Atlanta Barbell Gym

Address:	185 Sams St, Decatur, GA 30030, USA
Phone:	+1 404-618-6802
Site:	atlantabarbellgym.com
Rating:	4.7
Working:	5:30AM–9PM 5:30AM–9PM 5:30AM–9PM 5:30AM–9PM 5:30AM–8PM 8AM–3PM 1–5PM

Location

Photos 45

Reviews 7

John Klein

This review is long overdue. I have been a member for over a year now. I joined because I wanted to prepare for my first powerlifting contest, also held at Atlanta Barbell. Before joining, I trained in my garage, and felt it might be impractical to travel so far to train there on a long term basis (over 30 miles one way). Guess what? I havent looked back since. I realized my core reasons for staying included perspective and the availability of quality coaching. Regarding perspective, I might pat myself on the back for squatting 225 in my garage, or even a globo gym like Lifetime. But as I look around Atlanta Barbell when I train, I see that members set the bar high (see what I did there?) Regarding coaching, Atlanta Barbell has several coaches with the Starting Strength certification, which is very rigorous. Anytime I need a tweak to technique or programming, or even a major overhaul, I know trustworthy coaching is right there. That could be a focused, one on one session, or it could be a simple comment, in passing ("Your elbows are flaring"). This is timely: dont get it twisted: this is NOT that other barbell gym, in East Atlanta Village, that bans police and active duty military. It so happens that I have felt very pleased when I have seen LEO vehicles in the parking lot, because they were training inside. And my son the Marine has trained there and gotten coaching, when hes been home on leave, and proudly wears his Atlanta Barbell T shirt wherever else hes trained, around the world.

Danielle Yeadon

I like the facility and the music, only thing missing is a tire to flip. Overall, the atmosphere and the staff were not the friendliest. I am not a personal trainer. But, I have been weightlifting for over 15yrs, and have been powerlifting for the past 8-9 yrs. I trained directly under US Powerlifting Hall of Famer Judy Gedney and husband Roger Gedney during 6yrs of college. In addition, I have Olympic training and have even competed in the "unorthodox" Odd Lifts. So, I know the correct and many different ways to lift. Im pretty open-minded but when I overhear a "coach" at ATL Barbell tell someone to "jump" when trying to execute the Clean & Jerk...thats incorrect and scary. Ive also questioned why everyone in the gym wears a belt, squat shoes, knee sleeves and WRIST WRAPS for every exercise...its odd. I was told by one of the owners (Alex) while doing Rack Pulls that "Youll never have a strong back if you dont use wrist wraps" while I had six plates on the bar. These items that I mentioned are to be used as a tool and not a crutch, especially for inexperienced lifters. If you can only get to the gym during peak hours expect to wait for a platform. Many of the lifters are there to socialize and do so between their lifts and they take FOREVER to finish their sets.

Karel Vandromme

Ive enjoyed being around other lifters that are focused on Starting Strength and basic/Olympic barbell lifts. Ive been doing the program almost a year and have made excellent improvements in my lifts following the advice I received from trainer/owner Alex Kennedy. My typical routine involves morning workouts and Im so glad that there are always plenty of open squat racks available. No waiting for racks here. Actually, the gym has plenty of space to add squat racks should they be required to do so. The only other employee Ive met is co-owner Dee that opens the gym before I wake up. Shes typically working as a trainer at by the time I arrive. Preaching squat depths and hip thrusts. Both are extremely approachable. The place is not some fancy spa or globo gym, however it is always clean and organized. Everybody knows to put the weights and bars back in place. They even have a place to keep your lifting shoes and belt if you dont want to take them home. The best part is they have coffee, good music and plenty of chalk.

Daniel Higgins

Been a member a little over a month and have loved every second of it. This is not a gym that people join dont get stronger. First of all it takes commitment, but if youre willing to put in the work (3x/week), use the occasional coaching session, ask questions, be open and listen to feedback, take care of your body, and so on, you will become stronger. I knew from my first workout at Atlanta Barbell that it was special and that I was going to love exercising there. I decided to completely commit from day one. And you know what? Its working! Only 1 month in and Im already making strides like Ive never made before! Ive gained 7 pounds and added 25 pounds to my squat! In one month! Working out at Atlanta Barbell has become my favorite hobby. I love the facility, the coaches are knowledgeable, friendly, and very helpful, and the community is welcoming and caring. I cant wait to spend many more months getting strong at Atlanta Barbell!

Brett Gaglione

The trainers at this gym are all incredibly nice people and are 100% serious about their craft and your safety. You dont have to get training but if youre a complete beginner like I was, youre definitely gonna want it. I did a package of 4 with Alex and he was excellent. Not everyone at the gym follows the Starting Strength program (and you absolutely wont look weird if you dont) but most did including myself. I enjoyed it for its simplicity, effectiveness, and the ability to visibly see linear gains every time I worked out. Its the first time I actually gained significant progress in weight lifting. The equipment is of extremely high quality as well. Nothing in the Atlanta area compares to the size of this place or its community. Whether youre a complete beginner or veteran training to compete, this is a great place to be.

Brendan Klein

Atlanta Barbell is THE place to go for no-nonsense strength training. It is a very clean, organized, and professional environment that will welcome you with a smile and an open squat rack. This gym is nothing like the "bro" health clubs where people are often found throwing weights around with a rude pretension and grunting as if they are impersonating zoo animals. The sense of community between the members seems to be very strong and welcoming. Upon my first visit I was treated like a regular. It does not matter if you have been lifting weights for 50 years or zero years; the coaches here will turn you into a pipe-swinging, red meat eating beast. Highly recommended. I dont know what the deal is with the one star reviewers. They can go kick rocks, respectively.

Anthony Bond

Ive been lifting at Atlanta Barbell for about 15 months now - needless to say, I think Ive found a "home" that meets my wants and needs for a gym. Ive personally received training from Alex, Dee, and Niki - they have been able to correct longstanding bad habits with my form and training regimen that Ive learned through years of uncoached training. In addition, my wife began lifting for the first time 15 months ago and has also trained with Alex, Dee, and Niki. She has seen steady progress with her form and strength throughout our time here and continues to excel under the watchful eyes of the coaching staff. Their new facility on Sams Street exceeds my expectations of a strength training gym and I look forward to training there for many years to come.