The Protocol Strength & Conditioning — Local services in Tucson

One day I asked my chiropractor if lifting would be something he would recommend? He said most definitely. Since I’m new to the area he referred me to Jerry at Protocol Strength & Conditioning as one of the best and trusted in town.

I reached out that same day and had a consultation with Jerry the next day. I signed up for the 5-personal training sessions which prepares you for the classes and assess where my abilities are. He was surprised at how far I had come rehabbing myself up to this point from a low-back injury in 2020. Now I was looking to build strength and mobility without machines while preventing injuries with a goal of one day lift.

Going into my first class I was confident, the welcoming atmosphere is filled with amazing people who are encouraging, fun, friendly, and everyone at their own level. Knowledgeable coaches who watch and instruct for form, weight and course correct as needed. You compare yourself to what you did the day, week, month before - keeping a journal is super helpful to see how far you’ve come.

The warm-up programming changes monthly while some are super fun others are challenging. The sessions on your given days each week are vastly different, depending on what the focus is which keeps you engaged. You wouldn’t want to miss a class, but it’s good to know there’s make-up ones available if you must. Scheduling is non-negotiable in my book - it’s pouring into yourself - so be sure to not miss a class.

The Protocol plays the long game. It’s never about just lifting heavier — it’s about proper form first, so you can continue to increase strength and mobility as it fits your ability as you age. Do 1% better every day and by the end of a year you’ll be 365% better.

When I started on April 5, 2025, i was barely able to do unweighted TGU end of July 2025, a 22 lbs TGU with control. Several weeks ago started nursing an injury of unknown origin, I’ve been able to keep training safely with modifications. I utilize alternative modalities to find the root cause of pain so working with the coaches and Jerry has helped keep me focused on the long game and keep coming back and doing what I can to keep moving.

To be honest I was hesitant about group classes, other gym glasses was my only experience and wasn’t a fan. These group classes are a different breed and caliber. PSC has literally checked all my boxes a gym could offer. Best decision I ever made. I’ve wasted money on gym memberships over the decades that I never went to, the benefit didn’t outweigh the price, or an injury took me out, even paying for 3-year memberships. So is PSC worth it? Are you worth it? The answer...

Update - I joined the protocol in Sept of 2024 as a first timer to strength training, and after a few months of training there I learned I was pregnant. My baby girl was born in September 2025. I can’t help but think my improved strength and fitness has something to do with it all. The coaches were all amazing helping me to navigate the sessions with modifications as necessary and it was really rewarding to continue to have great sessions into my pregnancy that still were plenty challenging, while very much in tune to safety. Everyone was so supportive, and experiencing the personal touch tailored to my evolving physical state is not something you’d find a lot of places! And that is what they do for their clients. Thank you for your role in my having a healthy pregnancy and delivery, Jerry and crew. I’m grateful for you guys!

Wow! I’m so glad I chose the Protocol to get started with my journey to a stronger and healthier me. I had no idea where to start with strength and conditioning; I just knew that in my 40s it was time to invest in my body’s health, strength and mobility under guidance from professionals. So, after reading all the amazing reviews I was really excited about this place. It has far exceeded any expectations I might have had. In fact, I can’t shut up about it to anyone who will listen! I’ve learned so much in just a couple weeks and look forward to each session, and leave feeling like that was a) challenging, b) fun, c) informative. Jerry and his team are so knowledgeable, friendly, professional, and passionate as they work with you where you are, paying close attention and explaining things so well. Before starting at the Protocol, there were things I thought I simply couldn’t do, because they hurt my back or knees. It turns out I can do them, with the proper form and attentive guidance from these pros! I never would’ve learned this trying to tackle my goals on my own. The Protocol is...

I was introduced to The Protocol almost three years ago. I was training for a trail marathon in Moab, UT and looking to add some strength training to my program. I have been a runner for years with many miles under me, but had never really incorporated strength training. And with my tall, thin frame I doubted my ability to add much in terms of muscle or upper body strength. Enter Jerry Trubman and The Protocol team. I loved the focus being on functional strength, that the goal of training was to increase ability at life, not to increase my ability to lift a heavier piece of metal in a gym. Of course, I did get to start lifting heavier pieces of metal in the gym. That year I ran 26.2 of the toughest miles of my life - and a year and a half later the Protocol’s programs allowed me to show off my amazing biceps, triceps, and lats in my wedding dress. My love for The Protocol was reaffirmed about 6 months ago when I was diagnosed with a heart condition. I had to dramatically alter all of my training and was concerned that lifting would be eliminated. Luckily, part of the training team at The Protocol is Marie Trubman, trainer and physical therapist extraordinaire. Somehow I’ve lost no performance despite having to relearn technique and breathing pattern around my lifting. I have to add a final shout out to coaches Matt Santucci and Renee Blanchard for sharing their experience in the traditional kettlebell classes and the brand new rowing classes. My experience at the Protocol has been nothing but positive thanks to the focus on functional strength and lifelong mobility – goals that the nurse in me knows are the keys to long, healthy, and...