What services does your business offer and what makes your business stand out from the competition?

Our specialty at Tough Temple Barbell Club is the study of Olympic Weightlifting and the progression of all that it entails.

While there are many ways to lift weights and get stronger, only one methodology remains contested at the Olympic Games every four years – although this is the proper form of the sport of weightlifting, it is often referred to as Olympic Weightlifting to differentiate from other forms for this reason.

The lifts that are contested in the Olympics remain the only ones in that arena because they require one to be MORE than just strong – they must be athletic in almost every regard. We break this down to the following 5 key abilities in addition to the strength that is obviously required:

1 - Speed, Power & Agility – Do More than Just Lift the Weights

What if you could learn the skill, speed, focus, and explosiveness needed to not merely lift the weights you train with but to do something that resembles closer to throwing them? What would that mean to your sense of confidence in the rest of your life? Your ability to do challenging tasks throughout your day?

2 - Coordination – Learn to Use Your Whole Body in Any Activity

Have you ever been told to lift with your legs instead of your back? Do you know what that means? Do you know how to optimally coordinate your legs, core, and arms in any physical activity you pursue?

3 - Flexibility – Get Strong While Avoiding Becoming “Muscle Bound”

Many basic bodybuilding programs get misdirected and end up leaving a person tighter and less healthy and mobile while they get stronger and/or bigger. Instead, stay healthy by training in a way that DEMANDS that you stay (or become) flexible while getting stronger.

4 - Safety – Coaching Keeps You Focused on the Long Game

While we make sure there are times you challenge yourself, we’ll also help you manage your ego. We won’t let you go heavier than you can handle – but what you can handle may surprise you.

5 - Bodyweight Management - Build the Body YOU Want

While the challenge is there if and when you feel ready for it, no one in the Barbell Club is expected to compete – however we use the principles of the sport to help those in everyday training situations as well, including bodyweight management. Everyone is encouraged to get as strong and athletic as they can with a body that they are happy with – and we help you “change weight classes” either up or down depending on the needs of your health, performance, and a balanced life. By taking a full approach to all of these points, we find that training for Olympic Weightlifting results in a more COMPLETE kind of strength.

Exercise is challenging. How do you keep clients motivated and engaged?

Exercise is certainly challenging and we think of it as part of the joy of Olympic Weightlifting that it IS challenging – this is what allows for real long term progress. The fact that our training is so skilled and multifaceted ensures that there is always something to work on at every step of the journey, even when other aspects have gotten frustrating.

We also balance celebration and challenge – every day is one or the other and often both. No matter what level you are at, we are here to celebrate you reaching YOUR next step and to help you find it on the days when it seems there are too many steps to take.

What was the inspiration to start or run this business?

Head Coach John Filippini began coaching Olympic Weightlifting in 2009 to help others grow into their potential and experience the same positive and supportive community that he found in weightlifting years ago. At a weightlifting competition, everyone is given their moment to shine. Everyone is supported, no matter the weight lifted. Even the competition will cheer for you to make a lift and even the greatest will support a beginner on their first attempt ever. Celebrating these wins at all levels is what the Tough Temple Barbell Club is all about.

What do you love most about your job?

Every day I get to see people grow. Every day I get to walk with giants of all shapes and sizes that have come together to challenge the limitations that they experienced in themselves the day before.