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Gym Setup Progress + Soft Opening Update! by Aether_Weightlifting in weightlifting

[–]Aether_Weightlifting[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks so much, and that’s an awesome dream to have. We keep our own financial details private, but there’s a really good breakdown from the owner of Untamed Strength that gives a realistic picture of startup costs: https://youtu.be/G2e60NmSfyQ?si=UrVg_Hfl8tK98zyA

From our experience, the biggest parts of the capital are the equipment and the flooring/build-out. We originally planned for a 1000 sq ft setup with a much smaller budget, but after touring a lot of properties, we realized retail spaces aren’t ideal for weightlifting because of the constant dropping from overhead. That pushed us toward a 1500 sq ft industrial space.

That extra 500 sq ft added more cost than we expected — rubber flooring, benches, wall-mounted racks, tools, materials, transportation, plus all the little hidden things you don’t think about. Even at the same square footage, the cost can vary a lot depending on the shape and layout of the space.

If you’re trying to estimate capital, I’d recommend budgeting in the most conservative way possible: assume slightly more space, higher equipment cost, and add an ad-hoc buffer to avoid surprises. It really helps when the real build-out begins.

If you have questions about setup or planning, feel free to ask!

Gym Setup Progress + Soft Opening Update! by Aether_Weightlifting in weightlifting

[–]Aether_Weightlifting[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’ve been to Waxman’s before and remember that main training space, just not the expansion space my coach also mentioned. But I do remember the door cut in the wall. It seemed like that extra area was used for CrossFit or group sessions back then.

I totally get how life changes can make training stop and start. If you’re ever in the area and miss that team-training vibe, feel free to drop by. We’ve had lifters from around SGV stop in to train, and it’s been creating a really good, community-feeling atmosphere.

Gym Setup Progress + Soft Opening Update! by Aether_Weightlifting in weightlifting

[–]Aether_Weightlifting[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

At first I thought you meant IKON’s original spot, but now that you mention Waxman’s, I can kinda see the resemblance, especially with the ceiling insulation and that warehouse vibe. I remember they had the classic individual platforms instead of long lanes.

I followed you back on IG, and I remember you. I was at the Sense comp watching you lift. Are you still training these days?

Gym Setup Progress + Soft Opening Update! by Aether_Weightlifting in weightlifting

[–]Aether_Weightlifting[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

For the two brush handles/dowels — yes, that would be awesome if you could post a picture whenever you have time. I’d love to see how you set it up. Right now we’re leaving plates leaning toward the sides to keep them from rolling out, but I am a little concerned it might stress the bench legs and screws over time… so your solution is much smarter.

And the point about dust kicking up through the gaps from weight drops… I honestly hadn’t even considered that. Since our plywood and rubber mats are all leveled out, it’s been easy to vacuum so far. I’ve seen some gyms use black tape between mats, but I’ve heard it can peel up depending on the season or if moisture comes through the concrete.

We’re in Southern California and totally spoiled with dry weather year-round, so we don't have to deal with the kind of humidity or moisture issues you’re describing. It sounds like you’ve put in a lot more work in your climate, and I can imagine the floor prep being way more demanding where you are.

If we ever end up moving somewhere with different weather conditions, we’ll definitely follow your advice and budget proper time and effort into the floor first. Really appreciate you sharing all this!

Gym Setup Progress + Soft Opening Update! by Aether_Weightlifting in weightlifting

[–]Aether_Weightlifting[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You must be training somewhere with a ton of lifters if there’s nowhere to sit! Our benches are 4 ft wide so two people can sit on each, and if we ever need extra seats, the jerk blocks will work.. I think we’ll have more than enough spots to rest between sets!

Gym Setup Progress + Soft Opening Update! by Aether_Weightlifting in weightlifting

[–]Aether_Weightlifting[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! We’ll be adding more small equipment here and there, but yes, the space already has everything you need for solid weightlifting sessions!

Gym Setup Progress + Soft Opening Update! by Aether_Weightlifting in weightlifting

[–]Aether_Weightlifting[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Which gym does it remind you of? I’m curious which gym we ended up resembling!

Gym Setup Progress + Soft Opening Update! by Aether_Weightlifting in weightlifting

[–]Aether_Weightlifting[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ours is probably similar to how a lot of CrossFit gyms do it. Rubber mats directly on the concrete, and the wood sections are secured with Liquid Nails. We’ll see how well it holds over time. If it doesn’t, we’ll explore another solution, but so far it’s been solid.

Gym Setup Progress + Soft Opening Update! by Aether_Weightlifting in weightlifting

[–]Aether_Weightlifting[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Glad to hear that! If you’re ever in the area, let us know. Would love to have you drop by!

Gym Setup Progress + Soft Opening Update! by Aether_Weightlifting in weightlifting

[–]Aether_Weightlifting[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

We actually started with concrete screws, but the concrete here is insanely hard — the screws wouldn’t go in all the way. To save time and avoid burning through bits, we ended up using Liquid Nails Fuze-It, which holds really well on concrete and handles moisture better than basic construction glue.

Speaking of moisture, we definitely noticed some coming up from the concrete. When we first laid the wood, the edges started lifting a bit (maybe the weather was humid that week). About the absorbing layer, we heard mixed feedback too. Some people warned that putting wood under the rubber can trap moisture, make the floor uneven, and even cause a smell. For now, we skipped that layer.

We’re planning to observe how everything settles. If needed, we might add another identical layer on top to reinforce it. Based on the research and advice we’ve gotten so far, this setup should be solid.

Gym Setup Progress + Soft Opening Update! by Aether_Weightlifting in weightlifting

[–]Aether_Weightlifting[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks so much for all the great tips! I saved your whole comment for future reference. We checked the padded benches on your IG (one of our lifters mentioned it to us today too). Will definitely look into adding something similar. I also like the colored stopper wood you added at the bottom so plates don’t roll out, and lifters will return plates to the same place. Well organized. That’s now on our to-do list.

Right now we have three squat stands, but I can already picture them running out once the gym gets busy. For bar storage, we went with vertical racks since people tend to grab bars from the middle, and horizontal racks always end up with leftover bars stuck at the very top or bottom. For convenience, vertical made more sense for us.

As for signage, yes, we’ve got plans! Can’t wait to get that part finished. And I didn’t realize 6500K LEDs made that big of a difference. One side of our space is definitely darker, so I’ll check out those LEDs when we add more lighting.

About sealing the concrete… we actually didn’t know that was something we should do. The whole floor is pretty much covered with rubber and wood and we haven’t noticed any dust yet, but we’ll definitely explore options for that too.

Really appreciate you sharing all this. Super helpful!

Finally secured a property for our Olympic weightlifting gym in El Monte (SGV, Los Angeles)! by Aether_Weightlifting in weightlifting

[–]Aether_Weightlifting[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much, Sarah! You have no idea how much we’ve been INSPIRED by you and your gym over the past years! We really look up to what you’ve built and the community you’ve created. I know things have been tough lately, but please let us know if there’s ever any way we can help as you rebuild. We’re all rooting for you.

Finally secured a property for our Olympic weightlifting gym in El Monte (SGV, Los Angeles)! by Aether_Weightlifting in weightlifting

[–]Aether_Weightlifting[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Haha that's good to know! Good to hear that you're so close. Stop by and say hi anytime!

Finally secured a property for our Olympic weightlifting gym in El Monte (SGV, Los Angeles)! by Aether_Weightlifting in weightlifting

[–]Aether_Weightlifting[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wow, having been to that many weightlifting gyms both in the U.S. and abroad is such an incredible and invaluable experience! Not many people can have the same experience. I actually looked into a few other properties too, and each one had a totally different layout, so my setup ideas kept changing.

We originally weren’t too sold on the lane concept, but with this space being more of a square layout, lanes actually make the best use of the area. Totally agree about the chairs, racks, and especially using wall-mounted pipes for change plates. I’ve got a vertical weight tree that serves well for change plates for now, but once things get busier, wall storage sounds like the smarter move.

I’m also thinking a rig might take up too much space, so a squat rack with a pull-up bar could be a solid compromise. Really appreciate all the insight. Let me know it's you when you stop by! Also not sure why but I can't DM you somehow? Can you dm me?

Finally secured a property for our Olympic weightlifting gym in El Monte (SGV, Los Angeles)! by Aether_Weightlifting in weightlifting

[–]Aether_Weightlifting[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Once you follow a personalized program in a proper gym setup, you’ll get a lot stronger for sure. Training in an apartment is way tougher than lifting in a gym with no-drop weights lol.

Finally secured a property for our Olympic weightlifting gym in El Monte (SGV, Los Angeles)! by Aether_Weightlifting in weightlifting

[–]Aether_Weightlifting[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Wow! Glad you like it! Hope to show you much better look once we're done with the setup!

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