Dump your corporate gym and sign up here. Seriously. Do it.
This is my favorite gym, and now that I purchased a place in the area, I'm looking forward to it being my forever gym for as long as I live here. Iron Mine is clearly geared toward the more hardcore/body-builder/power-lifting individual, but as intimidating as that may seem, it is by far the most welcoming gym I've ever set foot in. Everyone one here is friendly, respectful, and focused on making progress. I've yet to see anyone neglect to re-rack their weights, or abuse the machines. There just seems to be a communal understanding of mutual respect and courtesy that is sorely lacking at every other gym.
Iron Mine is also a tremendously humbling experience. Don't be surprised if you're feeling pretty good about your 315# deadlift, only to see someone shoulder pressing that same weight. Leave your ego at the door, because most people here are likely bigger, stronger, and leaner than you. With that said, every one of them are usually happy to answer your questions about form, or spot you on your lifts, etc. There's a wealth of knowledge and experience there.
WOMEN: My observations as a guy only mean so much, but from what I've seen, women here are not harassed like at other gyms. The interactions I see between men and women are friendships and trainer/client relations. I have yet to see the familiar scenario of a creepy dude pestering a girl with headphones on that you so often find at an Xsport or L.A. Fitness, or others. There also appears to be a healthy number of women that work out here, anywhere from the Instagram model type, to the ordinary young woman going about her day, to the serious power lifter prepping for a competition. It's a hardcore gym, but it also feels really inclusive.
I can't recommend this place enough. Joe (the owner) is clearly very passionate about this place, and it shows. They recently also expanded into the building adjacent to it, so there's even more equipment and space for your workouts. The membership rates are also super reasonable, and Joe will give you a personal tour of the place when you sign up. Places like these are a thriving example of why we should all support small locally-owned businesses. Keep up the...
Read moreI was looking for a gym in the area and I met Joe for an appointment to tour the place after looking at the website and reading some reviews. Somebody had let me into the building so I found the office and introduced myself to the owner, Joe. Joe welcomed me to the gym but took care in asking how I got in, expressing that it was really important that the facility remain secure for everyone’s belongings and safety. He wanted to make sure that he reminded the member who let me in not to let strangers into the building.
This kind of care for his members is showcased in all of Joe’s actions as owner, whether it’s utilizing the space to the best of his ability, fostering a healthy community for his members, or making sure the facility is safe, secure, and stocked with snacks.
This is primarily a bodybuilding gym, so it’s catered to that population. If you like time under tension, this is most definitely the gym for you. You’ll find all kinds of equipment that you won’t find at a franchise gym or athletic club. That said, the facility is more than adequate enough for anybody looking to pursue a basic level of fitness. There’s cardio machines, free weights, and plenty of machines for isolation exercises (both plate and pin loaded). They’ve even got a posing room which is great. The facility is open 24 hours and there’s never been a period of time that I’ve gone where there hasn’t been a place to park.
I really respect the business approach Iron Mine uses. There’s no contract, upfront pricing, and discounts for paying in full. There’s going to be a member cap at some point because ownership understands that a facility can only have so many people in the gym at once for everyone to have a good experience. Compared to other local gyms, Iron Mine was nice because I knew what I would be paying for and the rates before I even signed up for the gym or took a tour. They even have a website with all of their equipment with pictures.
Overall, this is a very solid gym regardless of skill level, but it’s a must go if you are a bodybuilder. Been really...
Read moreAs someone with a powerlifting focus, I've been meaning to find a solid "black iron" gym for years. I've been lifting for 12+ years with a laughably cheap grandfathered rate at LA Fitness (formerly Bally's), and after years of dealing with crowds of people doing silly things on squat racks and benches from various locations, I decided to finally branch out and find a "secondary" gym.
Firstly and most importantly, it's not overly crowded. Granted, I've only been to Iron Mine twice, but so far, I've walked in and gotten a squat rack or deadlift platform with absolutely no problem at around 8 PM both visits. I'd regularly wait 10-15 minutes at pretty much any LA Fitness location to snag a rack at that time. Also, there's a neat little caged outdoor area with a single squat rack, which I've never really seen before. It's kind of cool and unique to utilize while the weather is fair.
Additionally, there's a bunch of accessory machinery here. While I don't personally really do anything outside of compound barbell lifts, if your focus is more bodybuilding oriented, you'll have everything you need. Joe (the owner) is a friendly and personable dude, who seems to want to continue improving the facility with an actual knowledge base, versus the larger gyms that are at the whims of corporate.
There are a few cardio options to coincide with the weight lifting equipment, so fear not -- you'll be able to run, bike, or Stairmaster your way to a healthier heart. This is a gem of a spot for anyone who enjoys lifting weights or bettering themselves physically. Highly...
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