus, you might chuckle at his references to Conan the Barbarian or his disdain for Tracy Anderson. Check out his blog at tonygentilcore.com or his contributions on T-Nation, Men’s Health, or Stack for a mix of education and entertainment that’ll leave you stronger and smarter.