Louie Simmons
Westside Barbell Founder
Louie Simmons was an influential figure in strength and conditioning, renowned for his inventive training methodologies and decades-long career in powerlifting. Born in 1947, he was best known as the founder of Westside Barbell, an exclusive, invitation-only training facility in Columbus, Ohio.
Westside Barbell garnered a reputation as the "Mecca of Powerlifting," boasting several world record holders among its members.
- He competed in powerlifting for over three decades, achieving 'Elite' status in five weight classes.
- Louie developed the Conjugate System, a revolutionary training methodology.
- His focus on injury prevention led to the invention of strength training equipment, notably the Reverse Hyper machine.
- Sports teams, military and law enforcement, and athletes worldwide adopted his training principles.
Louie's Background
Louie competed at an elite level in powerlifting for over three decades, excelling in the squat, bench press, and deadlift.
Most current information on the Conjugate Method of training, including this article, refers to Louie Simmons's work which combines two training systems.
He broke numerous powerlifting records throughout his career and remarkably achieved 'Elite' status in five weight classes. One of his most notable achievements was being one of only a few lifters to have totaled over 2,000 lbs in two different weight classes.
Simmons was widely celebrated in training and coaching circles for developing the Conjugate System. This methodology emphasized maximum effort, dynamic effort (speed), and repetition to enhance strength and performance. His revolutionary approach towards strength training incorporated elements from various sources, including Russian and Bulgarian weightlifting training techniques, successfully adapting them for powerlifting.
Simmons is known for focusing on injury prevention and helping with recovery through strength training. He was motivated by his injury experiences to create and patent a variety of strength training equipment, including the well-known Reverse Hyper machine that is now commonly used in gyms and rehabilitation facilities worldwide.
As a coach and a mentor, Louie was instrumental in the success of many athletes. Professional and collegiate teams, military and law enforcement agencies, and strength athletes globally adopted his revolutionary training principles.
Career & Early Life
Louie Simmons earned enough money from manual labor jobs to purchase his first weight set at 12. He had already developed the strength to perform a clean and jerk, a testament to the physical prowess he gained from manual labor. This early exposure to strenuous physical work primed Louie for weightlifting. It endowed him with the explosive power necessary for his baseball swings.
Louie Simmons was a name synonymous with strength, innovation, and powerlifting. Often hailed as the Godfather of Powerlifting, Simmons transformed the way athletes train for strength, demonstrating a work ethic and knowledge unparalleled in the field. He shared these insights with the lucky few he invited to train at his legendary gym, Westside Barbell, located in Columbus, Ohio.
Simmons, an American powerlifter and one of the greatest strength coaches of all time, was an inventor and trailblazer in the field of strength training.
He devised training ideologies like the Conjugate Method, leading to the standardization of resistance bands and chains during workouts. Moreover, Simmons' innovative contributions included the invention of several strength training devices, such as the reverse hyper and the belt squat machine.
Known for his candor and refreshing honesty, Simmons spoke openly on topics without concern for others' judgment or criticism. He approached everything related to strength training with enthusiasm and resilience, and his dedication to powerlifting was evident in his coaching career, training sports legends such as Chuck Vogelpohl, Dave Hoff, Laura Phelps, and Amy Weisberger. Louie also trained other notable lifters turned coaches such as Jim Wendler, AJ Roberts, Brandon Lilly, and Dave Tate.
His competitive powerlifting years, spanning over 40 years from 1972 to 2012, left a substantial mark on the sport. He achieved Elite totals in five different weight classes. He completed impressive lifts all after the age of 50, including a 920lb squat, a 722lb deadlift, and a 600lb bench press.
The age of 12 proved to be a pivotal year for Louie, marking the start of his journey into both competitive baseball and weightlifting. By the time he was 14, he was already showcasing his potential, winning a high school weightlifting contest with a notable 260-pound clean and jerk - a remarkable feat for a teenager weighing around 145 pounds.
Louie's father built squat racks using tire rims and welded uprights to support his son's passion for weightlifting, allowing him to develop his squatting skills. By age 14, he could squat an impressive 410 pounds. However, he could not surpass this limit for the next four years. Louie worked manual labor jobs throughout his teenage years, maintaining his work ethic even as he struggled through high school, ultimately graduating by the skin of his teeth. He was open to work, even if it meant laboring until late in the evening during the summer or after school. One job he vividly remembered involved demolishing walls at some of Jerry Schottenstein's stores in Columbus, Ohio. One summer, at just 13 years old, he was employed in iron erection work, a role that, in today's world, might land an employer in legal trouble for involving a minor. These early experiences paved the way for Louie's proficiency in operating heavy machinery such as cranes, backhoes, and bulldozers and his skill in welding. Later in life, these skills proved invaluable as he led large steel erection crews while operating a crane and even became a certified welder.
Westside Barbell
Before the establishment of Louie Simmons' Westside Barbell in Columbus, Ohio, another influential strength training facility existed, the Westside Barbell Club in Culver City, California. The original Westside Barbell Club was founded in the 1950s by Bill "Peanuts" West, known for his unique approach to powerlifting and strength training. The gym housed some of the era's strongest and most talented lifters, including George Frenn, a hammer thrower and powerlifter who broke numerous records, Pat Casey, and Joey Demarco. This community of strength athletes, their training methods, and the environment at Westside Barbell Club in Culver City created an atmosphere of innovation and exploration that went against the status quo in strength training that was unmatched during that time.
It is clear that Simmons drew inspiration from the innovative strength training techniques employed at the original Westside Barbell Club. Despite not having trained directly at the Culver City gym, he held great admiration for the groundbreaking work being done there and was motivated by the strong sense of community that fueled its members to reach unprecedented levels of success in powerlifting.
The Birth of Westside Barbell
Simmons decided to create his own version of the gym in the late 1970's. He named it Westside Barbell in tribute to the original club which had disbanded by then. However, Louie's Westside Barbell was destined to be much more than just a tribute. As time passed, Simmons started to integrate more scientific approaches into his workout techniques, making his gym stand out as a trailblazer in utilizing scientific principles for enhancing physical strength.
The birth of Westside Barbell in Columbus, Ohio, was not just the start of a new gym; it was the initiation of a movement in the strength training world. The training methods and exercise techniques developed by Simmons and the crew at Westside Barbell have had a far-reaching impact, changing the face of powerlifting and strength training worldwide.
As a powerlifting legend and strength coach, Louie Simmons' approach to strength training has always been revolutionary. The foundation of Simmons' philosophy is the belief that strength training should be scientific and adaptive.
The Conjugate Method
Rather than sticking to traditional methods, Simmons was an early adopter of the conjugate method, a system that mixes maximum effort, dynamic effort (speed), and repetition work to improve maximal strength and speed-strength while targeting and eliminating physical weaknesses.
Drawing from various sources, including Eastern Bloc training regimens, his methods eschewed the standard linear progression models commonly used in powerlifting training. Simmons' Westside Barbell training system, renowned for its high intensity and frequency, not only changed the face of powerlifting but was also applied successfully to various disciplines, from sports performance training to rehabilitation. His philosophy was always about pushing boundaries, emphasizing the importance of mental toughness, and championing the idea that our limitations were often self-imposed.
One of the most defining attributes of Louie Simmons was his relentless questioning of the status quo. Considered a contrarian amongst his peers, Simmons always exhibited a deep-seated desire to push boundaries and defy conventional wisdom in strength training. Simmons loathed the phrase "can't do." In his eyes, this term embodied a defeatist mentality, which had no place in pursuing strength. His training philosophies clearly echoed this belief, which emphasized mental resilience and unwavering determination as much as physical prowess.
His approach to strength training fundamentally differed from his time's traditional American powerlifting techniques. Instead of conforming to the norms, Simmons looked towards the unconventional, infusing elements from the Eastern Bloc's strength and conditioning protocols into his training methods.
In his quest for strength, Louie Simmons' constant questioning of the status quo and dislike of complacency made him a revolutionary force in the strength training world. His contributions were a testament to his exceptional understanding of the science of strength and his audacious spirit that dared to challenge the accepted norms and venture into the uncharted territories of strength training.
Louie Simmons Photos
Strength Training Contributions
Louie Simmons' inventive approach to powerlifting sprang from necessity. After suffering several injuries early in his career and seeing his peers face similar predicaments, he identified the traditional approach to lifting as a common issue.
His innovative approach to athletic training secured his place in the industry, and his methodologies are still widely employed in strength sports gyms today.
Conjugate Method
01
Conjugate Method
- Louie Simmons developed the revolutionary Conjugate Method in response to the traditional approach to lifting.
- The Conjugate Method emphasizes training various physical attributes to enhance an athlete's fitness.
- Simmons' innovative approach to athletic training secured his place in the industry, and his methodologies are still widely employed today.
- Simmons received the prestigious Alvin Roy Award for Career Achievement for his significant contributions to the field of strength training.
- His legacy continues to influence athletes' training, establishing him as a pioneer and titan of powerlifting and strength training.
Box Squats
02
Box Squats
- Louie Simmons is recognized for promoting box squats, which have significant benefits in powerlifting training.
- Box squats help improve lifting technique, increase power and strength, offer versatility in training, enhance recovery, and reinforce consistency.
- Using box squats has been a crucial part of training at Westside Barbell under Simmons's guidance.
Accommodating Resistance
03
Accommodating Resistance
- Coach Dave Williams introduced Louie Simmons to Jump Stretch Bands, created by Dick Hartzell from Youngstown, Ohio.
- Louie met with Dick Hartzell a week later, and Louie recognized the bands' potential to transform weight training.
- Louie combined weights and band tension, realizing it as the optimal solution for resistance training.
- Mel Siff visited Westside to understand how chains and rubber bands were used to maintain tension throughout a lift's range of motion.
- "Supertraining" featured Louie's work with the Combination of Resistance Methods and his program extendable over multiple years.
- Louie introduced bands and chains to modify barbell exercises, challenging muscles throughout the movement.
- Chains and bands are widely adopted in strength and conditioning for overcoming plateaus and enhancing athletic performance.
- Today, it's a staple in strength and conditioning, contributing to powerlifting and strength training advancements.
01
Conjugate Method
Conjugate Method
- Louie Simmons developed the revolutionary Conjugate Method in response to the traditional approach to lifting.
- The Conjugate Method emphasizes training various physical attributes to enhance an athlete's fitness.
- Simmons' innovative approach to athletic training secured his place in the industry, and his methodologies are still widely employed today.
- Simmons received the prestigious Alvin Roy Award for Career Achievement for his significant contributions to the field of strength training.
- His legacy continues to influence athletes' training, establishing him as a pioneer and titan of powerlifting and strength training.
02
Box Squats
Box Squats
- Louie Simmons is recognized for promoting box squats, which have significant benefits in powerlifting training.
- Box squats help improve lifting technique, increase power and strength, offer versatility in training, enhance recovery, and reinforce consistency.
- Using box squats has been a crucial part of training at Westside Barbell under Simmons's guidance.
03
Accommodating Resistance
Accommodating Resistance
- Coach Dave Williams introduced Louie Simmons to Jump Stretch Bands, created by Dick Hartzell from Youngstown, Ohio.
- Louie met with Dick Hartzell a week later, and Louie recognized the bands' potential to transform weight training.
- Louie combined weights and band tension, realizing it as the optimal solution for resistance training.
- Mel Siff visited Westside to understand how chains and rubber bands were used to maintain tension throughout a lift's range of motion.
- "Supertraining" featured Louie's work with the Combination of Resistance Methods and his program extendable over multiple years.
- Louie introduced bands and chains to modify barbell exercises, challenging muscles throughout the movement.
- Chains and bands are widely adopted in strength and conditioning for overcoming plateaus and enhancing athletic performance.
- Today, it's a staple in strength and conditioning, contributing to powerlifting and strength training advancements.
Inventions
Not only has Louie Simmons trained some of the most successful powerlifters and athletes in the world, but he's also an accomplished innovator dedicated to revolutionizing how we approach strength training for injury prevention and athletic betterment. Here is a detailed overview of the machines Louie invented and their purpose.
List of Inventions & Patents
01
List of Inventions & Patents
- Original Reverse Hyper: U.S. Pat. 5,356,359
- The Reverse Hyper: U.S. Pat. 6,491,607
- Athletic Training Platform: U.S. Pat. 10,639,515
- Bent Pendulum Reverse Hyper: 7,473,212
- Dual Pendulum: U.S. Pat. 7,473,212
- Maximal Recruiter: U.S. Pat. 10,974,096
- Mechanical Reverse Hyper: U.S. Pat. 9,375,599
- Static-Dynamic Developer: U.S. Pat. 10,065,060
- Inverse Curl: U.S. Pat. 8,007,414
- Scout Reverse Hyper: U.S. Pat. 7,435,207
- Plyoswing: U.S. Pat. 7,238,148
Reverse Hyper
02
Reverse Hyper
- Louie Simmons conceived the Reverse Hyper machine while recovering from a severe back injury.
- The machine, initially a simple wooden platform, aided his recovery and enabled him to lift over 700 lbs. again, despite a prior severe injury.
- After suffering another back injury, Simmons opted to use the Reverse Hyper machine for his recovery instead of undergoing surgery.
- The Reverse Hyper became a critical part of Louie's recovery and strength-building, leading to its widespread use in today's strength training community.
01
List of Inventions & Patents
List of Inventions & Patents
- Original Reverse Hyper: U.S. Pat. 5,356,359
- The Reverse Hyper: U.S. Pat. 6,491,607
- Athletic Training Platform: U.S. Pat. 10,639,515
- Bent Pendulum Reverse Hyper: 7,473,212
- Dual Pendulum: U.S. Pat. 7,473,212
- Maximal Recruiter: U.S. Pat. 10,974,096
- Mechanical Reverse Hyper: U.S. Pat. 9,375,599
- Static-Dynamic Developer: U.S. Pat. 10,065,060
- Inverse Curl: U.S. Pat. 8,007,414
- Scout Reverse Hyper: U.S. Pat. 7,435,207
- Plyoswing: U.S. Pat. 7,238,148
02
Reverse Hyper
Reverse Hyper
- Louie Simmons conceived the Reverse Hyper machine while recovering from a severe back injury.
- The machine, initially a simple wooden platform, aided his recovery and enabled him to lift over 700 lbs. again, despite a prior severe injury.
- After suffering another back injury, Simmons opted to use the Reverse Hyper machine for his recovery instead of undergoing surgery.
- The Reverse Hyper became a critical part of Louie's recovery and strength-building, leading to its widespread use in today's strength training community.
What does it mean to be elite?
Attaining elite status in powerlifting is a remarkable accomplishment. It signifies that these lifters, starting from a novice level, have reached the upper echelons of the sport through their dedicated training at Westside Barbell and under Louie Simmons' mentorship.
To become an elite powerlifter, an athlete's total - comprising their maximum squat, bench press, and deadlift - must rank among the top ten totals in their respective weight class. This combination of weight lifted across the three major powerlifting exercises establishes an athlete's standing in the sport. In other words, to achieve elite status is to be recognized as one of the strongest, most dedicated powerlifters in one's weight class which is a testament to not only the physical prowess of the athlete but also the effective training methods and strategies employed.
Louie's Legacy & Impact
Louie Simmons' legacy remains prominent and unchallenged in the realm of powerlifting. His innovations continue to influence athletes' training, establishing him as a true pioneer and titan of the sport.
Under the guidance of Louie Simmons, Westside Barbell became a powerhouse for powerlifters. Let's break down some of the most significant accomplishments achieved.
Elite Athletes: 110
These figures illustrate the outstanding achievements made at Westside Barbell under the training methodologies of Louie Simmons. Each figure represents significant milestones in powerlifting and strength training, underscoring the impact of Simmons and Westside Barbell in the sport.
Elite Squat Athletes
Elite Squat Athletes
- 800+ lb.: 106 Athletes
- 900+ lb.: 35 Athletes
- 1000+ lb.: 26 Athletes
- 1100+ lb.: 8 Athletes
- 1200+ lb.: 3 Athletes
Elite Deadlift Athletes
Elite Deadlift Athletes
- 800+ lb.: 31 Athletes
- 900+ lb.: 3 Athletes
Elite Bench Press Athletes
Elite Bench Press Athletes
- 600+ lb.: 99 Athletes
- 700+ lb.: 51 Athletes
- 800+ lb.: 14 Athletes
- 900+ lb.: 4 Athletes
- 1005 lb.: 1 Athlete
Elite Powerlifting Athlete Totals
Elite Powerlifting Athlete Totals
- 2000+ lb.: 96 Athletes
- 2500+ lb.: 15 Athletes
- 2600+ lb.: 9 Athletes
- 2800+ lb.: 4 Athletes
- All-Time World Record Total (3005 lb.): 1 Athlete
Additional Contributions
Additional Contributions
Louie Simmons has made significant contributions to the field of strength training, and his impact is felt worldwide. He introduced critical strength training tools like the Weighted Sled and Bench Boards, and his popularization of accommodating resistance methods like Chains and Bands has shifted the conventional training paradigm. His pioneering work on the Box Squats method has fundamentally redefined squat training.
One crucial aspect of Simmons' legacy is his generosity of knowledge. He has shared his insights and techniques through articles in print and online and has always made himself available to discuss strength training with anyone interested. This fosters a sense of community and shared learning
Simmons' influence extends far beyond the gym and has become a part of strength training culture at large. He popularized the gym chalkboard concept, a simple but powerful tool that highlights gym lifts and fosters a competitive and supportive culture among athletes.
Who Did Louie Simmons Train?
Who Did Louie Simmons Train?
Simmons' expertise has been recognized and sought after by professional sports teams, serving as a strength consultant for the Cleveland Browns, Green Bay Packers, Seattle Seahawks, and many college football teams. He has worked closely with top-level strength coaches like Kent Johnson, Johnny Parker, and Buddy Morris, disseminating his innovative methods and insights.
Simmons' influence extends to the world of athletics, having trained two Olympic gold medalists, 400-meter sprinters Butch Reynolds and Moe Robinson. This is further testament to his versatile understanding of strength and conditioning for a wide range of sports disciplines. Louie Simmons' immense contribution to the field of strength training continues to resonate and impact athletes across the globe.
- Sue Benford
- Doris Crawford Simmons
- Mariah Liggett
- Laura Dodd
- Sue Meaney
- Amy Weisberger
- Melissa Stevens
- Pam Crisp
- Heidi Howar
- Sinead Corley
- Tom Paulucci
- Ron Jeter
- Nick Winters
- Matt Dimel
- Dre Henry
- Marlon
- Gabe Ritter
- Bob Young
- Chuck Vogelpohl
- Marcus Marinelli
- Kevin Randleman
- Matt Brown
- Dorian Price
- Kenny Patterson
- Jerry Obradovic
- George Halbert
- J M Blakely
- Jeremy Smith
- Joe McCoy
- Daryl Mayo
- Tim Harold
- Zack Cole
- Josh Gutridge
- Joe Bayles
- Butch Reynolds
- Mark Bell
- Dave Hoff
- Moe Robinson
- Arnold Coleman
- Phil Harrington
- Vlad Alhazov
- Greg Panora
- Don Damron
- Jimmy Ritchie
- Bob Coe
- Chris Spiegel
- Josh Conley
- Jake Norman
- David Jenks
- Matt Smith
- Mike Ruggiera
- Mark Burrows
- Jim Wendler
- Bob Cole
- Jeff Adams
- Karen Sizemore
- Matt Hawkins
- A. J. Roberts
- Laura Phelps-Sweatt and Shane Sweatt
- Brent Tracey
- George Nichols
- Doug Heath
- Jay Fry
- Jason Coker
- Rob Fusner
- Paul Keyes
- Mike Wolfe
- Burley Hawk
- J.L. Holdsworth
- Tony Bolognone
- Jimmy Seitzer
Elite Squat Athletes
Elite Squat Athletes
- 800+ lb.: 106 Athletes
- 900+ lb.: 35 Athletes
- 1000+ lb.: 26 Athletes
- 1100+ lb.: 8 Athletes
- 1200+ lb.: 3 Athletes
Elite Deadlift Athletes
Elite Deadlift Athletes
- 800+ lb.: 31 Athletes
- 900+ lb.: 3 Athletes
Elite Bench Press Athletes
Elite Bench Press Athletes
- 600+ lb.: 99 Athletes
- 700+ lb.: 51 Athletes
- 800+ lb.: 14 Athletes
- 900+ lb.: 4 Athletes
- 1005 lb.: 1 Athlete
Elite Powerlifting Athlete Totals
Elite Powerlifting Athlete Totals
- 2000+ lb.: 96 Athletes
- 2500+ lb.: 15 Athletes
- 2600+ lb.: 9 Athletes
- 2800+ lb.: 4 Athletes
- All-Time World Record Total (3005 lb.): 1 Athlete
Additional Contributions
Additional Contributions
Louie Simmons has made significant contributions to the field of strength training, and his impact is felt worldwide. He introduced critical strength training tools like the Weighted Sled and Bench Boards, and his popularization of accommodating resistance methods like Chains and Bands has shifted the conventional training paradigm. His pioneering work on the Box Squats method has fundamentally redefined squat training.
One crucial aspect of Simmons' legacy is his generosity of knowledge. He has shared his insights and techniques through articles in print and online and has always made himself available to discuss strength training with anyone interested. This fosters a sense of community and shared learning
Simmons' influence extends far beyond the gym and has become a part of strength training culture at large. He popularized the gym chalkboard concept, a simple but powerful tool that highlights gym lifts and fosters a competitive and supportive culture among athletes.
Who Did Louie Simmons Train?
Who Did Louie Simmons Train?
Simmons' expertise has been recognized and sought after by professional sports teams, serving as a strength consultant for the Cleveland Browns, Green Bay Packers, Seattle Seahawks, and many college football teams. He has worked closely with top-level strength coaches like Kent Johnson, Johnny Parker, and Buddy Morris, disseminating his innovative methods and insights.
Simmons' influence extends to the world of athletics, having trained two Olympic gold medalists, 400-meter sprinters Butch Reynolds and Moe Robinson. This is further testament to his versatile understanding of strength and conditioning for a wide range of sports disciplines. Louie Simmons' immense contribution to the field of strength training continues to resonate and impact athletes across the globe.
- Sue Benford
- Doris Crawford Simmons
- Mariah Liggett
- Laura Dodd
- Sue Meaney
- Amy Weisberger
- Melissa Stevens
- Pam Crisp
- Heidi Howar
- Sinead Corley
- Tom Paulucci
- Ron Jeter
- Nick Winters
- Matt Dimel
- Dre Henry
- Marlon
- Gabe Ritter
- Bob Young
- Chuck Vogelpohl
- Marcus Marinelli
- Kevin Randleman
- Matt Brown
- Dorian Price
- Kenny Patterson
- Jerry Obradovic
- George Halbert
- J M Blakely
- Jeremy Smith
- Joe McCoy
- Daryl Mayo
- Tim Harold
- Zack Cole
- Josh Gutridge
- Joe Bayles
- Butch Reynolds
- Mark Bell
- Dave Hoff
- Moe Robinson
- Arnold Coleman
- Phil Harrington
- Vlad Alhazov
- Greg Panora
- Don Damron
- Jimmy Ritchie
- Bob Coe
- Chris Spiegel
- Josh Conley
- Jake Norman
- David Jenks
- Matt Smith
- Mike Ruggiera
- Mark Burrows
- Jim Wendler
- Bob Cole
- Jeff Adams
- Karen Sizemore
- Matt Hawkins
- A. J. Roberts
- Laura Phelps-Sweatt and Shane Sweatt
- Brent Tracey
- George Nichols
- Doug Heath
- Jay Fry
- Jason Coker
- Rob Fusner
- Paul Keyes
- Mike Wolfe
- Burley Hawk
- J.L. Holdsworth
- Tony Bolognone
- Jimmy Seitzer
Further Reading
The Iron Samurai
The Iron Samurai is the official biography of Louie Simmons and the true story behind Westside Barbell in Columbus Ohio.
This book is an unfiltered lens behind the curtain of Westside Barbell. It starts from Louie's childhood and he brings you on the journey he took that lead to the creation of Westside Barbell Columbus Ohio.
It is jammed back with insanely strong people and personalities, provides accurate historical events, and best of all, It is 100%, unedited, Louie Simmons.