Charnwood Barbell

Fantastic experience: Really comprehensive beginners course for olympic weightlifting, James and Joanna are both very welcoming, and the team and the community are very kind. Would recommend

Fantastic experience: I highly recommend for anyone. James and Joana are phenomenal coaches. I’m a sprinter and have been struggling with back injuries from lifting. They’ve transformed my technique and have exceptional knowledge. Very welcoming and friendly environment. Best weights coaching I’ve ever had by far

Fantastic experience: I did the beginners course. I really enjoyed the training and the atmosphere at Charnood Barbell. NIce people, an encouraging environment and coaches who know their stuff. I would give 6 stars if I could!

Fantastic experience: I recently visited Charnwood Barbell and had a fantastic experience. The staff were incredibly helpful and knowledgeable, offering great advice and support throughout my workout. Whether you're a beginner or more advanced, they seem to know exactly how to guide you with proper form and techniques.

Fantastic experience: We used the facility to host a weightlifting seminar for the Leicester Panthers American Football Team. After using this gym previously as a member, I thought it would be the perfect setting for new lifters to use. Easy process to book in, very nice space, with kitchen, chill out area and good toilet facilities. Good parking available (don’t be confused when you come into a residential area). Good clean equipment and a good variation of barbells for all levels of lifters. Would definitely recommend.

Fantastic experience: Absolute gem of a place. Superb facility, lovely people, and a really friendly, welcoming atmosphere. The coaching here is fantastic- so knowledgeable and attentive. There's a range of abilities here and James and Joana really put the time into taking care of everyone. Can't recommend this place enough!

Fantastic experience: i went along to Charnwood Barbell as part of my weight loss regime but having never lifted weights i was very apprehensive however James explained everything to me and was very attentive to my needs now 4weeks later I have just finished the beginners program and next week I start my first program

Fantastic experience: I have loved everything about my experience with the barbell community, the coaches have helped me improve mentally and physically with the sport, and have been so supportive. They are such amazing people and made me feel very welcomed. I always feel I can talk to my coaches, and those around me at the club... its a real family

Fantastic experience: Honestly this gym, what a vibe. James and Joana have created such an amazing space. The community are so welcoming, not once have I ever felt unwelcome or uncomfortable. This is my first experience of a weightlifting club, and James and Joana have made it such an incredible experience, they are always really supportive, and even on bad days I leave with a smile on my face. The community that has been built at the gym are amazing, with community events like BBQ’s and attendance of members at competitions, not once have I felt out of place and not once felt clicky. Loving this place, a home away from home!

Fantastic experience: I recently completed their Beginner's Program for Olympic Weightlifting and I am very happy with the results I have achieved. The head coach James is an excellent coach who is both knowledgeable and empathetic, he's just what you want in a coach. It is early days for me but I see myself sticking around for a long time because every member of the gym, which really feels like a community, has been so warm to me. I could recommend this gym to anyone who is looking to get into weightlifting/powerlifting be they beginners or experienced lifters. Thank you James and Joana for having me!

Fantastic experience: I completed the beginners club with Charnwood Barbell, and I am over the moon with the progress in just those 8 weeks! Everyone has been very welcoming and the positive environment and people make it a wonderful place to train. Thank you to the coaches James, Joana and Meg who are very knowledgable and motivating!

Fantastic experience: The gym is everything a weightlifter could want. The platforms are great, the bars are great, and most importantly the community is phenomenal. James and Joana worked hard to develop the community that is very welcoming and supportive of one another. Whenever I'm back in the area I will most definitely go back to the gym! Thank you guys!

Fantastic experience: Amazing gym! Coaches are incredibly supportive and knowledgeable. Brilliant community, who encourage everyone no matter what level you are on. I look forward to every single session here!

Fantastic experience: I joined Charnwood Barbell after being out of any type of exercise for a reasonable chunk of time. Its an amazing club, everyone is so welcoming and friendly. The coaching is fantastic, takes your personal circumstances into account (health issues/recovery, parenthood and the like) and I learnt some new skills! If it's something you're considering, I can honestly say do it, I've never felt so welcome and cared for by a gym set up, you will not look back ❤️

Fantastic experience: Fantastic coaches, very knowledgeable, great community of people, everyone is friendly and welcoming, I've been in and out of this club for 8ish years, there is a reason why I keep coming back!!!! Pricing is extremely good, for what you get its peanuts if you break it down. The coaches are professionals within the 2 sports (olympic weightlifting and powerlifting) they have competed themselves and are currently training for competion so they understand what they are giving the clients first hand, the support you will receive on top of personalised training plans and a fantastic community of people is next to none, keep up the great work Charnwood Barbell

Positive experience: My experience was unfortunately very negative. I am not the kind of guy who goes around leaving bad reviews, but in this case I think there is need of feedback to facilitate change in practice. There is an compulsory intro assessment which is charged upfront, worth 50 pounds, with a promise of refund "if they cannot help you". The payment method is bank transfer to a personal account and there is no receipt(not a legal requirement I think, but always recommended). This assessment consist of 25 minutes of conversation about background and goals and few minutes of postural assessment, snatch grip, shoulder mobility, overhead squad..that kind of thing. Unfortunately, they only reveal their prices and availability during the assessment(after taking payment) and if this doesn't fit you, it doesn't qualify for refund as they interpret that they can help you, it is just your fault for not finding a way to do it. I tried repeated times to use reason with them and get my money back, but they decided to grip to it, twisting the words, interpreting the facts and hoping that one day I will find a way to attend. Very unfair and abusive, a humiliating experience. They have good reputation as a club, and I know few people who are very happily training with them. Interestingly, none of them have been through this. If you are into Weightlifting, they are technically a good option and the atmosphere, as far as I am aware, is good. Their one-to-one prices are quite high compared to other places I know. Three stars in respect to those happy members. Just make sure you get all the information before paying the assessment and join this otherwise, apparently very jolly and inclusive club. To the club owners, change your bussiness practices, the way you do it at the moment is wrong, sketchy, clumsy, and actually very unnecessary. I think you are basically a bit lost in your own narrative of taylor made experiences and high profile training and you should be more transparent before taking payments. I wonder also if this is your normal practice or if it is targeted to specific clients. Take this constructively, please

Fantastic experience: COME LIFT HERE!! I decided to go to CB last summer after the facilities at my usual gym were subpar during the uni holidays, and it's my favourite gym/club I've ever been to. Although lacking slightly for accessory work, the facilities for weightlifting and powerlifting are fantastic, with ample bars and weights even when it was busy, all in excellent condition. The main weightlifting coach when I attended was James, and he was my introduction to how weightlifting coaching should be done! Attentive and supportive, he gives solid advice at the level of the understanding of the individual he's giving it to. His honesty was valued in my time I was there, helping me out of a trough with my snatches after a competition where I bombed out on them. But the thing that really makes this club are the people that go! Everyone is so friendly and supportive of each other, and I felt like I could be myself around them which is such a refreshing environment. On a couple of occasions I brought my dog with me to train, and despite him being a bit gobby, everyone was happy to see and interact with him. If you want a weightlifting club that you will make you want to go every evening, this is the place for you, I highly recommend!

Fantastic experience: Great place to work on your lifts and technique, only did one class so far but looking forward to more! Coach defo knows what he is talking about and atmosphere is great, got excited for journey to come, let's go ‍♀️❤️

Fantastic experience: Such an amazing find! This club is so friendly, set up for all levels of ability where everyone encourages each other to achieve there goals. Highly recommend and very pleased that I found this club.

Fantastic experience: This place really helped my get into weight training as the community is so nice and fun!!!

Fantastic experience: Such a friendly club! loaded with equipment, great atmosphere! Coaching staff are so friendly and helpful, all levels of lifters there and everybody has a blast. Great etiquette around equipment cleaning and tidying away and can have music on and go nuts when you need to! Love it!

Fantastic experience: Love training here. Absolutely great atmosphere and a fab community of members, both beginners and advanced; weightlifting and powerlifting. Amazing coaching - very knowledgeable and always supportive. Great place to train

Fantastic experience: Absolutely love our club, it feels like we are a little community. Everyone always supports and celebrates everyones achievements. All goals are different and our awesome coach adapts to what your individual goals are. It's great because you can just Olympic lift, powerlift or do a bit of both.

Fantastic experience: Great place. Great atmosphere. Great people. Great Coach. Recommended to anyone who wishes to learn powerlifting or weightlifting. They accommodate all levels and create an enjoyable atmosphere.