Barbell Brigade Gym — Attraction in Los Angeles

I thought, originally, this gym was an awesome place to get in a workout, especially if you are into powerlifting and bodybuilding. I liked all the old school equipment and the staff was cool. The only thing I didn't like about the place was the $100 monthly charge. This is incredibly pricey for a gym. I am a full-time student at USC and I usually workout at the gym there. However, it closed down for the summer, so I had to find a new gym temporarily. I chose this place, because of the convient location and the fact that there were no initiation or cancelation fees, plus I love powerlifting. I asked about the price when I joined and why it was so high.. I was told it was because they have equipment no one else has and they wanted to get more new equipment. I have been lifting consistently for almost 8 years now. I have been to several gyms on base, when I was in the Marines Corps, and countless civilian gyms in California and the South East, including 24hour, LA fitness, and Max Fitness. I can tell you this gym is not worth $100 a month, save your money and go elsewhere! I was originally intending to give this place at least 3 stars and would've recommended it, if you don't mind the price. However, when I tried to cancel my membership on the 20th, of this month, they had already charged me $100 for the entire next month (the transaction was pending at the time). Granted, I had started my membership on the 18th, nonetheless I had not worked out there since the 16th and I didn't intend to workout there again. They would not give me a refund and kept my money. I was told that once the transaction went through they could not cancel it. Even so, they could've easily given me a cash refund, having a $20 a day non-membership fee, but they elected not to. This ultimately leads me to believe that this place is just another money hungry gym. I would stay away and find much better gym that's...

UPDATE AT THE END

A one of a kind gym serving Los Angeles proper. Expect to see equipment not available at your commercial gym. Examples include, but are DEFINITELY not limited to:

Texas power bars Olympic plates Bumper plates Chains WITH collars Safety Squat bars Plyo boxes Power sled And all the chalk your heart desires

This is not a typical gym and is geared towards a powerlifting/Olympic lifting/Westside Barbell crowd. There are more power racks and deadlift platforms than there are machines. This gym won't be for everyone. But everyone is welcome and both staff and regulars show it. There is no judgement as long as you lift with safety and you're not a jerk to anyone else.

Classes aren't offered regularly, but Barbell Brigade attracts some of the biggest names in fitness, powerlifting, and coaching, so there are often competitions, classes, and seminars led by some of the best. And most of the staff members are happy to help if you have questions.

UPDATE 2017: While I stand by the rest of my review, I knocked off 2 stars and went from 5 to 3 because they recently changed their hours. It does seem a bit harsh, but the fact that Barbell Brigade was open 24 hours was a HUGE reason why I decided to leave the commercial gym and workout there, as it is for many others who have odd schedules. Hopefully soon they bring back the 24 hours, or at least stay open a tiny bit later. I don't know. I am quite...

Awesome atmosphere but relatively subpar everything else.

After having visited South Bay, exceed, and now going to Mission Fitness Center, I have to say what you get at BB for $100 is pretty overpriced.I get it’s the closest to down town but it’s still not in an amazing location to justify the cost.

Only 2 dedicated deadlifting platforms, and 3 benches is ridiculous for a gym this expensive. Very limited amount of kilos as well. There really isn’t that many free standing benches either to move around and use in the cages, and almost all the benches (including the actual powerlifting benches) and machines have super ripped, taped up fabric/leather.

Very limited selection of machines for a powerlifting gym. And I get the “we’re a powerlifting gym we don’t have cardio machines” but having some to warm up on (like most powerlifting gyms) before squats or deadlifts would be nice. Especially given the lack of any temperature control in the building and how the garage door in the back remains fully open on cold nights.

Love BB as a company, love the owners since watching the YouTube is what got me into lifting years ago but was pretty underwhelmed with this gym. It has not kept up with the rest of the powerlifting gyms...