I started training at Brentwood Barbell in September of 2022. At that time, I had an injured shoulder and had been seeing a physical therapist for three months. That physical therapist forbade me from doing any strength training because he believed it would further exacerbate my condition. When I met with James, the owner of Brentwood Barbell, at my initial consultation, he really challenged that line of thinking and believed that strength training could assist me in my recovery. Since James is also a physical therapist, I was willing to give to give the gym a try. I am really glad I did. Brentwood Barbell offers both individual training and group training. The group training is a really unique option that I’ve very much enjoyed. They design each athlete an individual program. This program is put into an app. The athlete then goes to the group training classes and works through his or her program. There is a coach at each of the classes that walks around looks at your form, answers questions, provides feedback, and cheers you on. It is very much like having your own personal trainer each time you go to the gym. When I started at Brentwood Barbell, I was put on program specifically tailored for my shoulder injury. The program allowed me to get stronger but did not stress my shoulder in a way that would irritate or further injure it. After I was on that program for several weeks, I had a meeting with Alex, one of the coaches, where we discussed goals. I told him I wanted to compete in a Strongman event. Alex designed a program to help me accomplish that goal. I worked on a strongman preparation program from February through May. Over that time period (and the entire time I’ve trained at Brentwood Barbell), I had an opportunity to work with all three of the coaches, Alex, Lori, and Jason. Each of them are fantastic and very helpful to me. They are all able to break down the mechanics of the different lifts and give short and simple cues to teach the form. I really enjoy working with each one of them. I accomplished my goal and competed at my first Strongman event at the end of May. It was one of the most difficult and satisfying challenges I have ever undertaken. I had a great time and I felt like I was well-prepared for the event. I successfully completed three of the four lifts, which included deadlifting a car multiple times. I continue to train at Brentwood Barbell and am now getting ready for my second strongman event at the end of October. I cannot recommend Brentwood Barbell enough. I have had great results and the people at this gym are just wonderful. Since October, I have gained about 20 pounds (most of it is muscle). I have increased my deadlift max by about 100 pounds, my squat by about 100 pounds, my bench press 35 pounds and my overhead press 25 pounds. I’m so thankful for the experience I’ve had at Brentwood Barbell and would recommend it to anyone wanting to get stronger.

I cannot begin to describe how much I love this gym and the trainers. I came in after 3 knee surgeries and couldn’t squat more than 60 lbs by 10 months I was squatting 260 lbs! My knees hurt so much less and when they do the trainers adjust my workouts to ensure that I don’t hurt them further. I truly feel so much better and stronger. I’ve never been so consistent with a gym before and the trainers and the other fellow gym members are so encouraging. This place is worth every penny!! I also did the nutrition with Lori and lost 15lbs in 3 months which is the most I’ve lost in several years!! 100/10 for this gym!

A Transformative Journey with Brentwood Barbell: Introduction: After decades of strength training with modest results, my fitness journey took a remarkable turn when my son-in-law, a BB coaching alumni, started guiding me to impressive gains while training at home. Then after the worst of COVID I decided to train in-person at BB and my results and passion for training were propelled to new levels. The gym's exceptional coaching, top-notch facility, and supportive community make every session something I look forward to. Effectiveness of Training: BB's coaches have outstanding knowledge in proven training methods and continuously seek ways to enhance their programming. In the group class format coaches observe form and progress, offer constructive feedback without being overbearing, and gladly answer any questions. With inspiration drawn from 'the strongest gym in the world,' Westside Barbell, as well as other cutting-edge principles, BB strives to make every training session a step toward greater strength and accomplishment. In short, you'll never need to worry that you're wasting your time with ineffective training methods. Facility: BB has a spacious, clean, and well-organized facility with a wide variety of quality equipment. One of my favorite features is the turf track, for exercises like sled pushes and drags, walking lunges, keg carries, and more. The abundance of equipment means there are rarely wait times for essential exercises, and on warmer days, the big garage doors are opened, enhancing the training experience. Health and Safety: BB prioritizes its athletes' well-being, recognizing that strength training is a gateway to improved health, appearance, and self-confidence. The coaches are not only knowledgeable in keeping us safe during workouts but also adept at addressing any aches or pains that arise. With a licensed physical therapist among them, they have the expertise to deal with discomfort, enabling us to keep training to achieve our goals while minimizing or eliminating pain. Coach Alex masterfully helped me overcome back pain just before my first meet, making possible a successful and enjoyable competition day. Coaches Lori, Jason, and James (owner & licensed PT) are also highly capable and a pleasure to work with. The Community: BB's community is a diverse and welcoming mix of people, each pursuing their unique training objectives. While some participate in powerlifting or strongman competitions, most are there for personal growth and physical fitness. Respect and friendliness is the norm, creating an atmosphere that makes training enjoyable. Nutrition and Body Composition Resources: Recognizing the role of nutrition in achieving our fitness ambitions, the coaches at BB offer sound advice tailored to our specific goals. Their expertise helps us make informed choices and optimize nutrition for maximum results. Also, they just added an InBody body scanning system, a tool for tracking our body composition progress so training and nutrition can be tailored accordingly. Conclusion: My experience at Brentwood Barbell has been nothing short of transformative. In addition to my hard work and consistency, I also owe my surprising progress to the gym's dedicated coaches, well-equipped facility, and supportive community. For anyone seeking effective, enjoyable, and results-driven strength training, BB is an excellent choice and is unique in the St. Louis region. Don't hesitate to check out this outstanding gym where your fitness journey and strength can reach new heights as long as you're willing to put in consistent effort and get the needed nutrition. Finally, to see the transformation possible with the help of BB, take a look at my 'before and after' photos below, which are around five years apart.

This is an excellent gym! They provide personalized workout programs on a phone app that are tailored to meet your goals. The coaches are extremely knowledgeable and generous with their time and attention. They have lots of specialty equipment to participate in conjugate style training. I attend the 5:30am group class, and there’s great tunes, great people, and a great atmosphere that make it easy to stay consistent. I would recommend this gym to anybody!!

The best beard in fitness in Brentwood. Really good at helping beginners get started with strength training! Fun too!

I love Brentwood Barbell! The coaches are wonderful and the owner is a great guy. They are all truly invested in your fitness/strength training journey. I've never really cared for any gym memberships I've had in the past, but here I feel part of a community. After hitting 40 my Dr. suggested incorporating more resistance/ strength training into my routine to help keep the weight off and keep from losing muscle mass. I started with some bodyweight training in my basement but would find stretches of time where I just wasn't motivated, so lots of starts and stops. In comes Brentwood Barbell. Instead of purchasing a full set of weights or a bowflex all in one type machine, I decided to give the local gym a look. My first impression was hesitancy, I didnt see all the fancy new machines or rows of treadmills and exercise bikes that I was accustomed to. Instead there were rows of squat racks (which I've always found intimidating at the other gyms, usually crowded by the stereotypical gym bro). Before starting however I had a one on one with Alex and we talked through my fitness goals. Then over the course of the first week he led me through the core barbell lifts, ensuring I had a foundational grasp of the lifts (squat/bench/deadlift/overhead press) and form and my hesitancy faded. Fast forward 5 months and I can honestly say I look forward to every training session. I'm stronger now than I was in my 20s/30s and have continued making gains month after month. The coaches continue to guide me with meaningful feedback and program adjustments. Additionally, the other members are always pleasant to talk to during sessions and are comfortable to be around; mainly just regular people of all ages doing their best to get/stay strong. Last but not least, the owner, James, is regularly at the gym and always a pleasure to talk to. Whether it be picking his brain for his vast knowledge when it comes to physical fitness and training or if we wander into discussions about the community (he's a Brentwood local) my impression is always the same: he's a great person looking to strengthen his clients and his community. Brentwood is lucky to have him and his business.

One of the best experiences I've had at a barbell gym by far! The staff and management clearly care deeply about the gym and that shows through in everything they do. Their trainers are knowledgeable and it's obvious they truly love what they do. And, it's so clean! I loved my experience here!!

Trust me when I say I have been around the workout block. I have tried many types of workouts at many gyms, but it wasn’t until a good friend called me up & told me that I needed to give this one a try, that I’d seen anything like it. Three & a half years later, I’m still a member. Immediately, I knew this gym & approach to fitness was different. I was seen as an individual with unique goals & needs. I was coached based on how my body moves. I was given customized programming to meet those goals. I felt heard. To say the community & coaches at this gym are special is an understatement. Brentwood Barbell is the best gym I’ve been a part of, bar none.