Do any of you powerlift at a franchise gym? I’m getting away from body buiding and more toward powerlifting. Do gyms care if you drag in a bunch of chains, bands, 2 by 6’s for board presses, ect.??? I’m expecting some weird looks, but I’m wondering if I’ll get any friction from the gym employees… I can’t imagine they would care about bands or boards, but I think chains might be pushing it. I’m only paying 20 bucks a month and money is tight right now, so I don’t want to have to find another gym… Just curious if any of you do this.
I train at a commercial “health club” and have never had a problem bringing in my own equipment (boards/chains/bands). I’m on good terms with the trainers and I explain to them what I’m doing. Having to explain to everyone else though gets real annoying!
I find the franchise gym staff really like it when you come in with your new shaved head and tatoos, rub liniment all over yourself, scream on every rep, and drop the deadlifts onto the floor from the top position.
I’ve phoned franchise gyms and asked them about whether they’re friendly to powerlifting and they flat out said, ‘No, that sort of activity scares away too many clients.’
One big guy with chains = 50 scared housewives who won’t renew.
But I think this depends what you mean by powerlifting. You can certainly bench and squat in virtually any gym. You can probably deadlift in most.
But if you bring in boxes, chains, bands, piles of chalk and so on, you may very likely be told “Sorry.”
I currently using a Gold’s and haven’t seen any resistance to what you want. I haven’t seen anybody try to use chains or boards, but there are enough heavy lifters there that they probably wouldn’t care. The iron section is nicely segregated from the machines and cardio so they seem to be pretty powerlifting friendly. They also have a lifting platform and don’t mind chalk.
But…another Gold’s I went to in Atlanta not only didn’t have a platform, but when I tried to move a bench to dl on the floor, I was told to stop. So it all depends on who is in charge. Some are cool, some are not. Just give them a call and see what they say.
Depends where you live. If you’re around downtown Manhattan, and don’t mind working out later in the day, say 8-11pm, I can personally assure you that you can work out at the huge commercial gym I work at.
Unless you have a connection on the inside though, like the manager who’s secretly hardcore, it’s usually doubtful.
Thanks guys… The gym is segregated into different sections and most women stay away from the free weights. I think I’m going to slowly start bringing in gear and see what happens. I don’t think anyone will say anything about my bands and boards. I already squat and deadlift a lot there, as do a few other guys.
Bring your chains in a old paint bucket (one with a good handle) and my straps, chalk, belts and any lifting gear in a small duffle bag. I am super friendly to everyone when i walk in, and if any one has any questions i try to answer them as best as possible, even if i am right in the middle of my workout. when i normally do this, i never have any problems at the commercial gym i work out at.
the gym I go to is more of a small local place. equally made up of the housewives on the machines, and the tough guys throwing around iron.
they have chalk(thank gawd!) and chains.
not a whole lot of room for deadlifts, but as long as its not too crowded it’s okay.
it’s funny, there must be at least 6 benches, but only one squat rack and one cage. go figure - there is a “record bench” chart on the wall for both women and men, among many articles on benching, but nothing on squats.
I’m not saying it can’t be done, but I just spent a day and a half with Jim Wendler. The most important thing for a powerlifter in the gym is atmosphere. Find some powerlifters in your area - probably training in a garage gym - and train with them. It will be the best thing you ever do.
First off, the most important thing is what Atreides said - find a PL gym in your area if at all possible. It should be either cheap or almost free. I lift in a private gym and it is awesome. Commercial gyms just don’t compare.
You will have to look very hard for a commercial gym. Perhaps even go to a powerlifting meet in the area and talk to people there. Powerlifters are very friendly and helpful. Finding a PL gym will also be good, because you will have experienced guys there to help you out. I am getting trained by some of the top lifters in the world for $25 a month. Compare that to the rates personal trainers charge. As long as you do your part, you will be fine in a PL gym.
However, if you can’t find a PL gym immediately, keep looking hard. It took me a couple of months to get hooked up with the guys here in town. During your search, make the best you can of where you are. Like the others said, always be very polite and get on the good side of management. Keep your stuff nice and orderly and don’t slam weights around unnecessarily. Also consider introducing extra equipment one piece at a time. Bring in some chains, then some boards a couple of weeks later once people are used to seeing that crazy guy bring in the chains.
Good luck. Oh, where are you located? I might be able to help in the search for a PL gym.
I’m looking to create a private powerlifting place in a garage once I get to central Texas, or help with an existing one. Anyone here in that area? I normally lift in the Army gyms but those are usually franchise style and you’re lucky to see a power rack, much less a GHR. Forget the Reverse Hyper. Nothing but Life Fitness and Hammer Strength. I want to build my own, but there is a dependable group with the equipment, I’m game.
Where in Texas are you going to be? I’m in Houston and have a good garage gym. I know the state chair for the APF is in Seguin and they have a good gym.