*To preface, this review is my own, and made as a previous member of Socal Powerlifting. As a previous member I retain the right to review my experience on Yelp which is a review-based platform. I was originally an open gym member in 2019. And then a coaches member February 2021-July 2021. My original reasons for leaving in 2019 centered around the rising cost of membership (~100/month for open gym, but blocked out of the 5pm-9pm training window mon-friday. Set to rise in cost at the time that I left), as well as observing that the gym was developing a clique-like environment. In 2021 I returned and signed up for coaching, excited to finally train for a powerlifting meet. To summarize: my coaching experience was 10/10, and I highly recommend Juan Sanchez if you can get coaching from him without signing up for a membership at this gym. The cost was about $230/month with one in person session per month. Now for the reason for my 1 star review. Throughout my training other coaches took it upon themselves to voice their opinions of how I trained (As a first time coached member, I definitely went off program for some fun PRs, which is within my right, although not advisable if you're trying to utilize your coaching at 100%). After months of unsolicited feedback on social media and in person I took to instagram to set a boundary (without mentioning any one's names, or the gym) that my training is my own, and I don't want unsolicited comments or criticism from anyone other than the coach I pay. What resulted from that was every coach and dozens of members flocking to my social media to stalk and harass me for the next few weeks. Within 24 hours I was in communication with the owner Zack Bartell. In the text messages exchanged I asked him to hold his coaches accountable, expressed the effect on my mental health, and made it clear this was inappropriate conduct. His response was victim blaming, and he provided no solutions or promises to put a stop to the harassment from his employees. Within 48 hours I received a cease and desist email/letter from his lawyer's (Melissa G Fulgencio of Uplift Law - who is also a member of the gym) paralegal. In the letter they terminated my membership with no warning on the grounds that by expressing I wanted the coaches at the gym to stop harassment, I was in violation of their contract because it would prevent their coaches from intervening in the event that I was injured at the gym or needed help. But the most infuriating part is that they used the detrimental effect the harassment had on my mental health as being in violation of the contract due to: " While SoCal clearly has within its agreement a clause requiring you to seek competent medical advice for the physically and mentally challenging environment, you have also agreed to and acknowledged that training at SoCal has its inherent risks of physical injuries or other damages. You agreed and affirmed that you do not suffer from any disability that would prevent or limit participation in physical activities at SoCal." At the end of the letter they demanded: "You are hereby notified that SoCal has terminated your membership effective July 9, 2021. In effect, you will not be able to compete at SoCal's upcoming August 7, 2021 Accordingly, SoCal, on behalf of Zack, demands that you: 1. Immediately cease and desist in either initiating or maintaining communications with the employees at SoCal; 2. Refrain from attributing SoCal as a place detrimental to your mental health; and 3. Refrain from attending the SoCal powerlifting meet dated August 7, 2021." *on the matter of then trying to ban me from a USPA meet, I contacted the meet directors who defaulted to the VP and pres, and they upheld my legal right to participate in the meet, due to Zack Bartell and Socal Powerlifting's personal demands not being grounds for me being banned from it. My final statements: 1) SoCal Powerlifting has created an environment without boundaries between staff and members. And in current and present cases where members have not been to the liking of staff, this resulted in harassment. 2) if you have any mental health issues, do not sign up here. Depression, anxiety, ptsd, etc. all of it will be a loophole for them to cancel your membership under their logic if you somehow demand accountability or to not be treated in unfair or negative ways. 3) while the equipment is amazing, and select coaches have amazing knowledge, the risk you take in signing up for a membership is not worth it. Expect to step in to a gym fueled by favoritism, bullying, disregard for anyone who doesn't have a large social media following, and hostility. read more

I started Powerlifting at 24 HR Fitness about a year ago. Using 5x5 StrongLifts as my guide. I moved to the area on June 1st for work and quickly realized the 24 HRs in the area didn't have the equipment i needed. I figured it was time for a change since i probably only used about 25% of the equipment at 24HR. I found SoCal Powerlifting through Google. Found their page and submitted a Contact Us email. The next day i was contacted by Alex and set up a meeting. Alex gave me a tour of the place, gave me a quick run down about the gym and membership. I signed up for 4 assessment workouts with the first being that same day. These guys were ready to get down to business loved it. The gym had every equipment i needed and some that i would later be introduced to during my assessments, I'm looking at you Belt Squat. The gym definitely has enough equipment so there is little to no wait on any equipment. This first assessment was focused on my Squat. Within minutes, Alex was able to identify my flaws and helped me improve on a number of issues with my technique, giving me enough to build on. He definitely knew what he was doing. I was paired up with Juan as my trainer. We quickly scheduled our next three assessments to check on my Bench Press, Deadlift and Squat since he had not seen my Squat. For my second assessment, Juan assessed my Bench press. Due to a past injury (right shoulder), benching has been my toughest workout. I let Juan know and he quickly told me what we could do to help balance/strengthen my shoulder. Once again, within minutes, Juan (just like Alex) was able to spot some ways to improve my technique. (Grip, Form, breathing, etc.). And i truly felt a change. My reps felt stronger, motion felt more fluid, it just felt right. On my third assessment, Juan looked at my Deadlift. One of my favorites and i thought was my best workout. Once again, within minutes, Juan was able to spot issues with my technique and ways to improve. I learned A LOT that day. On my last assessment, Juan wanted to see my Squat since i had done my Squat assessment with Alex. And as if there could not be more, Juan was able to notice the smallest of details. He noticed a slight inward bend in my ankles during my motion. He was quick to address that by having step on small plates and opening my stand a bit (no more than an inch). Sure enough, those were one of the smoothest reps i have ever done. I ended up signing up for a 12 Month commitment with 2 assessments with Juan every month. It should go without saying that i was truly impressed. I started working out with the program Juan created for me. For every workout, i record one rep. This allows me to workout when i want while having him check my progress. And he sure does check. Juan has provided comments and advice for every day i workout. It helps! And If i have a question, i can reach out to him. The gym, the members and the staff create a different vibe than the 24hr gym. I can't explain it now (maybe in a few months) but I know this is what i was looking for. Can't wait to grow stronger with the help of SoCal Powerlifting. Definitely looking forward to my time here. Big shout out to Zack the owner who definitely has my respect for creating this awesome place. And of course Harley the local workout Support Dog and CFO (Chief Furry Officer) read more

SoCal Powerlifting is one of the finest Powerlifting gyms in the western United States, and a shining jewel of the Southern California region. Of the dozens upon dozens of gyms I've visited in my travels, none have left a lasting impression quite like SoCal. I came to SoCal Powerlifting on a weekday to get one last training session in before a Powerlifting meet in 2019. The owner, Zack, and one of their many friendly coaches, Juan, both greeted me and signed me up for a day pass. This gym is fully equipped with top notch equipment, and with a community and atmosphere some gyms could only hope to create. The gym felt upbeat, clean, and it's members seemed driven and very happy to be there. I do believe the gym requires that you work with a coach for membership. However, after getting to know their now head coach, Juan Sanchez, I can confidently say that anyone who walks through those doors looking for an amazing place to train with stellar coaching to back it will be in the best of hands with their extremely sharp, dedicated, and friendly coaching staff. Not only did this gym check off every box for being an amazing facility, but the teams professional and friendly influence extends beyond the doors and into the local Powerlifting scene. There were several SoCal Powerlifting coaches handling lifters at the meet I was competing in, and their professionalism was evident from a mere glance. They looked calm, cool and collected like they had done their job a million times before, which reflected well on their clients demeanor who all seemed dialed in and excited to have a great time because they knew they were in the hands of great coaches. Also, the gym dog is adorable. A couple years later, it is clear from their fast and ever-growing roster, expanded space with new shiny equipment, and clear efforts by their staff to stay on top of their personal and professional growth, that this gym as well as its community have not let off the gas pedal even a little bit. I cannot say enough great things about this gym, and the phenomenal people who make it the icon it truly is. Well done, SoCal Team. The powerlifting world can learn a couple things from you all. read more

This review is longggg overdue! I've been with SoCal Powerlifting for two years now (one year through their online coaching and one year in the gym) and I can't picture my life without it now. As someone who has never fit into any "fitness" atmosphere, I was very intimidated to start powerlifting and get a coach. I was causally lifting with my husband at the time at 24 hour fitness, but I knew I wanted more. And I'm SO happy I found the courage to reach out and hire a coach. My first year through online coaching was amazing (shoutout to coach Alex G.!). No matter who your coach is here, you're in amazing hands. They all are beyond helpful and great at what they do! After all the gym shut downs due to Covid, I decided to make the switch to in-person gym membership. Again, I was very intimidated to come into a gym where it seemed like everyone knew what they were doing and EVERYONE is so strong, like seriously. But yet again, it was one of the best decisions! The equipment at SoCal is a major game changer, there's SO many squat racks/platforms and everything is geared specifically for powerlifting. The community and the atmosphere is amazing and inspiring. I am happy to call this place my second home. I've even started nutrition coaching through SoCal (another shoutout to coach Kimmy!), and it has been beyond helpful! SoCal's memberships are designed to help you stay committed and succeed. And between the superior coaching, great equipment with constant upgrades, and amazing community, I really feel like I am getting my moneys worth. It really is a one stop shop for everything you need to reach your powerlifting goals - and have fun while you're doing it! If you're thinking of getting into powerlifting and you live in OC, this is your place!! You will never meet nicer people and a more welcoming environment. 10/10 recommend. read more

In transitioning out of a commercial gym I wanted to look around and find a more niche training facility offering coaching. I popped in on a workday unannounced and Alyssa was so nice to show me around and answer all of my questions. Being a power-lifting focused gym they had more than enough racks and equipment to use, ample room to navigate around, and love that they play good music. Everyone working out was focused on their lifts, but there was a very positive and friendly vibe as the majority of the people there seemed to know each other. After leaving I returned the same day with my girlfriend to meet with Alex the General Manager to go over their membership packages etc.. Again, Alex was super nice and welcoming and very helpful explaining their coaching style, the different and very affordable membership tiers, and just giving a little more insight about the facility. Alex had set my girlfriend and I up with a few assessment sessions with different coaches. The past week I did 4 sessions with Jaden who is very welcoming and nice (I feel like I'm repeating myself lol), extremely knowledgeable with the lifts, very patient with me, and very helpful as he takes into account any past or current injuries. He started every session showing warm-ups that would help for the day's workout and also exercises I could do to strengthen any weaknesses to help better protect my previously injured areas. He gives very good critique and insight to what I'm doing wrong, how to fix it, and positive reinforcement when I do the lift well. I'm currently waiting for my old gym membership to expire (next week) and very stoked to begin my workouts at SoCal Powerlifting with Jaden's coaching and expertise to help! read more

Tired of chain box gyms? Tired of waiting for equipment? Feel like your training and or physical fitness is not going nowhere? Let SoCal powerlifting be your next gym and train yourself to achieve a new stronger fit you. As soon as I entered the gym I got this vibe from everyone lifting that they are in their just doing work, none of the redundancy that you get at other gyms. You get what you pay for, the coaching, 24/7 access, no bs gym equipment that actually works, the camaraderie with the other lifters management and your coach, and just overall the results that comes from all the hard work your about to put in. People of all ages are welcome, I see old people lifting heavy weights, I see old people lifting light weights, women, and young athletes, all are welcome! Do not be afraid just cause it is a powerlifting gym, all levels of fitness are welcome here. The owner Zach to management down to the coaches are knowledgeable and welcome you to the gym. If you haven't made up your mind yet just by reading this, then I suggest you take a sip of that latté get in your car put on some damn music that will hype you up and come to SoCal powerlifting gym and get lost in the sound of the iron and the weights dropping, the chalk in the air, and that loud mouth smash music thundering through the gym, make you wanna sign up immediately. read more

This is the best damn gym on the planet. A membership gets you 24/7 access, in-person coaching, online coaching, and most importantly a customized program (via the excellent TrueCoach app) made specifically for you to help you achieve your goals. Your coach checks in with you during the week, and you can send them videos of your lifts for feedback. I learned more from Coach Zack and Coach Ciarra in the span of a few sessions than I did during half a year at a regular gym. They helped me train around a shoulder injury and I'm making really good progress. All the coaches here are elite powerlifters so they really know their stuff, and they want you to succeed. The facility is stocked with top-of-the-line Rogue equipment - plenty of benches, racks, and deadlift platforms, so you never need to wait for other people to get your workout done. They also host powerlifting meets, so they even have precisely calibrated plates. The people are incredibly warm and helpful, always willing to give you a spot or some tips to lift better. There's no one curling in the squat rack and everyone reracks their weights. At first I thought it'd be intimidating to be around people lifting 500lbs+, but it turns out everyone is here to better themselves, regardless of how new or experienced they are, and they're cheering you on too. read more

Visited this place in the pre-Covid days. I signed up for an intro assessment at the time and had some good feelings about the place. I did feel though that the whole group was more interested in selling me on a package than really if I was enjoying my experience. The thing is, I previously wrote a review and gave some good feedback and criticisms. One of which was that I spent almost $300 on an intro evaluation and 1 on 1 and they never let me use the gym once to feel it out on my own. The next day the owner called me and questioned why I left that kind of review and asked that I change it. It was my personal assessment and opinion of a first time experience that I'm entitled to. Then I remember that they offer you free merchandise if you write them a good review. Was expecting to at least get a follow up or offer to come check out the gym and I haven't heard back from them since. Ultimately these guys seem to be more interested in maintaining their reputation and marketing rather than on true customer service. So I'm re-writing this review as an honest NO. They could have done so much to make the customer experience better and then expected only a good review. Been to better Powerlifting gyms. read more

I've been a member at SoCal Powerlifting for nearly 6 years, and for 5 of those years I had the privilege of being coached by Tim. He's a phenomenal coach who truly invests in his athletes. He helped develop each of my lifts--squat, bench, and deadlift--with a level of detail and care that made a huge difference in my progress. Under his guidance, I was able to compete at the national level, which speaks volumes about his knowledge and dedication to the sport. Tim is both passionate and supportive, and I genuinely wouldn't be the powerlifter I am today without his guidance from the very beginning. One of the things that truly sets SoCal Powerlifting apart is the sense of community. Over the years, it's become so much more than a gym to me--it's where I found a second family and built some of my closest friendships. Everyone shows up ready to support, encourage, and celebrate each other's progress. That kind of environment is rare, and it's a big part of why this place means so much to me. Joining SoCal Powerlifting is the BEST investment I've ever made. read more

Just wrapped up my one year at SoCal Powerlifting, and this gym deserves all the praise it gets. The gym serves the fitness community right. It is stacked with top of the line ghost combo racks, competition grade plates, and plenty of specialized barbells and bodybuilding equipment for you to experiment with. On top of that, every few weeks, we see older equipment with newer, better ones. Zack (owner) and his crew are phenomenal people, and do everything they can to serve their community. Zack is available all the time to answer your questions immediately, and went out of his way to purchase a piece I asked for. I have had the pleasure of working with Juan, and he is a knowledgeable and easy going coach who puts in the time on your programs. Members are fun, respectful people who make the gym a more enjoyable space to work out from. I don't typically go out of my way to write yelp reviews, but after being part of 5 gyms over the past few years, I'm more than proud to be part of the SoCal Powerlifting community. read more

I literally cannot recommend this place highly enough. "The best gym I've ever trained at" still feels like I'm selling them short. The facility is top notch. Every piece of equipment is in beautiful condition. Most of all, though, the community at SoCal has introduced me to some of the kindest, most encouraging people I've ever met. I think lots of gyms make promises about "family," but these guys are the first to really mean it. When I was nervous and feeling intimidated about being a beginner surrounded by all these really strong lifters, the owner himself made time to sit down with me and listen to my concerns. When my coach and I met for my first assessment session, he took the time to get to know me and gave me the same respect and attention as he'd give a championship athlete. In other words, if you're interested in getting stronger, but you're worried about not being experienced enough or you're unsure if powerlifting is really for you, just give them a try. I swear you won't regret it. read more

I've lived all over the United States and have been a member to a plethora of gyms and I have to say that SoCal Powerlifting gym is by far the best gym I've ever been apart of. The staff are extremely professional and knowledgeable. When I signed up I chose to have a 5 day training regimen with one of their personal trainers named Tim. Tim is what really sold me on this gym. His wealth of knowledge and experience in powerlifting and his high level of professionalism and his natural talent to teach proved to me that SoCal Powerlifting truly cares about giving their clients the highest quality experience they can provide. The atmosphere in the gym is energetic but at the same time calm. You definitely feel like giving your workouts everything you got while you're there. To sum it up, if I were to give SoCal Powerlifting a one word rating it would be quality! read more

I've been training at SoCal Powerlifting for a while now and honestly it's one of the best gym environments I've experienced. The staff and coaches are incredibly welcoming and make everyone feel comfortable no matter your experience level. The atmosphere is super motivating -- you can tell people here genuinely want to see each other improve and hit new personal records. The equipment is top-tier and clearly built for serious training, but the gym still feels approachable and clean. Another huge plus is the parking situation, which is surprisingly easy and stress-free compared to a lot of gyms in the area. I also love that they host competitions and events regularly because it creates a real sense of community and gives members something exciting to work toward. Highly recommend this place if you want a supportive, high-energy lifting environment. read more

"I've been a member of SoCal Powerlifting for only the past month, and I can't say enough about the incredible atmosphere and supportive community. The gym is perfectly equipped for powerlifting, with a variety of platforms, bars, and weights to suit all levels. But what truly sets it apart is the amazing group of people who frequent the early morning sessions. I'm a big fan of the 4:00 AM crowd. It's a dedicated bunch of individuals who are committed to their goals and motivated to push themselves to the limit. Everyone is friendly, encouraging, and always willing to offer advice or spot a lift. It's a truly inspiring environment that has helped me stay consistent and make significant progress in my fitness journey. If you're looking for a supportive and motivating gym with a great community, I highly recommend SoCal Powerlifting." read more

Started with Zack and his team back in June for a month in person and then 5 online with Juan as my coach. To say the results I experienced were positive would be an understatement. The growth I've experienced in both my numbers and myself as a person over the past half a year, has been phenomenal and I cannot thank these guys enough. The team and community Zack has built at SoCal Powerlifting is amazing; it's an environment where everyone wants to see you succeed and everyone does their best to help you reach this success, from the coaches who are always willing to share their knowledge, to all your fellow powerlifters who cheer you on and encourage you to hit those PR's. I've since moved out of the area, but you better believe I'll hit up SCP every time I'm back down in the area. read more

Honestly, words can't even begin to describe how lucky I have been to stumble upon this gym. As a long time commercial gym Powerlifter in Orange County, I struggled to find a good gym that would meet my needs. The facility is always clean, you have every piece of equipment that you need to maximize strength, and what I really love is the community that's been built here. Everyone is very nice and extremely motivated. What's also pretty cool is that everyone here is on a program from one of the 5 coaches who are all top of the line. My coach, Zack, had great communication, was extremely knowledgeable, and was very welcoming. I truly believe if you're an aspiring Powerlifter who lives within driving distance, and you don't come to this gym--you are messing up! 10/10 Gym read more

This review is for the open gym so I can't comment on the coaching. Great, no-nonsense gym. Facilities have basically everything you could possibly want for lifting: kilo plates, competition bars, lots of combo racks, GHR, belt-squat, etc. Everyone is here to lift seriously and progress so it's a good environment if you care about powerlifting. Though, the gym is more oriented to having coaching clients, not necessarily being just a gym. The open gym price is a bit higher than expected and requires you to sign a contract with cancellation fees (comparing to Socal gyms with no contract: Zoo Culture, OC Strength Club, and Boss Barbell). That being said, such well-equipped gyms are few and far between so if that's what they gotta do to stay afloat then so be it. read more

SoCal Powerlifting is hands down the best gym I've ever been to. After years and years of lifting at big commercial gyms, I'm never going back. This place all the equipment you could ask for and I've never waited for a rack to open up to hit my squats, bench, or deadlifts. I started out with just the open gym option, but after lifting their for a few weeks and seeing the amazing community and super strong folks there every day, I decided to sign up for coaching. Coaching has been everything I wanted with a mix of in-person and virtual feedback and programming. Also a shoutout to all of the employees who have been super helpful showing me around, showing me how to use certain equipment, etc. Overall, best gym I've ever been to hands down! read more

I started off with the 3 session assessment with Coach Alex B. The first day, Alex Taught me some squat cues that instantly felt great. After that I knew I needed help in breaking bad habits, improving technique and building strength so I signed up for a year of coaching. So far I'm on week 3 and I'm LOVING it! Every week I'm get feedback on my lifts from Coach Alex B which Is helping me stay consistent and keep making progress. The gym atmosphere is super motivating filled with the best equipment and positive vibes! I love the 24/7 access and never having to wait for a bench or squat rack. I can't wait to see how far I can go this year and for my next meet! Highly recommend if you want to make that commitment to progress! read more