So… last night while avoiding sleep, I happened to look back through “6 Lost Lifters”. It linked to a powerlifting gym directory. I’ve checked Tulsa before and not seen any hardcore gyms but thought, “what the heck”. A powerlifing gym was listed. I called the listed number and hoped to hear an answering message. I only heard ringing.
Today, while at work, the call was returned. BINGO. It’s a “new” gym and they are still painting it and getting the inside somewhat presentable. The co-owner and Mrs. co-owner were on their way to the gym so I swung by. The gym has access card so it is unattended at times.
Anyway, upon arrival I meet the gym owner, wife and son-in-law (I think. I have hell keeping up with names and who is who). The owner and in-law were HUGE. Nobody would question if these guys were serious. Also, the stereo was blaring out some newer HEAVY music - another good sign.
Once past the entryway, some of the walls were painted and some were not. There was just some basic solid equipment in the main room. It DID include TWO Forza benches, and 2, 3 and 4 boards. 
Very nice. I’ve actually never used a regulation bench until tonight. Those things are comfy. The back room had some more basic equipment.
PLUS, they had a huge Mono Style Squat Stand. I forgot the brand but its similar to this one but has a bigger base: www.flexcart.com/members/elitefts/default.asp?m=PD&cid=167&pid=194
Naturally, they also had some chalk in the back room. It was in an 8" mixing bowl on top of a stand made from 2x4s. That sucker will never get “lost”.
So, I gave them $30 bucks for a month?s membership and scooted home to change clothes. I learned my lesson long ago about working out commando. I still think one testicle is smaller. I also hit some Power Drive and got Spiked.
I return to see more big guys in this modest gym and one kid that looked young (turned out he was 17) and had a little muscle on him. He did DB presses with 105 lbs. I almost shat myself. The guy on the bench had 10 plates on the bar… 0.o … Yeah, these guys are serious.
Tony, the co-owner I had already met introduced me, to the other owner. He asked me if I competed. Before I could answer “No”, Tony said, “Oh, he’s going to”. The owners are friends with Kim Brownfield the powerlifter who was stricken with polio as a child.
www.benchpresschampion.com/CHAMPIONS/KimBrownfield.htm
So they were ready to push me about 30 seconds after entering the gym.
I just had a modest shoulder/bi/tri workout. Disturbed was BLARING through the speakers. It was soooooo much better than the gag reflex caused by Madonna at my last gym. People were sweating, pushing big weight and TCB.
By the time I was leaving, one owner, Terry (I think he was one of the owners … I met too many people tonight) and a different kid around 17 were the only two left. Earlier, the kid had been pushing some decent weights on bench but I was not paying too much attention at the time as my delts were cursing me.
On my way out, I was introduced to this guy. Chris was his name and he was sticking around to help paint the walls. He just seemed like your average unassuming kid. After Chris and I shook hands, Terry said, “Chris is the guy I was telling you about earlier. He set 8 world records last weekend in Missouri and he’s only 17”.
My jaw hit the floor. Then Terry said, “That puts him up to 17 world records now.”
Yeah… I shat myself.
