5 /5 Tony Magestro: Ive been going to Training Grounds for about a month now and joining has by far been one of the best decisions Ive made in years (and arguably my adult life). When I was younger, I was much more active on various sports teams and in martial arts. However when I came out as gay, I was "encouraged" to no longer be a part of those teams; my performance didnt matter as much as how a gay member of the team "affected morale" and so I lost that spark to work on myself the way I wanted to and the way I was used to through athletics.
Over ten years later after discovering strongman and being recommended by friends to join this gym (that recently started a monthly strongman class and has many of the event implements to train with), while I was initially intimidated by the idea of trying to join a gym and simply be visible, what makes Training Grounds so unique is that it self-selects for people who not only value working on and improving themselves, but who hope the same for those around them.
Ive not experienced any judgment, only kindness. If you have a question, their staff and trainers dont mind helping. Regardless if its busy or quiet, everyones in their own world focusing on their work with everyone being mindful and courteous of those around them.
While Training Grounds has the reputation as a "serious" gym, the description is a bit of a misnomer in that its not a place just for professional athletes (though youll find plenty of them across various disciplines). The seriousness stems from the culture of intent around wanting to improve yourself around others who are working to improve themselves. And of the new friends Ive made here, no matter how strong or experienced you are, they still treat you as an equal. It truly is a gym for everyone who values that mutual progress and growth, whether its a parent helping their kid learn how to bench press for the first time, people rehabilitating after accidents or injury, friends working out together after work or class, or athletes getting ready for their next competition.
Though this review might be a bit more verbose than what you might be looking for, I cannot express how grateful I am for joining because beyond the equipment, the environment, the people, and the community Training Grounds has built, to find a place where I can put in the work without fear of judgment or prejudice, to be treated as a human being whos allowed to be there when so often, queer people are kicked off various teams or out of athletic environments simply for being visible for who they are... well, its been a rare moment in my life to be accepted as just another person working on himself and not being afraid of rejection simply on the basis of who I am.
With that in mind, if ever you feel like youre stuck, that you feel like youre not reaching your potential (physically, at work, emotionally, mentally), Training Grounds is a great environment to lay a foundation for a better life for yourself through fitness and community. That isnt to say you have to go 110% into a new program, but just having a place to run a treadmill, row, or pick up heavy things can help you prove youre much stronger than you realize; how that ripples across the rest of your life cant be overstated, nor can Training Grounds role in enabling people to come to that realization.
