Collective Strength

Badass Barbell

Badass Barbell with Anna Claire

Squat: April 9

Bench: May 14

Deadlift: June 18

The Badass Barbell (BBB) program is a community of badass people — femme, queer, trans, non-binary folks, BIPOC folks, folks in larger bodies, and their allies — who come to barbell strength training as a means of taking up and taking back space we have previously felt unwelcome or unsafe in. BBB hopes to demystify the barbell, and teach our community fundamental strength skills that will increase their confidence in the gym and beyond.

WE BELIEVE…

  • We believe in the importance of movement to one’s overall health and well-being, and in moving just for the fun of it. Barbell strength training is a badass, fun, and empowering way to move.

  • All bodies are good bodies. Fitness isn’t reserved for small, lean, cis bodies. We do not believe that health looks any particular way. It is not affiliated with any size, shape, or aesthetic. 

  • We know that our members come to strength-training from a variety of different experiences and backgrounds. Some not feeling at home in, and learning to dissociate from their bodies, some with trauma surrounding their bodies. Participants will be given space to process whatever strength training brings up for them. 

  • We believe strongly in consent. Participants always control the pace and intensity of their participation. Participants will always be asked for consent before receiving physical cues, and can always revoke that consent. 

  • Free to be. To be silly, to be serious, to be joyful, to be sad, to be frustrated, to be celebratory. 

Anna Claire Loper

AC is a queer personal trainer (she/her), working to create spaces where everyone in every body — BIPOC, cis, trans, non-binary folks, queer folks, folks in larger bodies, and folks with disabilities — can feel safe, move better, and get strong.

AC started treating PMDD, depression, and anxiety with tractor tire flips, barbells, and kettlebells as a teenager. After a while, she grew tired of the diet culture, body-shaming, and toxic masculinity she found in most fitness spaces. In 2018, AC left a do-good desk job to become the queer, affirming strength coach of her dreams. Now she coaches all kinds of folks to have dominion over their bodies. And, she loves it!

Learn more about AC and how to work with her on her website or IG.

June 18

Registration opens soon for our Badass Barbell workshop on the deadlift! We are offering this workshop on a flexible pricing model, based on your circumstances. Flexible pricing is about what you are able to pay—not what you want to pay—and helps us make barbell training more accessible to everyone. This guide will help you pick your tier.

No one will be turned away due to lack of funds! If cost is a barrier for you, please email kelly@collectivestrengthphl.com about one of the donated spots that we have available.

We may be able to open a second workshop in the afternoon if there’s interest. Please email kelly@collectivestrengthphl.com to get on the wait list.

  • $60: Pay-it-Forward — you’re financially secure and want to help someone else

  • $50: At Cost — you’re generally financially secure and can afford the workshop

  • $40: Subsidized — you struggle with finances and would have trouble paying full-price

Please read our FAQs for information about accessibility.

Questions? Concerns? Email kelly@collectivestrengthphl.com for more information or to get on the waitlist.