Backyard Barbell

First things First. Backyard barbell is a Powerlifting gym. It is specifically designed for those who are interested in not only learning to power lift but also potentially compete at competitions in the future. So, if you are interested in other aspects of fitness like endurance, cardio, flexibility or mobility, this may not be what you are looking for. Additionally, just like other gyms, they have multiple coaches with different styles. So, your experience may differ depending on who you train with.I joined Backyard barbell in November 2021 and did personal training with Diego for around 9 month with my spouse. We had 2 primary goals. 1) Increase strength with the 3 major compound lifts (Squats, Deadlifts, and Bench press). 2) Do them with correct form and avoid injury.I was certainly able to lift more especially with deadlifts and squats as the program starts at a comfortable point where emphasis is on technique and correct form and gradually more weight is added every week allowing you enough time to recover.I, did, however, start having issues with heavier weight while doing military press, and squats - something I have struggled with in the past and was hoping that a personal trainer will be able to help with. When bringing it up, Diego would question if I was sure it was not just soreness and that I needed to keep exercising. I have been working out for well over a decade and so have a good understanding of how muscle soreness feels compared to a pain resulting from working out. Only when the pain got worse, was I told to stop the related lift entirely and take some days off. This was frustrating as it was one of the reasons I decided to work with a personal trainer.Although, our coach Diego was very flexible with scheduling sessions, he did ask for 24 hours notice when canceling. This was fine except there was no accountability when he had to cancel on us. On one occasion, he did not show up at all and called us after half an hour stating that his phone got discharged. Mistakes happen and we were accommodating. However, after a few weeks, when I was out of town, the same thing happened again where my wife had to drive all the way to they gym and wait 30 mins only to drive back.Our sessions were not even scheduled that early (8 am). So, it was confusing when the reasoning given was that he set the alarm at 9 am instead of 8 am. Why would you set your alarm at the time when you are supposed to meet your clients?Diego apologized profusely for missing the session and wanted to "in good faith" offer us an additional free session. When I asked him how many sessions were remaining (you pay for 5 sessions at a time), he suddenly added the condition of only offering the additional session if we renewed with him. We found this behavior as absolving responsibility and lacking integrity and did not even finish our remaining session.So, while we did derive some benefit and the owner (Chandler) was also extremely responsive whenever we reached out to him, we decided to not continue because of the absence of professionalism and lack of confidence in being able to workout without any serious injuries. It's been more than 3 months, and I am still experiencing issues in my knee caused from performing the squats that were part of the program.Based on all of the above (and a few other things not included here), I will not recommend personal training with Diego at Backyard barbell.

This is THE place to go if you want to improve your lifts and improve as a powerlifter. I started my journey with the owner, Chandler, and he is extremely knowledgeable and fantastic to work with. He will call you out when he needs to and hold you to high standards all in the name of making sure you improve as a lifter. Later I shifted to working with Diego who was equally fantastic to work with. My lifts improved immensely and he worked with me both while I was lifting well and while I had some injuries. Truly knowledgeable and will make sure you are lifting properly and safely. You can't go wrong going here for both general lifting, powerlifting, and personal training.

I walked in today to get some information. The guy behind the desk seemed a little annoyed/ surprised that I would even walk in but they asked what they can help. I started to say that I needed a place to train but I was quickly told that I …

I've been to quite a few gyms in the bay area and across the country and this has been my favorite gym. They have platforms where you can deadlift, and no one is going to give you any trouble, because you put the weights down too hard. You can lift barefoot. You can use chalk, and it's provided. The weights are calibrated. You know how sometimes the weights feel heavier than other days, well at other gyms they are, here they are competition weights. They have chains bands and boxes. They have plenty of squat and bench press areas. The weights are always put away neatly. You won't have to hunt for that 1.25 lb plate because you are just trying to squeeze out a few more gains. There is a leader board and the guys at this gym are strong, because the equipment that is there is designed to get you strong. Before going here I had always been one of the stronger guys at a gym. Well, I'm not even close(though I had injuries before staring here). This is the place to go if you want to train, not be distracted and get some results.

Started in December 2018 with some private training sessions with Chandler. The stuff I've learned in those 3 lessons surpasses anything I've learned in 7 years of lifting. He increased my deadlift PR by nearly 80lbs just by showing me the …

Top notch lifter's gym.

Good gym and awesome people. Been here 3 weeks and can say the following.1) this is a strong gym.2) people are nice and friendly (no mean mugging bullshit)3) chandler is a great coach. He cuts it to you straight, and has made me much stronger and better lifter.4) the other coaches are awesome as well.I am an experienced lifter and found a new home, but if you are a newbie I feel you would feel the same way.

Good gym.

Love this place. Best powerlifting gym in the Bay Area. World class coaching, atmosphere, and culture. All the equipment you need for both heavy lifting and every accessory you could think of. Amazing and supportive members, whether you are …