I've been at NSBC for almost a year now and it's like no other gym I've ever been a part of. After years of going to traditional gyms, I wanted to try something new and had heard great things from a friend. Coach Mike is so welcoming, knowledgeable, and explains and demonstrates each exercise. He listened and took into account my years of back pain, adjusted my workouts as necessary to best support and strengthen my weaker areas, and when my knee started getting cranky, he dialed everything back and gave me exercises that helped relieve the pain. He's never forced me to do anything I wasn't willing to try and never made me feel less than for listening to what my body can or cannot handle. Once he deemed me ready, I joined the crew of lifters. It has been SO empowering to learn new skills, strengthen my body, and push myself in new ways. Beyond that, the community is one of its best features (outside the solid equipment, of course)! I've been asked to help spot strangers, strangers have been asked to help spot me, and no one thinks twice about it because helping each other out is the norm. Someone calls out for help? People head right on over. Trying to push yourself and lift a new PR? Shouts of encouragement ring out through the gym. It's one of the most supportive gym atmospheres I've ever experienced, and that's coming from an introvert that likes to lay low until she figures everything out. This place is pretty awesome, and I'm really glad I found it. read more

I've been into power-lifting with gear now for almost 16-yrs. The Bench Press has always been my lift of choice. I hated squats and really wasn't into deadlifts because of my height those lifts hurt my lower back and knees. Recently I decided I wanted to deadlift in a competition. When I trained by myself I rarely went over 365lbs, if I did it was when no one was watching, I just wasn't comfortable/confident in that lift. I connected with Michael at North State Barbell Club looking for help. In 4-months I went from being scared of trying to deadlifting 405lbs to pulling 500lbs without thinking about it. In a recent competition, I pulled a 540lbs with ease. Now I can't wait until my next meet to see what I can do. Michael is an excellent coach with a lot of knowledge in the sport of powerlifting. What else make this place great is the team atmosphere. It doesn't matter how much you lift, when you walk in you are part of the team. Everyone helps each other to succeed. If you are looking to get stronger, North State Barbell Club is the place to be, come check it out. read more

I started going here with hardly any experience in strength training but knew I needed it to develop further for sports I was pursuing. The coach here has an incredible depth of knowledge for incorporating strength training into a mulititide of different applications whether for sport, for general health, or working around past injuries, he does it all. You will not find a gym with the specialist equipment to improve strength or reduce the risk for injury while training, or coach that cares for what he does anywhere else. He will do whatever it takes to help you improve in pretty much whatever it is you are looking for and you will see the progress happen faster here than any other programming. You will do more than just get a workout here, after spending time here you will also be learning in depth about the history and the people that have helped to create the conjugate strength training method into what it is now and how adaptable it is for anyone. read more

Coach Mike is an extremely knowledgeable trainer. Whether you're a strength athlete, a cyclist or mixed martial artist looking to build strength training into your training program, a first responder, a weekend warrior looking to develop overall strength and conditioning, or someone just getting back into the weight training, Coach Mike can help you reach your goals. Added bonus: The place has the most welcoming vibe I've ever experienced in a gym. While everyone is there to lift and get stronger, NSB is literally like Cheers in a gym. While it's easy to be intimidated when you walk into a new gym, everyone at Northstate Barbell is welcoming and friendly. Whether it be to answer a question, let you work in on a piece of equipment, or spot you during a lift, everyone there supports and encourages everyone else on their fitness journey. I highly recommend Northstate Barbell to anyone looking for a friendly, no-nonsense, gym. read more

I've been a member of this gym for several years. Best place to strength train in Northern California. The place is clean and equipped with plenty of specialty items that are great in targeting specific muscle groups or building certain strengths. The owner, Michael, is second to none. His experience and expertise are priceless. He's fantastic at not only getting people strong, but I've personally watched him rehab people after major injuries and years of constant pain. The members are respectful and kind, and always willing to help or provide another perspective. I've competed in bodybuilding and powerlifting under his guidance, as well as just trying to stay fit for my day to day. Go find it on instagram @northstatebarbell read more

I joined North State Barbell in November 2021 with very minimal powerlifting experience, but my form was not good whatsoever. Coach Mike worked with me to build me up strength wise, to make sure that once I started lifting weights with a barbell again, that I was ready and had good form down. In March 2022, I lifted weights with a barbell for the first time in a long time, but with better form than before, and it's only gone up from there! Mike is such a great coach, and the community at NSBB is amazing! North State is the best gym in NorCal, and I highly recommend anyone wanting to get stronger to join the North State Barbell family! read more

I've been working out at NSBBC for several years now and couldn't be happier! Coach Michael is incredibly knowledgeable and has helped me a lot building my strength and body. You get some serious personal training advice for a much more affordable rate than other gyms, and it's such an encouraging and supporting atmosphere here. Everyone is welcome and helps each other out, and one of my favorite things is that I can bring my dogs occasionally! I highly recommend this gym! read more

Member since 2018. If you're looking for a legitimate strength and conditioning gym in Chico then this is your gym. Michael's knowledge and coaching experience help make NSBBC a great place to train. The equipment, incredible programming and all of the other great members help contribute to create a great environment that cannot be matched at any other gym in Chico. read more

This is hands down the best gym I've been to in Chico and I've tried most of them. If your looking for real results this is the place for you. Knowledgeable and effective training that will get you the results that your looking for. Also a great group of people! It doesn't matter if your a complete beginner or a advanced athlete you'll feel at home here. read more

This is the place to go for special strengths and conditioning. The coach is top-notch, with multiple certifications in Conjugate-style training. The equipment is performance-based to make you stronger, faster, and better conditioned. Cooperative atmosphere with great members. This is THE place for serious lifters in Butte County. read more

Definitely glad I found this place. If you are serious about improving your fitness, whether powerlifting, athletics, physic, etc this is the place. No glitter, no mirrors, just weights and tons of expertise and help. Everyone has great attitude and willing to help at all levels. Michael treats everyone like family. Highly recommend. read more

I have been going to this gym since 2018 after losing my home, my town and my gym to the Camp Fire. And let me tell you, the gym and Coach Michael really got me through some hard times. I highly recommend this gym. Michael is a great coach and his programming is unbeatable. He will help you gain whatever athletic goal you have! read more

Coach Mike is knowledgeable and supportive no matter your goal. This gym is hands down the best place to strength train in Chico. Northstate Barbell has equipment you cannot find in other gyms. Reasonable prices and a great atmosphere for any level of experience in strength training. read more

Hands down the best gym in Chico! no gym bros fist bumping. No lame ass chicks taking butt pictures in the mirror. Just a great gym, with friendly members, that are always happy to hand off, or spot you. Nothing compares in Chico if your looking for a chill place with great equipment. read more

Amazing place to be strong and forget about work for a few hours. This community of athletes is so contagious you'll be hitting your PRs in no time. Lead by coach Mike who has been a leader to all athletes here at NSBB! It's very welcoming. Check this place out. read more

I'm so glad I found NSBB. It's a great place for anyone, at any level. Michael makes everyone feel welcomed. His level of knowledge is unbeatable. If you're lookimg for real results, give it a try, you won't regret it! read more

North State Barbell is the best gym in Chico. I can't imagine training anywhere else. Coach Micheal is very knowledgeable and preaches a team atmosphere in the gym. read more