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 :)

Austin Barbell is a fantastic place for beginners and experienced athletes alike.As a rugby player, I had absolutely no background in lifting before coming here. Coach Rob and Coach Renee helped me form a fantastic foundation for mobility and strength, and I can see the benefits in my body and mind as well as my rugby performance in just the couple of months I have been here. Even through COVID, they provide safe and consistent training and communication, helping you to make adjustments for your body and needs. I have especially loved the environment, as the diverse backgrounds of the athletes and the large number of women weightlifters of all ages and sizes surprised and encouraged me. Our informal “Ladies Night” on Tuesdays has become such a welcome community, and I know that no matter what, I am always welcome here! 10/10

I was with Austin Barbell for a little under a year. Initially, I thought the coaching was great. However, a good coach isnt just about results.The culture of the gym lacked a lot of professionalism. As a woman and woman of color, Coach Rob and his assistant coaches made it super uncomfortable for me - and other female athletes.

Ive been going to ABB for the past six months and have truly enjoyed the experience. Not only have I gotten stronger and learned to lift with proper technique, Ive made a lot of great friends and consider the other members of the gym like a second family. Everyone is very supportive of one another and it makes for an awesome environment to lift in. Its normal for a group of us to go out and grab dinner and drinks after a Friday session or some brunch after a Sunday morning session. Rob, Renee and Oleg do a great job of making sure youre lifting correctly and provide you with the opportunity to reach your full potential as long as you are willing to put in the work. I even had a chance to compete in my first meet and hope to compete in more in the future. As long as you come in with a good attitude and a desire to lift, this a great gym to be a member of. I couldnt recommend it more.

Very welcoming to new athletes. I joined the club in May of 2021 with zero weightlifting experience, and by August I had gone 6/6 in my first meet. Coaches Rob and Renee were always very responsive and closely engaged with how every athlete was progressing. I feel incredibly lucky to be able to call ABB my first weightlifting home gym, and I’ll definitely be missing their energy as I take my talents to the DFW metroplex.

Had come to this gym a couple of years ago for a Chinese Weightlifting seminar and recently came back to Austin for a girls weekend that of course had to include some 1:1 oly lifting training! Coach Rob and Renee were great- just wish I had a gym like this in my area. Will definitely be back for more lessons the next time I am back in Austin.

Austin Barbell is a safe, supportive and professional environment to learn Olympic weightlifting. The coaches are exceptional; they are calm, clear communicators with amazing attention to detail. I’ve learned so much from them, and my fellow athletes. Recently, we competed at a local meet and I could not have been more impressed with the preparation and support provided to everyone who competed - from both coaches and other ABB athletes. Rob has managed to create an incredible culture at the gym where people are encouraged to be serious about the sport while also having fun and being silly. Very highly recommend and so glad I joined!!!

Rob at Austin Barbell is incredibly helpful! I was looking for a large quantity of weights for a project and while Rob himself couldnt help, he listened to my needs and successfully put me in touch with Dom at Texas Garage Gym Builders. The project was delivered on time, a quick turnaround from first speaking to Rob on Thursday evening and Dom delivering the finished product first thing Monday morning.I had a great experience with both Rob and Dom. They couldnt have been friendlier or better communicators. I would recommend working with them to anyone, and now I have some solid contacts for heavy metal in Austin!

I found out about Austin Barbell through social media and a friend. I saw videos of the athletes and thought “wow, I want to have that technique too!” I was bit hesitant at first because I had been training under a different gym and coach and had to take 7 months off due to health issues and injuries. But I decided to give it a shot. After 7 months off, I started training at Austin Barbell in January 2021. I immediately knew this is where i want to be! The progress Coach Rob and the coaches have helped me make in such a short amount of time is amazing. I wasn’t sure if it would work out for me to train there, since i live an hour away... but it is SO worth it. Coach Rob strategically helped prepare me for a competition in March, where i got a gold medal, PR’d, qualified for youth nationals, and qualified for the north american open series. Even despite my health issues, the coaches have been very understanding and they’ve modified it for me when i needed it. I’ve never felt stronger and seeing my technique now vs january is incredible for such a short time period. The gym atmosphere and encouragement from the coaches and teammates is amazing as well. I can’t wait to progress further and see where this takes me!

Austin Barbell is the best around. I am learning so much and seeing improvements each day. I love the technique and encouragement from Coach Ronan and Coach Ma. They say its about getting 1% better each day and that keeps me reaching for greatness. I am so grateful that Austin Barbell was recommended to me. The best part is they actually care about you as a person and I love that!

After stopping by for a private session with Head Coach ma and Ronan, I was thoroughly impressed by the coaching staffs knowledge and their unique approach in teaching the Chinese Weightlifting style. The teaching methods used by Coach Ma are easy to pick up and with his experience in working with National and Olympic lifters it is very easy to improve here under his watchful eye. The brand new layout of the gym and top of the line equipment replicates a proper Olympic Weightlifting training hall in China, which was well worth the drive from Dallas.

Engaging and friendly staff. All equipment is clean, orderly and all members follow sanitary guidelines after theyre done using equipment. Great place to get in a serious workout

Coach Rob and Austin Barbell was recomended to me by my Coach who is already following their individualized programing for weightlifting too. In the short time that I have been working Coach Rob I have already felt such a huge improvement in movement, bar path and confidence in the sport. Im based in Johannesburg South Africa, in spite of a big time difference my experience working with Austin Barbell has been extremely positive. Very efficient with attention to detail, I have a smart program designed specifically for my goals inmind. I would definitely recommend Rob and his Team to any athlete that wants to take their weightlifting to the next level!

I trained with Austin Barbell under Coach Rob for two months this summer. I had no previous experience with the sport but the team was very welcoming and encouraging. I received plenty of personal attention and instruction and was able to develop my technique to a point past where I expected I would be. I look forward to training with the team when Im back in Austin!

I joined this gym mainly for the coaching of Coach Ma, who was amazing, but now coaches at RAWW Barbell.However, after being part of the gym for a few months, Ive realized that Coach Rob (the owner) has been regularly deleting negative reviews about the gym on Google Reviews and painted a false image of his gym.Rob doesnt particularly care about you as a member or athlete. Youll find that your personalized training is the same as everyone elses that is sent on on a Google Sheet every week.Youll be pushed to compete regardless of whether youre ready or interested, so that youll buy his $200 lifting belt, $200 singlet, $200 lifting shoes, and other various knock off ZKC equipment. All of which can be found on alibaba or aliexpress (cheap to produce and sold back to you for 10x the cost).On top of that, Rob is a terrible member of the Austin Weightlifting community as he consistently disparages other gyms in the area, criticizing their coaches and training styles.Look elsewhere if you want to a part of a weightlifting gym. There is no reason to be a part of this terrible community.

I have been training at Austin Barbell with Rob and the team for a couple of months now and it has been nothing but amazing. From the level of coaching to the feeling of community all the lifters show. If you want to lift in a place that is no BS and focused on making you a better athlete this is for sure the place! Rob recently coached me in a meet and it was such a great experience. I highly recommend it.

I have only been with Austin Barbell for a month and have already seen tremendous improvements in this short amount of time. Rob is very knowledgeable and provides leadership with positive guidance. Rob’s approach of effective communication with purpose and direction is something I really appreciate and looked for. I am so happy to have found this gym and community.

My journey with Austin Barbell has been phenomenal! I came into this sport with no prior knowledge but that hasnt been a barrier to my experience. I have been supported and encouraged by this community and Coach to not only learn the fundamental skills but to have the confidence to go to competition within two months of my initial training.I am excited to continue this journey with Austin Barbell!

I looking for a gym and a coach and fell in love when I first started at this location. Right after lifting in State I had some personal stuff happen and had to take a month to deal with it. I Communicated and let this coach know. Then Covid happen, I didn’t have a place to put equipment in my 4th floor apartment so didn’t feel like I should continue to pay for a membership without training.. also was scared for my income during this time. So he kicked me out without even having a conversation with me about it. (this is my perception because again he never cared enough to talk to me about me coming back to training he just deleted me off of the team.. and in a way embarrassed me in front of the other members)I was new to Austin, and considered this gym family. But then I was treated like This and realized he isn’t truly invested in me as an athlete or my success in this sport.I wish I would had at least been worth a conversation before getting treated the way I did. I thought Austin Barbell was really great and stood for a lot, but You always remember how someone treats you, and this is how I remember this coach and Austin Barbell.

I love this gym and I am so grateful for Coach Rob and all of his help. He focuses on the small details to improve olympic lifts. When I leave class am excited for the next class, very motivating! And the other students are so friendly and welcoming.

Ronin of Austin Barbell was absolutely fantastic to work with, with my purchase of my ZKC barbell. He was incredibly detailed and attentive with the shipping and delivery process. If Im ever in the area, I definitely plan to drop in to lift with is crew!

I had a great learning experience at Austin Barbell during their recent Snatch Clinic. Even the tiniest little corrections the coaches provided has already improved my lift. I can’t thank them enough for the technique and knowledge they’ve provided me and I will definitely attend future clinics!

As a strength and conditioning coach in professional sport, I always look to better my own lifting abilities and keep up with what I put my athletes through. Rob and his team at Austin Barbell were the first and only weightlifting club that I would work with in Austin! The level of professionalism and quality of coaching in standout in Texas and it shows by the energy of the club and it’s athletes in a great facility. Keep up the great work guys!!

I came from Dallas and went to Austin Barbell for the first time for their snatch clinic on 09/21/2019. I was so impressed with everything! From the moment I walked in I was welcomed and made to feel at home! The coaches all took a genuine interest in each of the athletes and despite it only being a 2 hour class, they covered so much information and made sure we as athletes understood each piece. They provided plenty of opportunity for questions. I have a background in Strongman and a list of injuries that effect my hip mobility but the coaches worked with me to ensure I learned each piece of the movement correctly and safely. I would highly recommend Austin Barbell and their staff! I cant wait to make another trip down again whether for 1x1, clinic, or group class!

Awesome environment and great coaches. Also, super professional and diligent with sanitation protocols!

Wonderful customer service. Worked with me every step of the way to make sure my comp bar arrived exactly as expected. Highly recommend!

Great club for those looking to train in a serious yet friendly environment. Some athletes compete, some look to stay in shape, and others do it for the fun of it. Theres a broad spectrum of people here but its all around humble, down to earth, and no BS. We love what we do, and thats Olympic Lifting! While the distance may be far (I drive from downtown Austin), I believe it is worth it. Traveled with this team to partake in my first weightlifting meet where we all saw much success. Cant say enough about this place, if you love to lift and are serious about improvement come check it out.

I absolutely love this barbell club! Coming from a Crossfit background, I was looking to get into a more competitive Olympic lifting environment and dial my technique in properly. I have been more than thankful for finding this gym and these people. Clean gym, amazing people, fantastic coaches who are well versed and experienced...I couldn’t ask for me. Definitely recommend for anyone from the weekend warrior, to beginners, to competitive athletes! You can’t go wrong :)

I had such a wonderful private coaching experience at Austin Barbell! I came in looking for some help to better shape my power clean and jerk for another sport and they were so much help and so much fun to work with! Once I’m finished training for my current competition I look forward to going back for their weekend classes and getting to lift with this crew more often! It’s always a good time at Austin barbell no matter what your experience level is. I’m so happy they are in the Austin area.

Coach Rob is an amazing coach! He is very thorough and patient. If you are ready to be coached- Rob is the guy to see. I’ve been Oly lifting a long while and have tried many different methods, and was most interested by his Chinese methodology teachings as it is rare to find anyone who teaches the Chinese method. Needless to say, the Chinese method has been working great for me. Not only that, Coach Rob is a leader by example- he flies to China every year to study their method and learn from the Olympians in China. He is a very straight forward kind of guy and can appreciate all of his feedback. I highly recommend Coach Rob- as a coach myself, I truly believe he embodies all aspects a specialist should have and Cares most importantly about YOU and helping you achieve you goals. Go check out his classes!

Coach Ronan and the Austin Barbell team are amazing. Nothing but supportive and helpful with training and movements. I came into Austin Barbell with a background as a competitive swimmer with no prior knowledge of Olympic lifting. Within a few short weeks, I was seeing results and felt comfortable doing each exercise with good technique. I can’t recommend Austin Barbell enough. :)

Attended Split Jerk Clinic this weekend. Fantastic experience as both a coach and an athlete. Very well run. Excellent learning experience and friendly staff. We will be back!

It has been wonderful having the opportunity to train at Austin Barbell. I was originally taking a few private sessions to work on the clean and jerk for to help advance my skill to use in Strongman. Coach Ronan has helped me tremendously by breakdown the movements to learn the correct way to perform the clean and jerk. If you have any desire to learn tradition Olympic weightlifting, then this is the place to do it. The coaches are knowledgeable and caring.

Visiting Austin and need a gym to train- must come to Austin Barbell!Coach Rob was super helpful and promptly replied to all my questions!All the lifters were friendly, made me feel like I was at home, and top notch training equipment!TL:DR- A lifters dream home away from home with awesome folks and an awesome atmosphere!

Excellent gym in South AUSTIN for those wanting to learn proper Olympic weightlifting. Extremely knowledgeable coaches who put together excellent thought out training programs. Highly recommend!

I have been training with Austin Barbell for almost 3 months and have loved every moment of it! The team is positive and welcoming. The coaches are very knowledgeable, give constructive feedback and easy to follow cues. I think anyone could benefit from training with this club- no matter your experience, skill level or age. One commonality is everyones support for one another and desire to get better!

Great training facility! The gym is clean, the other lifters are friendly, and theyre always playing great tunes. The coaching is wonderful, Ive been going for a few months and have seen huge improvements in all my lifts. My overall health has really improved and I owe it to the support and determination of this gym!

This place has:*Great equipment* Clean, well organized facility* Knowledgeable coaching staff* A welcoming community of athletes* and on Sundays you can train with a Belarusian Olympian.* A/C in the summerPretty much everything you need. I love it.

Great experience. Everyone from coaches to athletes were incredibly friendly. Training session was awesome.

High quality coaching and constant feedback both positive and constructive! Which, if youve been to WL gyms before, is a breath of fresh air. Also, air conditioning.

Excellent customer service and prompt shipping!! Rob brings his athletes to our meets and is very supportive of other local businesses and gyms. 10/10 for a weightlifting gym in Austin, TX.

Rob has been an amazing coach, I have been training with him for 5 months. When I first met him and explained my goals he was very confident in saying, We can reach those goals. To this day I have not been disappointed. Not only am I getting closer to my weightlifting goals, but I am getting stronger!

Very awesome people! I learned so much and I am excited to try out another clinic! I might have a new sport. :)

I recently moved to Texas from Canada and was looking for a new barbell club. Austin barbell is exactly what I need. The coaches are very knowledgeable, attentive and caring. All the athletes are nice and welcoming. The club has everything an olympic weightlifter can dream of ❤️ Come visit my new home 🥰

Coach Rob is awesome! He is extremely knowledgeable about olympic weightlifting and backs up his coaching cues with easy to understand information and specific examples regarding technique. I really like that he works with athletes of all skill levels and backgrounds. The entire Austin Barbell team is very friendly, open and communicative...within ONE session, you feel like a part of the group. I look forward to every class now!

Had the introductory two hour session with Coach Ronan and Oleg. Learnt a huge about in the two one hour sessions. I’m over 50 with ‘at the computer all day’ mobility challenges, but the coaches took that in their stride. Professional, passionate and really interested in the individual. Great facility with excellent equipment. Cannot wait until I’m back in Austin to train there again! Whatever skill level you’re at with Olympic Weightlifting you will get something out of training at Austin Barbell!

Austin Barbell is an awesome place to learn and train Olympic weightlifting. Coach Rob showed me how to make slight corrections to my technique that had been keeping me from reaching my weightlifting goals. I highly recommend trying it out whether you are a beginner or a highly trained athlete.

Austin Barbell has a great team atmosphere with great coaching. I have learned a lot during my time at the gym. If you are interested in getting into Olympic lifting or have previous experience, this is a great place to be!

Absolutely love this club! As someone who transitioned from CrossFit to weightlifting AND also attempted on-line programming/coaching I can honestly say Ive finally found my home. Knowledgeable coaching, a positive environment and athletes who are committed to learning and improving their weightlifting skills.

Since moving from California it has taken more research and literal going into Clubs, Boxes, and Facilities to find the level of coaching commitment and skill I was looking for.The Coach’s Rob & Coach Rene are sterling reflections of dedication, excellence, and precise technique to the sport of Olympic Weightlifting.Each Athletes program is individually planned each week by coach Rob to focus on each Athletes personal goals and development in sport excellence.They are creating a culture of champion training practices in this camp that I wanted to be a part of!After only 5 weeks of training under their directionI competed in my first meet ever gaining my entrance into American Open 3 and qualifying for State Championships!!!I have several personal goals that would challenge anyone -and my Coach’s just continue to point, que, and lead me in the direction of my dreams. I know it is never up to my Coach to make my dreams come true -that is on me —But in no way can ANY Athlete ever attain greatness without a Coach. In this case I am surrounded by Coach’s that believe the best in each Athlete and bring fresh enthusiasm for every training session.i am so BLESSED to be a part of this camp!!Lastly, the Team Spirit within the club builds upon each other - everyone is rooting for the best in each other - when one successfully completes a lift there is space created for another to do the same! It is unparalleled—“the place to be” if Olympic Lifting is what your after.

I love this place. Great environment, coaches, and people. I have become stronger and have improved my technique.

Coach Rob has helped me immensely after only 2 classes. He has trained and coached all of the world and really knows his stuff! I’ve been so frustrated with my Oly lifts recently, so I’m so relieved to have Austin Barbell up and running!! Highly recommend!!

I joined ABB after learning to lift in a cross training gym. I had learned to muscle the weight up, but not efficiently or with perfect form. The coaches at ABB are extremely attentive. The Chinese style focuses on rhythm, speed, form, and efficiency. Austin Barbell is hands down the best training in town for learning the basics, breaking through a plateau, or competing. The classes are small, the gym is well equipped (with A/C!) and the team is very supportive. Drop in and try it out!

In the time Ive been with Austin Barbell, Ive benefited from an increase in strength, energy, and speed. The Austin Barbell coaching team is extremely versed in olympic lifting. Programming is unique and created to address issues as they arise. They are able to pin point small errors, which once corrected, make a big impact on the lift. I can not express how grateful I am for the relentless diligence and passion Austin Barbell has for their athletes. Join us!

Knowledgeable coach, top-notch equipment. This is a great spot to train.

My order came in fast and very satisfied with the quality of the products.

Ordered the wrist wraps and straps for delivery to Canada and great products!

Great community, great environment to learn- @coachdjay

I met Robert in China, such a good coach, he has been traveling to China few times, always listening what the coaches said, and if you want to learn Chinese weightlifting from Austin USA, he is the best.

Such an awesome experience, friendly environment, and very knowledgeable coach Ronan!

Beautiful facility and incredible coaching!!! I can’t wait to go back!!

Would highly recommend and plan to go back!

A great barbell club! I have been olympic weightlifting for about 4 years at the time of this review and have been training with ABC for around six months now but have known the head coach for around 2 years. What I have come to learn about the coaching and training program is that it is very well thought out and focused on your progress as an athlete, no matter where you are in your training. The coaching here is great and they have a real passion for olympic weightlifting. They have taken the time to learn the fundamentals as well as the advanced techniques involved with olympic weightlifting to teach you proper lifting technique, no shooting from the hip at ABC. Not to mention I have seen many gyms in Texas and the Austin area and have to say this has some of the best training equipment around, clean and well maintained. If you are in town on business and need a place to train or want to learn/get better at olympic weightlifting, this place is great! It has a great competitors program for the enthusiast.

I have learned so much in such a short amount of time. If youre really interested in the sport of Olympic Weightlifting, this is the place to be!!

I have known coach Rob Ronan for almost 2 years now, he is extremely knowledgeable in weightlifting technique, training, and programming. If you’re looking for a place to Learn and train in Olympic weightlifting, in the Austin area, Austin Barbell should be your choice.

Great coaches & great facility, had a blast