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
Four Weeks to a Squat PR: Week 4
Now that we have worked through the last three weeks of training, we are at the point where we will attempt to establish a new PR lift in the barbell squat. While the previous three weeks will allow us to show up on this day in a properly recovered state, we still want to ensure our training day energy management is dialed in to reach the top set with sufficient energy to hit a new PR.
By Burley on Jun 16, 2025
Four Weeks to a Squat PR: Week 3
The week before a planned PR attempt is what I refer to as the setup week. This is the week when we will select an exercise that allows us to train to a proper maximal effort while limiting the overall accumulated fatigue. In situations where we are seeking to achieve a PR in the squat or deadlift, good morning variations the week prior make the most sense.
By Burley on Jun 09, 2025
Starting Conjugate: Utilizing Kettlebells
Kettlebells are highly versatile tools that can be used for a variety of movements, improving strength, work capacity, and mobility. Kettlebells are often easier to handle and better balanced than dumbbells as well and can be a solid alternative for individuals who experience joint pain when using dumbbells.
By Burley on Jun 06, 2025
Four Weeks to a Squat PR: Week 2
As we roll into week two, we will focus on utilizing a variation of the barbell squat that targets the lower body's anterior chain. This makes sense, considering last week's main exercise concentrated greatly on the lower body posterior chain. Balancing main exercise selection to ensure optimal focus is placed on both anterior and posterior lower body chains is always a smart approach to exercise selection.
By Burley on Jun 01, 2025
Basic Conjugate Training Advice XIII
It’s simple: informed coaches are capable of attaining specific training outcomes, while less knowledgeable coaches struggle to execute maximal, dynamic, and repeated effort training simultaneously. This is why Lou emphasized the importance of continuing to self-educate via reading and in the gym experience. The key to mastering Conjugate is finding synergy between training theory and actual application in the gym.
By Burley on May 28, 2025
Four Weeks to a Squat PR: Week 1
While traditional Conjugate Method training sequences main exercises in a manner that allows for retesting every 6-8 weeks, this strategy allows the coach or athlete to target a specific exercise in a shorter time. This can be useful when updated max effort training data is needed for upcoming dynamic effort training waves or when athletes are struggling to hit a PR in a competition-specific lift.
By Burley on May 21, 2025