FAQs
THE BASICS
Q: What is a “barbell” gym?
A: You probably know what a barbell is: one of those long iron bars that you put circular iron plates on either side of. A barbell gym is just a strength training gym that focuses on gaining strength primarily through moves using the barbell. Strength training is using resistance (aka how much something weighs) to build muscle, which in turn allows you to lift heavier stuff!
Q: What are your hours?
A: We are open 7 days a week, 5 am to 11 pm. Our hours are always unstaffed.
Q: Where are you located and how do I get there?
A: We are located in Suite 52A at 3245 Amber St. in Philadelphia, PA. There is a parking lot for our building across the street and plenty of street parking. Our space is 0.5 miles from the Allegheny stop of the Market-Frankford Line and close to many bus routes. When you become a member, you will receive a code to enter the building and a unique code to enter our space.
Q: How accessible is your space?
A: Our gym is on the second floor. There are seven stairs leading up into the building and elevators to reach the second floor. There are two gender-neutral bathrooms on our floor. Our gym is air conditioned. We ask our members not to wear strong scents; however, members may use baby powder and chalk in the gym. We have a Bluetooth speaker that members may use a central device to play music on. The space is small, so music and conversation may be louder when more members are using the space. We have a shared calendar if you would like to come during a less popular time.
We value the opportunity to make our space accessible to you — please email us at info@collectivestrengthphl.com.
Q: Do you offer coaching or group fitness classes?
A: Collective Strength doesn’t offer any coaching or training, but we have partnered with area trainers and coaches who share our values. We highly recommend Anna Claire Loper’s Badass Barbell program, which you can run out of our gym. We have all the equipment you need for it. We are also happy to direct members to other free and low-cost programming resources. To learn more, read our list of crowdsourced equitable and inclusive strength training resources.
Q: I’m interested in strength training, but I don’t know how to use any of the equipment. Can you help?
A: Yes, members can schedule time with us to learn how to use all of the equipment correctly and safely. However, none of the owners are actively coaching or offering programming at this time. We can also help you connect with a coach/trainer that is right for you, or find a good program to follow, if you’d like! To learn more, read our list of crowdsourced equitable and inclusive strength training resources.
Q: What kind of equipment do you have?
A: We are a fully equipped barbell gym suitable for powerlifting and general strength and conditioning. While we love Olympic lifting, we are not able to accommodate it at this time.
Our equipment includes:
a competition-standard rack
two Rogue power racks
two 4x8 deadlift platforms
45lbs and 20kg barbells
15lbs technique barbell
full set of calibrated kilo plates
full set of iron lbs plates
Safety Squat Barbell
hex/trap barbell
EZ Curl barbell
pulley system with rope and lat pulldown attachments
Olympic rings
adjustable dumbbells
15lbs and 20lbs slam balls
adjustable Plyometric box
Q: Do you have cardio equipment, like treadmills and stationary bikes?
A: No, but as we grow, we hope to add some.
Q: Do you have staffed hours?
A: Collective Strength does not have staffed hours; members are given their own code to access the gym. However, you can schedule time with us to learn how to use the equipment.
Q: What COVID-19 precautions are you taking?
A: Members are required to provide proof of vaccination, in accordance with CDC guidelines and local regulations, and members are strongly encouraged to wear masks when lifting with people they don’t live with. We have masks provided in the gym in case you need an extra one. We also have an air filter, windows that open, and ask that members clean their equipment before and after use. Collective Strength also does regular cleanings of the space.
CO-OP STATUS
Q: What is a co-op?
A: A co-op is a business that is owned and operated by its members. You may have heard (or been a member) of grocery co-ops or housing co-ops. To be a member of a co-op, a person pays a small, one-time share of capital (money to help startup or run the business). Some co-ops also require co-op members to work for the co-op a set number of hours. In exchange, all co-op members get a voice in how the business is run and a share of the profits. (Also known as the “one member, one vote” model). Co-op members can also run for positions on the board of directors, which are elected positions.
Q: Why would I want to join a gym co-op instead of a “regular” gym?
A: We know there are lots of places in Philadelphia where you can go to get a great workout (we like to think we’re one of them). Of course, these gyms are businesses; no matter how awesome the business is, you are, at the end of the day, still a client. You don’t get a say in how the business is run, what equipment the gym buys, what programs they offer, and how they build their communities, among many other things.
Joining Collective Strength means that you get the opportunity to be more than “just a client.” Your unique experiences, perspectives, and ideas get to inform how Collective Strength grows and operates. It means that you have a material stake in the community you are helping to build. You get to make decisions, execute ideas, and cultivate our community.
Q: How do you become a member of the co-op?
A: Working with our steering committee, we have set the capital buy-in at $300. This can be paid in one lump sum or in installments ($25/month for one year or $12.50/month for two years). Anyone who has paid their full amount or has made at least three payments can vote in board of directors elections, run for the board, and vote on gym business (for example: what equipment should we purchase or how should we update our policies). Your capital contribution pays for the startup costs of the gym, like the equipment. Your capital contribution does not mean you don’t have to pay monthly fees. We still need monthly fees to pay our rent, keep our lights on, etc. Think of your capital contribution like setting up the grocery store and your monthly dues like buying your groceries from that store.
Q: I joined Collective Strength prior to it becoming a co-op; do I have to become a member of the co-op to keep working out at Collective Strength?
A: Not immediately. As part of this transition, we are working with a co-op specific funder to secure a loan to move into a larger space. Until we move, no one will have to pay a capital contribution and become a co-op member. After we move, though, everyone must be a member in order to use the gym. Although we can’t give an exact timeline of when that will be, we estimate it will be sometime in 2023. We will, of course, keep this page updated as we know more. We want everyone who uses the gym to have a stake and a say in how it’s run.
Q: What will you get from being a member and what will you be required to do to maintain your membership?
A: You’ll get the ability to run for the board of directors and vote on gym business, in addition to your share of any profit we make. In exchange, you will be required to provide 20 hours of work per year to the gym. That can be things like cleaning the gym, staffing open houses, writing newsletter or social media posts, or giving tours to new members. It could even mean planning and hosting a social event! We know everyone has busy lives, and we want these work contributions to be flexible, fun, and meaningful for everyone.
Q: What about trainers and coaches?
A: As part of this model, trainers and coaches can buy into the co-op and, for a small space usage fee, offer classes and work with clients entirely on their own terms. We’re hoping this will be attractive to coaches and trainers and allow us to offer a variety of classes with more fair labor practices than you’d see in a traditional commercial gym. Coaches and trainers will be able to set their own terms and charge their own rates directly to their clients.
Q: I have another question about the co-op that you didn’t answer here…
A: Please first visit our dedicated page on joining the co-op— we get more into the details there. If that doesn’t answer your question, please feel free to email us at info@collectivestrengthphl.com.
OPEN GYM MEMBERSHIP
Q: I’ve never lifted weights in my life — can I join?
A: Absolutely! We are a community of members with a variety of different experience levels in strength training, from people who are competitive at a high level to absolute beginners.
Q: How do I become a member?
A: Check out our membership page to learn more about becoming a member. Direct your questions to info@collectivestrengthphl.com.
Q: What does a membership cost?
A: We offer differently priced membership tiers, based on financial need. Check out our membership page for more information.
Q: Can I do a work-trade (for example, cleaning, social media, training, etc.) in exchange for free membership?
A: Sorry, no! We believe everyone should be paid for their work, and we don’t want anyone feeling exploited or used. If you are concerned about your ability to pay for a monthly membership, we offer some membership spots at different price points for individuals with financial need, so that everyone has the ability to access a safe and inclusive fitness space. We are looking to expand reduced cost membership options as we grow.
Q: I’m a weightlifter — can I join?
A: You’re of course welcome to join, but right now we do not have the equipment or capacity for Olympic Weightlifting in our gym space. We hope to in the near future!
Q: Do I have to sign a contract?
A: Nope, we are strictly a month to month gym. In most cases, we need thirty (30) days notice to terminate your membership. To terminate your membership, email kelly@collectivestrengthphl.com.
Q: Can I come see the gym before I decide to join?
A: Yes! The best way to see the gym before you join is to book a drop-in, but you can also email us for a tour.
Q: Do you give membership discounts to first responders/military/firefighters/students, etc.?
A: We don’t. Our membership prices are based solely on financial need, no matter your occupation.
Q: I am under 18 — can I join?
A: Sorry, not at this time!
Q: Can my child come with me to the gym?
A: No, sorry. We are not set up to have minors in the gym at this time, regardless of whether they are accompanied by a parent or not.
VALUES AND COMMUNITY
Q: I read your values statement regarding the communities and individuals that your gym centers, but I’m not any of those. Can I join?
A: Yes! Anyone is welcome to join. Like everyone else, we ask that you abide by our shared member values.
Q: Is everyone at this gym going to be super jacked and tanned? Am I going to be intimidated?
A: We are a body neutral space — meaning we don’t spend time focusing on what people look like or how they can change how they look. We instead spend our time celebrating what our bodies can do. It is our goal that everyone feel comfortable in our space.
Q: Is Collective Strength a non-profit? Where does my money go?
A: Collective Strength is legally structured as a co-op. It is owned and operated by its members, who are united by the goal of making strength training with a barbell more inclusive and accessible. All of the money that we collect from membership dues, workshops, and donations go to support the gym (i.e., paying our rent and buying equipment) and the workshops (i.e., offering flexible pricing and paying our coaches their fair wage for their work). Collective Strength is a true labor of love for us.
POWERLIFTING
Q: What is “Powerlifting”?
A: Powerlifting is a strength-based sport centered around three moves: the Squat, Bench, and Deadlift. Powerlifters train to lift as much as they can, for one rep (one time) at competition in these three lifts. Powerlifters are divided into weight classes and compete against others in their weight class.
Q: Do I have to be a “Powerlifter” to join?
A: Nope! If you’re interested in strength training, down to be a part of an awesome community, and abide by our member values, then we are for you!
Q: Do I have to want to compete in Powerlifting to join?
A: Nope! We have members who are competitive on a local/national/international level and people who lift because it brings them joy, with no plans of ever competing. Everyone is treated with the same amount of respect and we value all of our members equally.
Q: Are you associated with any Powerlifting federations?
A: We are not. Some of our members lift in powerlifting federations; some do not. We respect everyone’s choice to pursue the sport how they wish and are always there to cheer them on!
COLLABORATING WITH US
Q: I’m a fitness instructor/trainer/coach — can I train clients at your gym?
A: We are always interested in partnering with coaches and trainers in the Philadelphia area who share our values. Fitness professionals who want to train clients using our facilities must be a member themselves; there is a fee for use of our facilities with clients who are non-members. During COVID-19, we have very limited capacity for trainers and their clients. However, we would love to hear from you, so please email info@collectivestrengthphl.com to introduce yourself and let’s talk!
Q: I am another gym/non-profit/business/individual that would like to partner for a fundraising/other type of event. Is that something you would be interested in?
A: Email us at info@collectivestrengthphl.com and let’s talk!
Q: I am a fitness professional that would like to be added to your list of recommended trainers/coaches. How do I do that?
A: It is important to us that the trainers and coaches we recommend align with our values and have a proven record of treating clients of all types with respect and dignity. Please email us at info@collectivestrengthphl.com so we can get to know each other and see if it is a good fit!
OTHER
Q: You didn’t answer my question here! How do I get it answered?
A: Email us at info@collectivestrengthphl.com with your question(s) and we’ll do our best to get back to you as soon as we can!