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Strength Coach · St. Louis, MO

Vladimir Brusov

Old School. Real Intensity. Real Results.

20
Years Coaching
26
Years Under the Bar
2
Continents
Free Consultation View Services
Vladimir Brusov — Strength Coach competing at powerlifting championship

Free Resources

Training Hub

Knowledge Base
Hypertrophy
Muscle growth principles, program design, and evidence-based methods from 20 years of coaching bodybuilders.
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Knowledge Base
Powerlifting
Squat, bench, deadlift — technique, peaking, and meet prep from an active competitive referee and coach.
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Knowledge Base
Health & Longevity
Long-term health, recovery, and performance — staying strong and functional for decades, not just seasons.
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Meet Prep Guide
First Meet
Everything except the training — gear, weigh-in, attempt selection, warm-up timing, and what actually happens on the platform.
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Knowledge Base
Rucking Guide
How to start rucking, add load the right way, and build real endurance — phase-by-phase plan with gear, form, and strength support.
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Free Tool
Hotel Workout
Select what's in your hotel gym — get a ready-to-go conditioning workout. AMRAP, circuit, pyramid, tabata, or EMOM.
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Background

Who I Am

I've been training since I was a teenager in Russia. Bodybuilding was always the obsession — studying it, following the best coaches, understanding why things work, not just that they work. That never stopped. I'm still doing it.

I went on to get a Master's degree in Physical Education, coached at Vladimir State University for over 13 years, and competed in powerlifting at the European and World level. I've prepped bodybuilding competitors, coached powerlifters from their first meet to national platforms, helped people pass military fitness tests and SF selections, and worked with complete beginners who had no idea where to start.

Six years ago I moved to St. Louis. Same work, different city. My athletes hold Missouri state records. I'm an active regional powerlifting referee — which means when I prep someone for a meet, I know exactly what the judges are looking for because I am one.

I work with everyday people and serious athletes. The goals are different. The approach is different. The standard isn't.

Bachelor's & Master's — Physical EducationVladimir State University, Russia — 13+ years as Assistant S&C Coach
Competitive Powerlifter — European & World MedalsCompeted at European and World Championships — knows what the platform demands firsthand
Missouri State Record HoldersMy athletes hold Missouri state records in powerlifting
Regional Powerlifting RefereeCertified referee — knows the rules, the standards, and what judges look for on meet day
USAW Level 1 Sports Performance CoachMilitary & SF selection prep — helped athletes pass demanding physical standards

How I Coach

The Method

I've spent my entire life studying bodybuilding and strength — learning from the best coaches in Russia and the best coaches in America. That combination of knowledge doesn't exist anywhere else. And it applies the same way whether I'm coaching someone who has never lifted or an athlete who has been competing for years.

01
Data First
Every program starts with where you actually are — not where you think you are. Numbers don't lie. We test, we baseline, we build from truth.
02
Progressive Load
The body adapts to stress that increases systematically over time. Not randomly. Not intuitively. By design — drawing on the best of both Russian sports science and American bodybuilding.
03
No Shortcuts
Real strength takes time. I don't overpromise. I don't follow trends. I build athletes who are still stronger five years from now than they are today.
04
Individual Focus
I've coached beginners and national competitors. The method scales — but the program is always yours. Your leverages, your recovery, your life outside the gym.
05
Meet Ready
Whether your platform is a powerlifting meet, a military selection, or just your daily life — I prepare you to perform when it counts, not just in training.
06
Direct Feedback
I tell you what you need to hear, not what you want to hear. If your form is wrong, I say so. If you need to deload, I say so. No sugarcoating.

Work With Me

Services

In-Person · St. Louis, MO
1-on-1 Training
Train directly with me in St. Louis. Whether you've never touched a barbell or you're stepping onto a national platform — every session is hands-on, every program is built for you specifically. No two clients train the same way.
  • Full movement and strength assessment
  • 100% custom program for your body and goals
  • Real-time coaching, cues, and corrections
  • Meet prep — coached by an active regional referee
  • Nutrition guidance included
Remote · Worldwide
Online Coaching
The same fully custom approach, delivered remotely. Everyday people and high-level athletes — same attention, same standard. You get a program written specifically for you, direct access to me, and ongoing adjustments as you progress.
  • Fully custom weekly programming
  • Video form review and detailed feedback
  • Weekly check-ins and adjustments
  • Powerlifting meet prep — coached by an active regional referee
  • Military / Special Forces selection prep
First Consultation Is Free
No commitment. No sales pitch. Just an honest conversation about your goals.
Book Your Call

What Clients Say

Results Speak

★★★★★

My trainer Vlad continues to push me without being unrealistic or overbearing. The 3-month check-ins with in-body scans are great for tracking goals and accountability.

Google Review · The Lab Gym
★★★★★

I wanted a trainer to push me, correct form errors, and get me over a plateau — and Vladimir Brusov is kicking my butt. As someone who's been in the gym for years, I've never sweat this hard. As I'm wrapping up week 2, we are already seeing gains. Great trainer, very knowledgeable, and very friendly.

Google Review · The Lab Gym
★★★★★

Well-equipped especially for powerlifting and oly lifting. The training staff is elite. If you want to compete or just get a better handle on your fitness, this is the place. Special shout out to Vlad — helped me add two inches to my legs in two months.

Google Review · The Lab Gym
★★★★★

The LAB rocks. Great people. Great equipment. Great culture. Highly recommend checking it out — they are super nice and will walk you through getting started. P.S. Vlad is the man!

Google Review · The Lab Gym
★★★★★

6-month update: I'm up 7lbs of muscle and down 3% body fat. I'm now using weights that I had not even considered as my working weights on the daily.

Google Review · The Lab Gym

Get In Touch

Start Here

St. Louis, MO — In-Person & Online

Ready to get serious about strength? Fill out the form or email me directly. I'll get back to you within 24 hours to schedule a free consultation.

Phone (314) 527-1067
Email vladimirbrusov83@gmail.com
Location The Lab Gym · 3738 Chouteau Ave, St. Louis, MO
Hours Mon – Fri · 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Remote Available worldwide — online coaching
Email Me Directly