I just moved (back) to L.A. after spending most of my adult life in NorCal, where I picked up weightlifting in earnest around 2019. As my fitness journey has evolved and I've gotten older, I've been focusing more and more on powerlifting because I love moving big weight (safely) and I enjoy the problem-solving, body awareness, and mental focus required to make that happen. However, despite several years of dedicated lifting, new gyms still make me anxious because they've tended to be intimidating spaces for me and I don't always feel at home in them.
At GTS, I felt at home on day one. Jason and his coaches, including Phil, Kelly, Jared, and Ester, have been--to a person--warm, welcoming, and thoughtful in their training and nutrition advice. I also love how dedicated everyone in the gym seems to be. When I've been coming in, I feel not only that I've got a community of support, but I also get hyped from being surrounded by people who are hard-working and who share my values and similar goals in training. The equipment and space are clean and top-notch, exactly what you want out of a powerlifting gym.
Also, Dave is there. He's a dog. He's very supportive as well.
As for some practical details: I started at GTS with a 3-day (non-consecutive) training camp where we significantly dialed back my weight and focused on technique for the big lifts, starting with squats then moving on to push movements (bench + OHP) and deadlifts (and related variations such as RDLs). It was validating of the work I've already put into those lifts, but needless to say I had room for improvement and I immediately noticed how much stronger and stabler I felt on those lifts when I was done. I had such a great experience with the camp that I decided to sign up for a program that is a mix of coaching and, if I choose, a few days of open gym time per month, and includes continued programming and advice. I've kept my other membership at Venice Gold's and will perform some of my workouts there, reserving the more "technical" days on the program for when I come into GTS. Honestly if I lived about 5-10 minutes closer to GTS Westchester, I would just switch my gym membership over entirely, but I'm very close to Gold's and so this mix is working...
   Read moreI came to GTS with 3 herniated discs and chronic back pain. I had tried other gyms and had tried working with trainers because I was nervous about getting back into working out. Trainers at other gyms had not made much effort to modify my exercise routine to suit my limitations. I finally decided to try out GTS and coming here has been so helpful. Jason and the other trainers have worked with me to strengthen my core and get me to a point where I can lift without getting injured. A few years ago I was told by my doctors not to lift anything over 20 pounds. I am now able to safely deadlift 250+ pounds and have been continuing to improve. Even on days when I have flare ups and feel like I can't do anything due to my back pain, Jason gives me a modified day with stretches and very light exercises to help my body recover so I can get back to my training routine as quickly as possible. Coming here has been a very good investment because as I've been getting stronger I have had fewer bad days with my back pain and have been able to do many more activities I enjoy that I didn't think I'd be able to do anymore. Even during the lockdown when I didn't feel motivated to work out Jason would call to check in on me and help get me back into an exercise routine that I could do with my limited equipment at home. With his help even without access to a gym I was able to improve and by the time the gym reopened my strength had actually increased. My entire experience here has been very personalized to meet my exact needs and limitations and the trainers continue to give me advice on how to further improve my form and get to the...
   Read moreIf you're a fitness enthusiast looking to take your lifting game to the next level, Game Time Strength should be your next stop. This gym has an impressive reputation for offering high-quality coaching, excellent facilities, and a holistic approach to fitness that sets it apart from other gyms.
As someone who has been lifting for a while, I was impressed with the level of expertise and personalized attention that the coaches at Game Time Strength provided. They helped me optimize my form and technique, ensuring that I was lifting safely and effectively. The coaches are knowledgeable, approachable, and passionate about their craft, which made for a great learning experience.
In addition to coaching, Game Time Strength takes a holistic approach to fitness, offering nutrition tips and guidance to help you achieve your goals. They understand that fitness is about more than just lifting weights, and their commitment to a comprehensive approach sets them apart.
The gym facilities are also top-notch, with excellent equipment that is well-maintained and easy to use. It feels like a private gym, and there's never any waiting in lines for equipment. The gym is also exceptionally clean, which is a significant plus in these times.
Overall, I would highly recommend Game Time Strength to anyone who is serious about lifting and looking to achieve their fitness goals. With a combination of excellent coaching, holistic approach, and top-notch facilities, it's an excellent choice for anyone looking to improve their...
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