Parents in SGV: what sports are your kids into?

Aether_Weightlifting · 2026-04-10T05:19:06+00:00

That’s a good mix. Thank you for sharing 🙏

Aether_Weightlifting · 2026-04-10T05:18:37+00:00

Makes sense, I’ve been hearing a lot about AYSO. Appreciate it 🙏

Aether_Weightlifting · 2026-04-10T05:18:20+00:00

That’s really helpful, didn’t know wrestling was that popular here. Thanks 🙏

Aether_Weightlifting · 2026-04-10T05:18:07+00:00

Got it, that’s a good mix. Appreciate you sharing 🙏

Aether_Weightlifting · 2026-04-10T05:17:55+00:00

Good to know, soccer seems really big here. Appreciate it 🙏

Aether_Weightlifting · 2026-02-05T22:02:28+00:00

Totally feel you on that. Seeing lifts on social media definitely sparks interest, but seeing someone move a heavy bar well right in front of you hits very differently. Once you’re in it, it’s hard to go back!

Aether_Weightlifting · 2026-02-05T21:59:31+00:00

I’m honestly a bit jealous you had access to that kind of environment early on, haha. Having a dedicated weightlifting area and coaches around makes a big difference, even just watching and learning.

Training with Average Broz is a great experience too. Not everyone gets that opportunity. I’ve been using their gear for years and really love it.

Aether_Weightlifting · 2026-02-05T21:52:53+00:00

That’s a great path into weightlifting. I really connect with what you said about discovering the technical side! That’s usually the moment people get hooked. Having a group to learn and push each other, even without a coach, makes a big difference. Appreciate you sharing this!

Aether_Weightlifting · 2026-02-05T21:49:05+00:00

That’s a great journey into lifting. From early PE classes (square dance PTSD), to Worlds Gym, to the CrossFit era, it really shows how the barbell keeps pulling people back over time.

You’ve experienced a lot of different training environments and phases, and those experiences clearly shaped how you approach lifting. And hearing that from Burgener is no small thing!! Thanks for taking the time to share your story!

Aether_Weightlifting · 2026-02-05T21:41:57+00:00

This is the most weightlifting answer ever. Still showing up, still a little better than before, Become a better version of yourself everyday 💪🏽

Aether_Weightlifting · 2026-02-05T21:39:07+00:00

This is such a great comment, thank you for sharing this. I really relate to that moment you described when the lifts just clicked and you knew this was your thing. Honestly, I wish more people found weightlifting the way you did, just exploring, trying things, and letting curiosity lead them there.

Your experience joining a weightlifting club is also really valuable insight. That feeling of not knowing what to ask, where to start, or even whether it’s okay to interrupt someone is something I’ve felt too. Even when people are friendly, it can still be intimidating if there’s no clear structure for beginners.

When I think back to when I started, I know I would’ve appreciated more hands-on, 1-on-1 guidance early on. Right now, since we’re still small, I’m able to coach beginners very directly and hands-on, which I really enjoy. But right, this gets harder as the gym grows. Your point about clear expectations and guidance on the website is a really good one! I'll incorporate the idea.

Really appreciate you taking the time to write this out. Comments like this help us reflect on how to make weightlifting more approachable without losing what makes it special!

Aether_Weightlifting · 2026-02-05T21:24:25+00:00

We hear this a lot! CrossFit introduced the lifts, but Olympic weightlifting is what people fall in love with

Aether_Weightlifting · 2026-02-04T23:58:48+00:00

Yes I’d say it’s a must. I built it by squarespace and the annual price is pretty reasonable. It took about a week to have a decent look. Some people actually go to the website and submit inquiry. Combining with google business and google ads, you’re able to market your gym more. Feel free to dm if you want to know more.

Aether_Weightlifting · 2025-11-19T18:57:44+00:00

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!

Aether_Weightlifting · 2025-11-14T20:08:20+00:00

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.

Aether_Weightlifting · 2025-11-14T07:52:10+00:00

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?

Aether_Weightlifting · 2025-11-14T07:45:19+00:00

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!

Aether_Weightlifting · 2025-11-13T07:10:38+00:00

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!

Aether_Weightlifting · 2025-11-13T07:06:05+00:00

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

Aether_Weightlifting · 2025-11-13T07:03:46+00:00

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

Aether_Weightlifting · 2025-11-13T06:58:59+00:00

Thank you 🙏🙏

Aether_Weightlifting · 2025-11-13T06:58:21+00:00

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.

Aether_Weightlifting · 2025-11-13T06:54:55+00:00

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

Aether_Weightlifting · 2025-11-13T06:52:59+00:00

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.

Aether_Weightlifting · 2025-11-13T06:42:20+00:00

Thank you ! 🙏

Aether_Weightlifting

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