A LEGACY OF
KNOWLEDGE
& POWER
KNOWLEDGE
& POWER
the culture of westside barbell
Westside Barbell is an invitation only training laboratory where only the strongest of mind and body survive. Our goal is simple. To become the best and push every boundary known to man in doing so.
The lineage and achievements of all Westside Barbell athletes who have walked through our chalky doors is of legends. Our gym has broke over 140 world records, won olympic gold, heavyweight world championships, to name but a few of our achievements.
Our education is based on theoretical research and is backed by practical application. We only write about what works, not what might work or what doesn't work. We believe that training information should filter down from the athletes at the the top rather than spew out from the keyboard hero's at the bottom.
Often Imitated
Always Irritated
Westside Barbell is an invitation only training laboratory where only the strongest of mind and body survive. Our goal is simple. To become the best and push every boundary known to man in doing so.
The lineage and achievements of all Westside Barbell athletes who have walked through our chalky doors is of legends. Our gym has broke over 140 world records, won olympic gold, heavyweight world championships, to name but a few of our achievements.
Our education is based on theoretical research and is backed by practical application. We only write about what works, not what might work or what doesn't work. We believe that training information should filter down from the athletes at the the top rather than spew out from the keyboard hero's at the bottom.
Often Imitated
Always Irritated
defined by decades of
Hard work
Commitment
& Sacrifice
Westside Barbell
Culture
This gym is not for the timid nor is it for those seeking fame. You must earn your membership through blood, sweat and other peoples tears. Your are held accountable for every word that you say and at any time you must be willing to back it up verbally or physically.
Meet Our Staff & Coaches
The Story Of
WESTSIDE
BARBELL
Westside Barbell was created by world-renowned power lifter
Louie Simmons
Louie is one of only 5 lifters to total Elite in 5 different powerlifting weight classes. He has been a top 10 lifter for 30 years and for the last 37 years Louie Simmons has totaled Elite in various power-lifting organizations. He is one of two lifters over 50 years of age to squat 920 pounds, bench 600 pounds and dead lift 722 pounds and total 2100 pounds, and was ranked 4th nationally in 2000 in the open. Over the many years that Louie has been involved in powerlifting and special strength training, he has gained a vast amount of knowledge on how to produce strength.
Learn From Louie
Through experience and constant, relentless research, his areas of expertise are vast and include but are not limited to the list below;
- The Percent Training Method
- The Conjugate Training Method
- The Dynamic Training Method
- The Maximum Effort Method
- Lifting Technique
- Raising Work Capacity
- Rehabilitation And Restoration
- The Reactive And Contrast Methods
- Special Strength Development
Knowledge
Conjugate for Athletes: Combined Dynamic Effort
The combined dynamic effort training day is a modification to the standard Westside Barbell Conjugate Method training schedule used when working with conventional sports athletes. Combining dynamic effort training into a single training day allows athletes to focus on practice, skill development, or recovery on the other four days of the week.
By Burley on Nov 29, 2025
Conjugate for Athletes: Basic Training Strategy
The Conjugate for Athletes series aims to provide knowledge and insight into our approach to training athletes, with the goal of helping coaches and athletes achieve success when using our methods. The Conjugate Method, when applied correctly, is the most effective and efficient approach to strength and conditioning.
By Burley on Nov 19, 2025
Starting Conjugate: Limited Equipment
What makes Conjugate so effective is the simultaneous use of three strength training methodologies: the maximal, dynamic, and repeated effort methods. While specialized training tools will, of course, enhance programming options, they are not what decides the outcomes of a Conjugate Method training program.
By Burley on Nov 13, 2025
Coaching Maximal Effort
Maximal effort training is focused on training maxes. A training max is a lift that represents the athlete’s current level of absolute strength, affected by accumulated fatigue throughout the training cycle. These maxes do not reveal an athlete’s true absolute strength, considering we do not specifically peak to reduce fatigue and achieve a competition max.
By Burley on Nov 05, 2025
Basic Conjugate Training Advice XVI
While the Conjugate Method was popularized in powerlifting, the truth is that our methods work just as well for athletes in any sport. Why? Because we have the freedom to design comprehensive training programs that meet athletes where they are and elevate their performance to the next level, no matter the circumstances.
By Burley on Oct 23, 2025
Starting Conjugate: Exercise Variation
The key to success with exercise variations is to maximize the benefits of the basics before progressing to more advanced exercises. Doing so allows athletes to build strength, coordination, and competency in foundational barbell, dumbbell, and machine exercises before progressing to more complex exercises. This sets athletes up for consistent success in the weight room and helps to reduce injury risk due to incompetence or mismanaged training.
By Burley on Oct 16, 2025