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June 2022 by Tom Kolibaba
I was a member here for two separate ~15 month stints. First beginning in July 2017 (under the previous ownership) and the other beginning in June of 2020.The good:1) Equipment selection and 24 hour access. My life has some odd scheduling on occasion and being able to get into the gym whenever is awesome. Unless you come at peak hours you'll never have to wait for any equipment (even at peak hours it's usually not too bad). Definitely a great powerlifting, weightlifting, or strongman gym and has everything you need to train any of those effectively.2) The owners are all phenomenal people and are very friendly. They make an effort to get to know people who come regularly.3) The price point is excellent. Comparable gyms in other parts of the country can run 2-3x what BVB charges. Coaching is set up outside of your gym membership (if it's desired) which keeps your cost down and allows you to use whichever online coaching platforms you like (if you so choose)The bad:1) The access system is much worse under the new ownership. You need to download a horrible app and scan a QR code. The scanner regularly doesn't work and you have to call to get let into the gym. The previous ownership had a different access system that used a keyfob. I never once had issues with that, nor did I hear of issues coming up with it for others. I don't know why they changed systems2) The shower. There is a fully plumbed, functional shower in the building that was accessible under the previous ownership. It has been closed for the duration of the new ownership, and they do not plan to reopen it until they move to a new location. For those who try to sneak in a workout before going to work, this is incredibly frustrating and unnecessary. I offered to organize a cleaning schedule for the shower and install a keypad lock at my own expense and was rebuffed by the ownership for reasons that I still do not understand. The only reasons I was given were hot water heater issues (a cold shower at the gym is better than no shower or having to drive home) and not wanting to incur the added expense of cleaning the shower.3) They're cheap. Beyond the unwillingness to deal with the shower (which I think consider to be a basic feature of a gym), there are drinks and snacks for sale at the entrance. Previous ownership sold the drinks at the going market rate you'd pay at HEB. Current ownership has a markup that's just kind of annoying. They've also tried numerous times to implement fitness classes and things of that ilk. That's not bad in and of itself, but I think most of the membership joined this gym to get away from things like that. The weightlifting platforms are also quite beat up and constructed in a ludicrously cheap way. Many of the ones closest to the wall have such deep divots that bars won't remain stationary on the platform and roll into them.I'd certainly recommend this gym to most people. If you're into weightlifting, powerlifting, or strongman it's basically the only option in town, especially after COVID killed a few other local businesses. Obviously my issues with the shower and such won't be shared by all. Hope this helps someone!
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June 2022 by Robert Dowdy
Great place friendly environment! I’ve found new interests in weightlifting because of this gym and the environment that it creates.
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May 2022 by Greyson W
If you're looking for a gym and a friendly community committed to health, fitness, and strength then there is no better place in B/CS to be than Brazos Valley Barbell.On top of the 5 star rating I'm giving the facility and community present at BVB I would like to add that the staff present, specifically Kristina and Marcos run their facility with high moral character and integrity which is rare to find at any business. My sole complaint for BVB is that they are not located in the city I currently live it.
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April 2022 by Scott Hall
I’ve been lifting for 30 years, competing as a power lifter and strong man . One of finest power clubs in the United States. Super nice folks. Fully equipped. Speciality bars. GHR. Reverse hypers, outstanding. Thank you Marcos!
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December 2021 by Tom K
The equipment and 24 hour access are both good. Everyone at the gym is friendly and it's easy to strike up a conversation and make a friend.However the access system is incredibly frustrating and regularly would malfunction when I lifted in the earlyish morning before work.What ultimately drove me to lifting at home instead of at BVB is the shower and their lack of care about COVID protocols. For cost cutting reasons the new ownership elected to not let customers use the shower that already exists on site. Additionally, the gym implemented essentially no COVID safety protocols besides slapping "stay 6 feet apart" signs in a few places. They never enforced the mask policy and never even addressed health/safety in any emails even as county hospitals were stuffed with COVID patients (both in late 2020 and August/September 2021).If you don't need to shower before you go to work (or lift after work) and are into lifting/strength sports, there is simply no better gym in town.
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December 2021 by Wesley Adams
If you take lifting seriously this is the only gym in town that can meet your needs. Nice equipment, plenty of Ohio state barbells, deadlifting bars, bands and chains, deadlift platform with banded option, GHR machine, reverse hyper extension machine, MAG grip attachments, numerous chalk bowls and much more.
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December 2021 by Stephen Tan
This is a great gym. Plenty of equipment to use and everything you can think of. Friendly staff and 24 hour access.
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October 2021 by Dean Murray
Great facility. Owners are highly communicative. Incredible equipment, motivating members and clean environment. Happy to have this available in my area.
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October 2021 by David Marabella
Like that it's 24 hours
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August 2021 by Eryn Clayton
Love this place! Great staff and awesome equipment!
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July 2021 by Joel Torres
I signed up 3 days ago. The atmosphere was great and felt like home. The staff is awesome, they didn’t try and con you into any commitment like commercial gyms do.This is a place you need to come to if you’re serious with getting some work in.There’s plenty of membership options to choose from. I’m satisfied with mine. Glad to be apart of the Brazos Valley Barbell family. ??
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July 2021 by Noelle S.
Low key atmosphere, serious lifters. Equipment is well-organized, and staff is helpful. I enjoy going after a long day of work.
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April 2021 by Benjamin Nevares
Easily the best gym in Bryan/College Station. Welcoming atmosphere while simultaneously promoting competition within oneself. Seeing others working hard everywhere to be better drives a growth mindset. The staff is made up of some of the most kind individuals you have ever met. They are genuinely there to help guide you down the road that will provide you with the best opportunity for the success of your goals. Highly recommend to anyone moving into Bryan/College Station.
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February 2021 by Micah Hughes
Great competitive gym. Not your average gym. Bing your work ethic.
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December 2020 by robert mccrory
I love the power lifting/ Olympic lifting set up. Wish I had this place when I was actively powerlifting. Besides the crowd after work (same anywhere) the designated bench press is always being used as squat stands and there's no designated incline. If you're a powerlifter/strength athlete this place is best place around to train.
