Our gym is a supportive community of people who will help you reach your goals. Whether you’re a beginner who has never touched a bar before or an experienced lifter, our coaches provide training programs that are tailored to you.
Come and get strong with us today! Not in the area? You can still be a Barbarian by joining our Remote Team!
Olympic Weightlifting & Strength Training are for Everyone
Los Angeles’ Premier 24/7 Weightlifting Gym!
Whether you’re new to the sport or have experience, we are here to help you reach your athletic goals.
Come and train with the longest standing coach in Los Angeles!
Coach Emmy Vargas has nearly 30 years of experience in weightlifting; she and her coaches have worked with beginners to advanced (National/International level) athletes, CrossFit athletes, and other athletes supplementing their sport with Olympic weightlifting lifts.
If you’re not able to get to our gym, you can still be a Barbarian on our Remote Team! We also offer Personal Training for those looking for one-on-one work. As well as Strength Training classes and Youth Weightlifting.
Join a community that cares about helping you get results!
Why Choose Barbarian Barbell
USAW Certified Coaches
Our coach-led sessions empower you to reach your weightlifting potential through individualized instruction and feedback, unlimited in-depth video analysis, and regular check-ins in-person or via zoom.
Community
Train with a team. Our culture is more than just lifting weights; it’s about supporting each other, pushing limits, and creating a home away from home. We offer a group atmosphere that motivates, supports, empowers and celebrates success.
Programming
We provide training programs tailored for you. Volume, intensity, time, training days, and movement progression built around your wants, needs, and goals as an athlete. Competitive and non-competitive programs with an opportunity to compete at any age and any level.
Our 3-Step Getting Started Guide
#1 TEXT US
Text- Let us know you’re interested by messaging us and we’ll respond as soon as possible so that we can get to know you and what you’re looking for. Text: 818-975-0514
#2 SET UP A TOUR OR ONE-ON-ONE CONSULTATION
Come in for an appointment to tour the gym or schedule a one-one consultation (in-person, phone, or Zoom available). You can ask us any questions you may have regarding pricing, programs, etc.
#3 CHOOSE YOUR PROGRAM
We have several options to choose from including beginner sessions to learn the lifts, occasional sessions to improve technique, youth / college athlete sessions to improve sport performance, 24/7 open gym access, competitor and non-competitor programs.
Schedule & Classes
DAY OF WEEK
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In-House Training: 5:30pm-8:00pm
Youth Weightlifting: 4:30pm-5:30pm
Open Gym: All day
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In-House Training: 5:00pm-7:00pm
Technique Session: 7:00pm-7:45pm
Open Gym: All day
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In-House Training: 5:30pm-8:00pm
Youth Weightlifting: 4:30pm-5:30pm
Open Gym: All day
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Technique Session: 4:00pm-5:15pm
In-House Training: 5:30pm-7:00pm
Open Gym: All day
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In-House Training: 5:00pm-7:00pm
Youth Weightlifting: 4:30pm-5:30pm
Open Gym: All day
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Technique Session: 9:45am-10:30am
In-House Training: 10:30am-12:30pm
Open Gym: All day
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Open Gym: All day
SERVICES
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Our experienced USA Weightlifting certified coaches are on the floor providing feedback to help improve your technique and efficiency of the snatch, clean & jerk, and accessory movements while you complete your training program. In-house memberships include individualized programming for athletes of all levels, unlimited video review and feedback (if you can’t come during coaching hours), monthly check-ins with your primary coach, and competition coaching at all local and national events that Barbarian Barbell is attending. Private training sessions over Zoom or in-person may be purchased at a discounted rate.
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Personal training that is tailored to individual needs based on the client’s short and long-term strength and fitness goals.
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Coaches
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Owner & Head Coach
USA Weightlifting National Coach
Emmy began weightlifting under the tutelage of Bob Takano in 1996 to help improve her performance in track & field where she was a scholarship athlete (shot put & discus). She quickly developed a love for the sport and began competing. In 1999, she earned a spot as a Resident Athlete at the Olympic Training Center and trained under Lyn Jones and Bob “No Mercy” Morris. She was then part of the inaugural weightlifting class at Northern Michigan University and trained under Lisa Brien and Ma Jianping.
Emmy competed on Team USA for eleven years and served on the USA Weightlifting Board of Directors as the United States Olympic Committee Athlete Advisory Council Representative for 8 years (2008-2016). Since her retirement as an athlete in 2008, Emmy’s coaching career includes leading dozens of athletes to national competitions, 6 to international competitions, and earning over 100 national and international medals.
Competition Highlights
3X Olympic Team Trials Participant
Pan Am Games Silver Medalist
World Championship Team Member
2X University World Championships Silver Medalist
Pan Am Championships Multiple Gold, Silver & Bronze Medalist
U.S. National Championships Multiple Gold, Silver & Bronze Medalist
American Open Championships Multiple Gold, Silver & Bronze Medalist
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Coach & Programming
USA Weightlifting National Coach & WSO President
Kristin was introduced to the Olympic lifts through CrossFit in 2013 which she joined to “lose the baby weight” 6 weeks after the birth of her second son. She grew up a competitive dancer and acrobat at the Dance Slipper in Western Massachusetts, ranking in the top 20 female teen dancers nationally. She also taught dance to children ages 3-13 at her studio for over 5 years. After high school, she went to the University of Massachusetts Amherst and was a member of the top 5 nationally ranked UMass Dance Team. She also played numerous sports growing up including soccer, basketball, field hockey, and track & field.
With her background in dance, Kristin was immediately drawn to the technical nature of the Olympic lifts and began weightlifting with Barbarian Barbell in 2016. She has competed at the national and international level as a Masters Athlete for the past 8 years. For the past 6 years, Kristin has been coaching and programming for hundreds of athletes from beginners to national level athletes.
Competition Highlights
Masters World Champion
American Masters Champion, Best Lifter, & C&J Record Holder
Masters World Cup Champion
Masters Pan Ams Silver Medalist
Masters Worlds Bronze Medalist
American Open Finals Champion
Masters Nationals Multiple Silver & Bronze Medalist
American Open Series Champion
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Owner of Sedwick Bodywork
Certified and Licensed Massage Therapist
Christina began Olympic weightlifting in 2014 and competed in her first meet by 2015. Through a middle school PE program, she was introduced to CrossFit kids. With a history of gymnastics and track sports, Christina fit right into the CrossFit classes that her parents attended daily. She committed to specializing in Olympic weightlifting at just 15 years old and went on to medal at Youth Nationals that same year. In the midst of progressing as a weightlifter, Christina enrolled in a massage therapy program at Southern California Health Institute in 2020 so that she could stay connected to athletes through her career. Her passion for movement and recovery helps her continue to grow as an athlete while also helping other athletes. With a decade of competition experience and 5 years as a bodywork practitioner, Christina has a unique insight into the biomechanics of weightlifting.
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Youth Weightlifting Coach
USA Level 1 Coach
Bio coming soon
Trusted and Loved by Many Angeleno’s
Ready to Get Strong?
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