I recently visited Chandler for a week-long work trip and needed to find a gym where I could stay…read moreon track. I reached out to several gyms in the area to ask about drop-ins and their fees. August, the owner of East Valley Strength, responded within minutes. We texted back and forth, and he answered all my questions. His gym offered the best class schedule, equipment selection, and hours based on my schedule. While in Chandler, I visited East Valley Strength on four different days and participated in their Crossfit and Powerbuilding programs. August and his coaching staff are incredibly knowledgeable and personable. Not to mention, I only paid $50 for unlimited access for the week. The following is a review of my overall experience.
East Valley Strength blends the best of both worlds regarding strength training and endurance. With a dual focus on CrossFit and Powerlifting, this gym offers a well-rounded approach to building strength, endurance, and overall fitness. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or someone just starting out, the training here can be tailored to your individual needs and goals.
Facilities:
The gym is spacious, clean, and well-equipped. There's a dedicated area for CrossFit-style WODs with plenty of rigs, kettlebells, and bumper plates. At the same time, the powerlifting side has all the equipment you'd expect--multiple squat racks, bench press stations, deadlift platforms, and specialty bars. The open layout makes it easy to move between stations, and the high ceilings give the space an airy, non-cluttered feel. The gym is well-maintained, and August has gone above and beyond when selecting weightlifting machines for the gym. Many of the old-school machines we love and miss at other gyms are here and in excellent condition.
Coaching:
The coaches at East Valley Strength are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about what they do. They strike a great balance between pushing you to lift heavy and maintaining good form. Whether you're working on your deadlift technique, perfecting a clean and jerk, or dialing in your squats, there's always a coach nearby offering guidance, feedback, and motivation. They take the time to get to know your strengths, weaknesses, and goals, which makes a big difference in your progress.
Programming:
The programming here is superb, August is a master at mixing functional fitness (CrossFit) with pure strength training (powerlifting) in a way that complements each other. CrossFit classes are varied and dynamic, ensuring you don't get bored with the same routine. At the same time, powerlifting sessions are focused and structured to help you safely and effectively increase your max lifts. There's a clear emphasis on improving foundational movement patterns, mobility, and conditioning, and the programs are scaled to accommodate any fitness level.
Community:
One of the standout features of East Valley Strength is the community. It's a supportive and inclusive atmosphere where people genuinely cheer each other on, no matter their experience level. The blend of CrossFit and powerlifting means you get to interact with a wide variety of athletes, from those focused on Olympic lifts to those grinding out PRs on their squats and deadlifts. The community is tight-knit, and there's a real sense of camaraderie that makes showing up for each session feel like a team effort.
Overall Experience:
Whether you're looking to improve your overall fitness, crush a personal record in the gym, or just enjoy a challenging and motivating environment, East Valley Strength delivers on all fronts. The focus on both CrossFit and powerlifting provides an ideal balance of strength, conditioning, and technique training. With top-tier equipment, knowledgeable coaching, and a welcoming community, this gym truly has something for everyone.
I highly recommend East Valley Strength to anyone serious about strength training or looking to level up their fitness!
