Austin Barbell Club (South) - We are Weightlifting

ABC is not only an awesome gym to workout in, but a great community as well. I had no prior experience with Olympic weightlifting before, but Coach Rob has a series of introductory one on one classes to learn the basics and set you up for success in the group classes. The defined program is easy to follow but progressively challenging - it’s very satisfying to see your progress over the weeks! The coaches really emphasize correct form, which has been such a welcome change from other gyms I’ve tried. This has meant no injuries and just increasingly getting stronger and more flexible! The group classes have been such a great way to make new friends and get very constructive feedback from the experience coaches to keep improving. Would highly recommend!

Update Sept 2023:

I am at the beginning of my fourth year with ABB. In the past 3 years the club (and I) have continued to grow and become stronger. We have more, very talented, coaches now and 2 amazing places to train. Our medal wall continues to shine! Personally I have hit a lifetime best in the snatch and qualified for American Open finals. I am a confident competitor now and feel I can trust my form most days yet there are always improvements to be made. Just yesterday I got some new coaching on my elbow positioning at the end of my snatch pull that made an immediate difference in the stability of my receiving position. Things like that keep the sport endlessly interesting.

I still don't really worry too much about the numbers on the bar and just try to improve my process consistently. As a masters athlete I appreciate the thoughtful programming and hope to compete into actual old age.

As far as community, these people are family. I am so proud of the young people I have watched grow up and go away to college, even one on a weightlifting scholarship. I look up to my coaches and trust them. I even have some athletes ahead of me on the timeline of life that remind me what is possible. ABB continues to be an important part of my life and health, an excellent way to spend my time and money.

September 2021:

I have been at Austin Barbell a little over a year, I had just moved to Austin last summer and was looking to do something good for myself to help balance the stress of working in healthcare and living in a new city 2020 style. The intro lessons were my birthday present to myself, a simple decision lead to more benefits than I could have imagined.

Initially, I was concerned about changing how my body looked and building strength but that changed a lot as I fell in love with the sport and became part of the community. I never would have thought I would compete but after watching my teammates challenge themselves at a local meet I was truly inspired to give it my all and grow as much as possible.

Since then I have competed twice, and made major progress with my technique, power and mental toughness under pressure. Each week I get a customized training program and work to get myself in 3-4 sessions that last approx 2 hours. The coaching staff gives careful and precise feedback as needed. We even have a sauna to use for recovery!

Other important things to know, coach Rob is not a good salesman. In fact, money is far from his first, second or third priority. He is careful to prioritize the well-being of the team and emphasized this when I was was initially attempting to join. I was a little surprised by that, but as time goes on I understand the value of choosing athletes, beginner or advanced (some even world class) that will maintain and elevate the supportive and positive environment at ABB. I have benefited immensely from being part of this team and feel that I have a really wonderful tribe of people who work hard and encourage me to be at my best day in and day out. We love our grind:)

Love the Austin Barbell Club! I train remotely at ABB and the staff and members are always so welcoming and knowledgeable. While it’s not to biggest space, it is utilized well. There is always a space whether you are training by yourself or if you are sharing a platform with someone else.

Highly recommend Austin Barbell Club whether you are looking for a home gym or simply somewhere to drop into while you are in Austin!

Update: I have now been an athlete here for 1.5 years and in that time I have surpassed all of my old PR's (pre-surgery), won a state medal, qualified for national competitions, and gained some best friends for life. Rob is a total class act and goes above and beyond to make sure you thrive here. The gym also is constantly growing and there's a coaching style for every athlete. I have trained at several Olympic lifting clubs around the country over my 7-year career and Austin Barbell is by far the best one in terms of programming, coaching, culture, equipment, and communication.

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The very best Olympic Weightlifting gym I have ever been to! I have been competing for over 5 years and can honestly say Austin Barbell combines elite training equipment with world-class coaching and somehow manages to make it feel like your second family. Coaches Rob and Christine give you access to a wide variety of coaching styles to push you just the right amount. If I ever leave Austin, this will undoubtedly be my hardest goodbye:)

This place is awesome for olympic weightlifting! The people there are great. Plenty of space and weights. Will definitely go again

I would move here just for this gym! Welcoming environment, incredible energy, and amazing coaches. I watched the coach provide the perfect amount of feedback and attention to each athlete. Truly passionate about his craft. Go to this gym if you are looking for an amazing atmosphere to put work in! You will be glad you did!

Awesome space, and super friendly technical coaches and welcoming community. I love working out and learning weightlifting there!

This is the best Olympic Weightlifting gym in Austin, and maybe even the State of Texas. Coach Ronan is great guy and a committed, knowledgeable, Coach. You'll will find equipment that not many other gyms in America have. You'll be programmed and taught techniques used by the best weightlifters in the world. Most importantly, you'll be well taken care of.