Nine years ago, I began the work of making strength training accessible to folks who are typically not welcome or invited onto the platform. Ground Up Barbell Club began as a free, small-group training club for folks to learn safe and efficient form and programming, with a focus on challenging and celebrating what our bodies are capable of no matter the body type. It remained in operation completely free of charge until 2019, when the model was shifted to a no-to-low cost rate for small group instruction and I began offering sliding scale 1:1 coaching and access to more equipment. In 2020, I lost my sources of income and began to rely on the gym and coaching to sustain me. I upgraded to a larger space, purchased more equipment, constructed a lifting platform and Ground Up Barbell Club evolved into the space you know today.

 

Since starting, I've introduced countless people to the world of strength training, watched many people develop a relationship to the work and their bodies, coached folks into new levels of strength, and made a lot of friends along the way.

 

Ground Up Barbell Club is open to all but centers trans, non-binary, and gender nonconforming folks and cis women.