Powerlifting Pilgrimidge
I’m sitting in the Dayton International Airport terminal after a day of traveling around the greater Cincinnati/Columbus Ohio area. I was in town for work, fortunatley i finished at 2pm, so i had 5 hours before my plane leaves to go back to Atlanta. I took advantage of this opportunity and ventured off to visit EliteFTS and Westside-barbell. As far as I am concerned, westside is the Mecca of Powerlifting.
First stop was EliteFTS in London, OH. I had the address from the website, but from what i understand this is just the offices, the gym is in another location. No matter, the offices still deserve a visit. This place is in the middle of miles and miles of farm land. Kind of earie actually.
EliteFTS
Next stop is Westside-Barbell in Columbus, OH. Actually, before I got to the gym, the only address i had from the site was actually to Louie’s house. Nice digs man! The next address i got online ended up being some tatoo shop/sex shop. Classy. Finally, third times a charm, i found it. Not easy to find for a non-member. No street signs, no sign on the building, just tinted windows, a door and a large garage door. I struck a pose.
I was ready to pack up and head to the airport, but Scott metioned that Lexen Extreme Sports Training was also in the area, Chuck V. trains there! So i found the address on the blackberry and headed down 71S.
This place was also very very had to find. I’m starting to notice a trend here. Heres the front, also spotted some flipping tires in the parking lot.
i got some tires, lets flip'em
Saturday afternoon is not powerlifting time, so i didn’t see a soul at any of these places. Doesn’t matter, I just wanted to see them for my own eyes. After lexen, i hauled ass down 70E to Dayton. Unfortunatley, i’m still sitting at the airport because my flight has been delayed an hour(so far).
Thats it, i came and i saw. Would’ve liked to meet some other brothers of iron, but I’m glad just to have seen the establishment that crafted so many talented lifters.
Anyways, dynamic bench tomorrow and Me squat monday….as long as i get out of this fucking airport!
Found your blog thanks to the EliteFTS Q&A post. Very cool that you stalked all of the powerlifting spots around Columbus. When I first learned that the legendary Westside was not far from where I live, I was amazed how nondescript the place was. I lift at Lexen, none of these places are easy to find. BTW, your pic of Lexen is the old entrance, which is now occupied by some sort of machine shop. The gym is now behind that big brown garage door, with the entrance just to the left of it. You got the sign though, that’s all that counts. Surprised you didn’t stumble upon someone at the gym though, there’s some personal training going on Sunday afternoons usually.