DON'T THINK - SIGN UP & SHOW UP!! Best free weight gym in the Bay Area SPS offers the best Bay Area gym experience for olympic & powerlifting & mobility training, plus phenomenal coaching and an ego-free and welcoming environment fit for seasoned lifters and total newbies! And the space has every possible setup & accessory you could need for your free or bodyweight endeavors, without the crowds that you'd see at another gym like the Y. Big Mike - the owner and founder - is a wonderful human who makes everything run smoothly & has a wealth of lifting knowledge. Sean - MetCon class leader & lifting guru - is hilarious and will kick your butt with a smile on your face. Brandon - oly class leader & mobility guru - runs awesome twice-weekly oly sessions that work for folks who have never touched a barbell all the way up to competitive lifters. Every other coach I've interacted with has been similarly wise, generous with their time, and kind af. $250/mth is nothing for the incredible value I get out of my membership and sessions at SPS, and I hope the organization lives on forever!! None of the ego & attitude you'd see at places like Cal Strength, with all of the same resources. read more

Speed Power Strength Gym - Olympic weightlifting class (Thurs session) ft the wise Brandon Chien on the right - Trainers Near Me - Oakland, California

The best weightlifting gym in Oakland for sure! I was a member of SPS for a few years before I moved states. During my time there I was able to improve my strength and technique but more importantly I was able to create some long lasting friendships with other members, coaches and especially the gym owner, Big Mike. I no longer live in CA, but every time I am in town I drop in to this gym and it feels like I never left. Join the gym. You won't regret it. read more

We have been a part of the SPS family for over a year!! My son shown in the pictures (first one is from Jan 2023), second one is from over a year ago, has grown so so much confidence, motivation and strength(physically and mentally). His enthusiasm for SPS encouraged 5 of his friends to join the fun! We feel very lucky to have discovered this Oakland hidden gem, our whole family is benefiting from all it has to offer. Powerful space with amazing, engaging coaches that make you feel at home read more

Speed Power Strength Gym - Trainers Near Me - Oakland, California

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I've been dating this gym for almost two months now and I really enjoy it. This gym is meant for people who want more than just lifting and their social impact is just beginning. Check out their website and their social media pages. They hold seminars with the BEST athletes and big shots. The best thing about them is they are pure non-profit, which you can see by the environment when you walk in the door. You get people who truly want to lift and love it. What you're getting - a strong environment with almost all you need. Strong and knowledgeable coaches, strong and still learning peers so you won't feel alone/unmotivated , and one hell of a training facility. There are a couple different packages available to get while here, so be sure to check the website and come try them out. Barbell only - includes wonderful coaching program they follow, access to alllllll the new and shiny plates and access to the wonderful coach who decides to be there that day :D All in all- this is a gym that is taken care of and expects you to keep it just as nice. This ain't yo home so don't be expecting to go to someone else's home to make a mess. Do that at your own house ;) I'm nervous to post this as this is such a gem, I don't want to share any space with more people D: As a powerlifter, I am notorious to bring all my stuff and take up space but with this gym, there is so much space for all of it that I don't feel bad about it. Come hungry and make those gains fam! read more

Speed Power Strength Gym - The shiny Eleiko plates and my junk :D not afraid to bring it allllll - Trainers Near Me - Oakland, California

Sean and Brandon are great! Quite knowledgable and personable. Brandon asked me about my learning style and proceeded to incorporate that into the rest of our workout for my safety and understanding. Will come back! read more

I was a member of this gym for about 8 months before I moved away in 2017. This gym has excellent coaching, very nice equipment, clean bathrooms and showers. I only did the Olympic Weightlifting Training here. The coaches are very invested in each athlete and are willing to do so much so that each client will reach their goals and full potential. They invite top notch coaches from around the country and one of their coaches is even a previous Olympian. They're constantly having a bunch of free seminars for members. The only thing I didn't like was that their hours for WL training and open gym didn't really match up with my work schedule at certain times because I work in a hospital and have odd hours on different days of the week. But that was my specific issue. Otherwise we'll work the cost of the membership! I would still be going here if I didn't move. It's a great community of friendship and strength. read more

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This gym has very nice gym equipment, pristine as you can get! I've been coming here for a few years now. I've never been so jacked in my life. Great, friendly, and funny staff makes the experience that much better. The best parts is their high tech bathrooms and crazy amount of chalk! Come through! There's a great and welcoming community waiting for you! read more

Speed Power Strength Gym - Plenty of chalk! - Trainers Near Me - Oakland, California

Excellent facility. Best equipment, top notch staff. Environment is welcoming for all fitness levels.

I started seeing Jay for sports massages after sustaining some gym injuries that left me with chronic pain. He is excellent at what he does and I like that his approach addressed the full body. He is also very friendly and makes you feel comfortable and at ease. Whether you're an active athlete or just dealing with tense muscles, you can benefit from having bodywork done by Jay! read more

I wish I lived in the east bay - then I could join this gym. Not only is it the top facility with the top equipment, but it is also staffed with some of the friendliest, funniest, and smartest coaches. Big Mike, Kristin, Jay, Brandon, Little Mike, and the rest of the team are all super strong, very encouraging and supportive, and are THERE TO HELP YOU. no matter your skill level. they aren't there to judge you. they're there to HELP YOU IMPROVE. why can't there be more gyms like this? because then everyone would just be copying SPS. Not to mention, I've only been able to drop in a few times, but each time I do, I am able to pick up a tip or two from the coaches there. And the SPS gym members are all so supportive and positive. SURROUND YOSELF WITH POSITIVITY and strong people. I also love the fact that SPS dedicates time to work with youth and other young athletes because let's be honest - they are the future. start em young. Brownie points 1: the members get to attend free workshops/seminars hosted by Record Holder Champions, Olympians, and more. LIKE WHAT? they get tips and advice from the most elite. LIKE DON'T YOU JUST WANNA JOIN? Brownie points 2: Jay is a sports massage therapist so why not get some work done while you're around to further improve your lifting skills? Get on the gain train. #TheNewNormal and whenever the Cryotherapy is established there, I'm hopping to it. read more

Speed Power Strength Gym - Rite of Passage - Trainers Near Me - Oakland, California

I've been to hundreds of gyms and SPS is the first one I'd ever feel comfortable calling home. Mike, Sean, and Brandon have built a supportive, welcoming, goal oriented Olympic weightlifting facility. The community is the best - no egos, all friendly, and focuses on community engagement and growth. Give SPS a try - you'll fall in love. read more

I am in-perpetuity recovery from inelastic 'collisions' incurred from day-to-day life, from injuries sustained over many years as an intercollegiate D1 athlete and after college, and as a student of how to consistently patience in recovery and practice consistency, balance, and variety as a part of fitness for life. And, because I am quite discerning about any establishment I walk into, having formerly been a student of kinesiology and sports medicine, fitness trainer, and student athletic trainer, I invested two hours of research to locate this gym. I relish lifting REALLY heavy weights, but really do not need to anymore--however, if I want to, this is CERTAINLY the place. The gear and set-up is top of the line, and top-notch. My predisposed physiology requires access to not only proper gear, but my frontal lobes requires a gym culture that has a staff seasoned with an integrative approach to understand how one can obtain and maintain wellness, no matter what one's skill or ability level. I have a penchant and preference for HIIT, and dabble in CrossFit every now and then. I must say, I am quite enamored in their unique and creative approach to craft their MetCon and Strength offerings, so one's personalized aims can be achieved. This approach is a first for me. Kudos! I have mostly trained with Kristin and Michael Leon, and spent one session with Brandon. The operatives that comes to mind is BEYOND DELIGHTED (!!!) with the sage and care dispensed from each and every one of them! Priceless!! I also especially relish the friendly, engaging, supportive, and most welcoming community, diversity in ages, and demographics--this place is a veritable melting pot, but hey, it's Oakland, after all. It's a TRUE honor and privilege to train at this facility!! read more

Perfect place and very helpful staff. Shower is clean. I am working in Oakland and i need shower so I find this place. read more

Honestly, probably the best olympic weightlifting gym in the Bay Area. I moved to Oakland from Brooklyn in the fall of 2016 and immediately found a home here. I was decently strong when I came, but let's just say my form left much to be desired. They drilled technique, mobility, recovery, and grit and by June 2017 I'd qualified for the American Open Finals, and in December 2017 I qualified for my first National Championships. They've got an incredibly kind, goofy, diverse, and insanely talented team that are delighted to meet you wherever you are in your fitness journey. They take the sport seriously, but not themselves. It's just the best. Just drop in and see. read more

SPS Is a great family: amazing coaches, friendly people and a beautiful facility, the best gym in Oakland! Their meets are the best. Absolutely the best. Big warm up, amazing system and amazing FOOD. Mike really does love putting on a show! They team goes above and beyond for its members love the SPS fam! read more

SPS is the best Olympic, Powerlifting, and conditioning facility you're going to find. You want individualized programming? They got it. You want great community? Boom. Done. You need to held accountable? They got you. You say you want to train with coaches that keep your safety in mind? Cha ching! It's Money Time. Maybe you want to get ready for your first competition. Or, you're ready to start chipping away at those new year goals. SPS has a spot for you. SPS regularly invites high quality folks to train, hosts skills workshops, and invests in the community in ways that no other facility does. When you become a member you see your dues put to good use and then some. Being a member gets you hella swag too! I became the strongest I'd ever been while utilizing the programming offered by the SPS coaches. They supported me through multiple goals based on my fitness vision. I highly recommend SPS for anyone looking for a great place to train on the regular or just passing through. Tell 'me Plant Based sent ya! read more

I have been coming to SPS since it opened and in that time I've achieved the kind of results I have been looking for. I still struggle with the lifts, but coaches have helped me be more confident and committed to learning the snatch, clean and jerk. The coaches are talented and passionated about weightlifting, strength and conditioning. They have thoroughly accessed my movements, mobility, flexibility, lifts and then developed a great training plan for my goal. As a result, I feel I am building a good weightlifting foundation because of the coaches. Their (incredible) knowledge through training is making sure I am doing everything correct while pushing and encouraging me to me better. Big Mike, Kristin, Oscar (2x Olympian), Mike, Jay, Brandon, Fabian, Ed, Matt and Jacqueline continue to give me cues and exercises based on my individual need. They have supervised, supported, spotted, critiqued, motivated and always get constructive ways to improve my lifts. I appreciate all the members too - positive people with positive attitudes and positive atmosphere. Big Mike has created a pretty awesome training center for all athletes of all levels! Big Mike wants to support and better the community of Oakland! read more

Hidden gem. Coaches know how to fit your needs and communicate well, which sadly is not always the case with many other gyms. The individualized programing is a gift to novices and experienced lifters alike, which is also pretty rare in many gyms. Great sense of community. Clean showers. Plenty of space. Parking. I'm really glad I joined! read more

I have never trained here before but my review is based solely on customer service. I had signed up for the Right of Passage weightlifting competition and while training I sustained a pretty serious injury. Despite my meet fee being non refundable I was refunded my entire registration fee within minutes of emailing them explaining my situation. Thanks guys! read more

I stalked the opening of this gym well before it opened. When I heard that there would be a facility opening that would not only house Crossfit; they would also have Olympic and Powerlifting areas. Then it opened and I waited to go, I made every excuse not to go check it out. Because I was worried about starting a new program in a different facility and having to get to know everyone again. My current gym was great it just didn't have the Olympic lifting side I so desperately needed. Finally I decided to go, one evening when I was just getting off of work, I fought traffic and drove by. I drove by a few times not because I was scared but more because I couldn't find it. Good ole GPS had me driving in circles until I finally drove through an entry to where other businesses were and there it was. Tucked away in a alleyway that was more industrial than enviting. But right above the door in white and blue there was 'Speed Power Strength.' First thing I noticed was the sign design. Very neat straight to the point. It wasn't elaborate or full of images like alot of gyms I have been to. So I walk up and open the door and boom. There was nothing simple about the place. When you walk in you are in the Crossfit area. The rigs are up sturdy and nice, all wallballs are neatly against the wall. There is a place for everything from the ropes to the Kettle bells and to the PVC pipes. As you walk in you will notice to the right are offices and what will be training rooms for coaches. As you head back the one thing that catches your eye is the Olympic platform with the Speed Power Strength sign on the background. You can't help but look at the platform and think to yourself, I wanna be up there. The platform is amazing and without saying a word you may find yourself gravitating towards it. Mesmerized by how the lights shine on it in such a way that makes it appear as a spotlight. But then then you notice the twinkle from the metal Powerlifting plates. These plates challenge you, they call your name and whisper 'are you strong enough.' Like a little school girl I just grinned and said yes, not realizing I was also talking to the coach. Just as I started to move closer to the Powerlifting section I turn around and see the Olympic lifting side of things. Oh Eleiko, Eleiko what a beautiful set of plates they are. Platforms in the front and back kilos upon kilos upon kilos. If you are looking for a legit place to start come see SPS. Although the place is pretty what really makes it are the coaches and members. Each coach has an expertise from Olympic, Power lifting, Crossfit, mobility, if you can think it and I'm sure one of them has either done it or in the top of their field. If you're looking for a diverse group of coaches this is the place. Diversity in both the coaching staff and the members are one of the key things I look for. The atmosphere is lax but everyone including the coaches are Lazer focussed. If you want to learn this is the place. Each coach breaks down mechanics while also emphasizing safety. If you are like myself and need positions broken down, they will do this. If you need extra time on one position they will drill it with you. You will learn and especially you'll laugh. They have brought in Olympians and Powerlifter at the top of their sport. Not to mention the Croasfit Games Athletes that either train there or have come in to teach. They do all of this for the community. They believe in the the complete athlete and work closely with a number of schools and organizations to promote health and wellness. While also exposing kids to different types of sports. Programs are tailored to your goals and classes are relatively small. This gives you a very personal experience with the coach. Let me ask this..Have you ever seen a room full of young women pumped to Olympic lift? Have you been around a group of young men focused on learning the positions for each lift? Well I have and you should too. I suggest coming in, working out and stay for a while. I'm sure you will love it here as much as I do. read more

Not sure why it took me so long to get there, but I'm glad that I did. The facility is absolutely beautiful and top of the line. 12 platforms for olympic lifting, a power/weight lifting area, an area for conditioning/met cons/Crossfit, and on top of that great parking. All of this for an exceptional cause, all members/folks that drop in are helping the sport of weightlifting/powerlifting in the community. Through the Lift Us Foundation SPS hopes to grow the sport of Olympic Weight lifting via Bay Area Youth and Ametur athletes. Also to help the Bay Area Youth apply strength training to their other sports (definitely check them to to find out more of what they are doing for the kids) definitely be dropping in for open gym for some strength work, and checking out when they have a visiting coaches (many of which are Olympians, Record Holders etc.) read more

I couldn't wait until SPS opened, I followed/stalked them on Instagram, checked my email constantly waiting for the announcement -- then finally, there it was, the email announcing the soft opening--woohoo! All the hype, a gym for everyone, everything in one place, ability to run varied coaching sessions at the same time in the same place, Eleiko equipment, individualized programming --- what is this place, can it be true? Will it meet my expectations or disappoint? I was not disappointed, it far exceeded my expectations -- not just the state of the art equipment, or the fantastic coaches (former Olympians, world class powerlifters, elite athletes) or the accessories provided, or beautiful facility (it's sooooo clean) or the perks (seminars, swag bag, technical workshops) or individualized programming, it's the commitment that Mike and his team has making sure that they meet the needs of everyone walking through that door -- from the newbie to the experienced lifter. This is a place that you need to experience for yourself -- you will not be disappointed. I love this plac!!! read more

I am not a big yelper, but when I find something that is worthy of 5 stars, I must give it a review. SPS is a facility that is always clean and loaded with Eleiko bars, plates and platforms. Standing at the back is a full time competition platform, always on the ready. There are separate areas for weightlifting, powerlifting and Crossfit; it is a fitness lover's dream. Stop in and see Mike or Kristin for the full treatment. They are the best! read more

The equipment is top notch and the whole coaching staff is knowledgeable and very friendly. Felt welcomed and included, not like"the new kid". read more

I signed up and joined this amazing facility the very first day I could. I kept driving by to check and see if it was open yet, and following their status online, very anxious to see what it was all about and have a place I could call home and train at. Their mission is unique and ambitious - to teach weightlifting in Oakland and other Bay Area schools, develop a grassroots weightlifting program, grow the love of this sport, and teach young athletes and coaches how to apply strength training to all sports. Now that I have been training at SPS for a couple of months, I can attest that this facility, the owner Big Mike, his AD Kristin, and each and every one of their coaches, are the real deal! SPS is an open, bright, 9,000 sq ft beautiful Eleiko certified facility that has the best of everything for us to learn and train with - Eleiko bars, platforms, blocks, bumpers, chairs, belts, kettle bells, you name it! And we are not shoved back in the corner somewhere, behind a CF class - there are 12 platforms for lifting, an entire section for powerlifting with their own competition grade racks, benches and plates, the longest high quality turf you could ever sprint down with a loaded sled (and yes, they have sleds), battle ropes, GHR, everything you could ever want or need and then some! It is so much fun - like a giant playground. You will want to come back and you won't want to go home! And once you are a member, the benefits and opportunities to learn just keep coming! Technique clinic with Coach Oscar Chaplain, snatch clinic with Cara Heads Slaughter, Rite of Passage meet for those who have never competed before, classes with Kendrick Ferris....and each and every coach is invested in our individual progress, regardless of how long we have been training or how good we are when we show up, and the other members also inspire, support and motivate! Don't be like I was at first, intimidated by this amazing place and coaches, and afraid you are not good enough. We all belong! We all learn and progress! read more