99 Barbell Fitness - Arcadia, California

Jeffrey Zhou

This is an experienced lifters dream gym. It’s well equipped with power-lifting stations (squats, bench press, and deadlift) with lots of machines.

They have a lot of power-lifting-specific equipment, like competition plates in kilograms, competition bench press station, and deadlift bars vs stiff bars. The machines are mostly no-cable, direct-weight machines. You load the moving components of the machine directly with 45 lb plates - all that to say, the gym really caters towards folks with a heavy skew towards powerlifting and are already quite damn strong. The machines “adjust” by 45 lbs at a time! I would not really recommend this gym for total beginners to weight training.

There are 3 main sections of the gym. The front main section, mirrors, with machines, squat + bench press racks, deadlifting stations, dumbbell rack, and a pull-up / cable machine. There’s an indoor second section in the back with more machines and no mirrors. Then, there’s another covered but open-air section of the gym that’s in an open garage, with even more bench press stations!

I noticed the only 2 cardio machines they have in the whole gym are 1 treadmill and 1 stair master. So if you’re looking for rows of cardio machines, you may need to look elsewhere. However, it’s worth noting there’s an amazing running trail along the canal super close to the gym, which would be awesome for outdoor running cardio.

The gym opens from 5 am to 10 pm on regular business days, providing a really generous window for working out. On the days and times I went at 9 pm to closing, the gym was almost empty. I am not sure how full it gets during popular hours.

I got a week pass when I was visiting LA. I really fell in love with the gym in 3 days. No doubt I’d buy a membership in a heartbeat if I lived relatively close by.

P C

Wonderful gym with a lifting focus. Multiple benches, squat racks, and elevated platforms for deadlifts. Most importantly, there are wall mirrors all over the gym for members to observe form.

Additionally, there’s plenty of machines - both cable and plates. There’s also an outdoor gym in a converted garage with kettle bells, benches, machines and the like. But just be warned, that mosquitoes are there too.

Overall, excellent small gym that never gets too crowded, and where everyone seems to know each other!

Lexine Lin Mackenzie

I came to this gym as a complete newbie to structured exercise and after four months of going and working with a trainer there, I feel much more confident in myself, my body's abilities, and so much stronger!! It's been so satisfying watching myself be able to lift more and more over the weeks.

Everyone I've met at the gym has been so kind and helpful, and it's clearly a community of very friendly people. The owner Julie is super responsive and very helpful with scheduling, and my trainer Jesus was the perfect fit for what I needed! I really liked that we were able to have a very non-judgmental and lighthearted approach to learning the lifts while still being serious about getting things right. It was challenging but in a very fun way. Overall, if you're thinking about learning strength training or maybe getting into powerlifting I would highly recommend this gym! The setup is fantastic, and you could not ask for a nicer bunch of people.

Tommy Le

Absolutely amazing gym. The moment I walked in I was warmly greeted, and the environment made me feel like my lifts were going to be 10% better. Julie, Jenny, Tim, and the rest of the staff are incredible, plus they have a super cute dog sometimes.

The community in this gym is probably the best part, everyone is super helpful, friendly, and supportive, so knock out those PR's. Speaking of PR's, there's an awesome Eastern style gate behind a bench press so you can take a legendary photo as you get gains.

The gym is fully stocked with power cages, deadlifting mats, trap bars, plyo boxes, foam rollers, resistance bands, microplates, bumper plates, tons of barbells (at least 99 lol), poppin music, and plenty of machines. There's a large room with spin cycles, and is perfect for stretching or plyometrics as well. Also, there's great monthly rates. There's no excuse to not go here.

Dave Chun

Amazing gym with top notch equipment! If you are looking a solid gym with really nice equipment, look no further! I was in town for Thanksgiving week and was able to sign up quickly online for a 1 week membership and was able to visit a few times during my stay in the Arcadia area. Suffice to say, I wish there was a gym like this near where I live in NorCal.

This is the best strength training gym I've ever been to. Amazing equipment and the staff and members are extremely helpful and knowledgeable. The overall vibes and atmosphere was very motivating. 100% worth it!

Pawan

This is my first “small box” gym and I’m never going back to commercial gyms like golds or 24hrs.
The vibe here is absolutely amazing with great art on walls and friendly people. You’ll love the gym if you love weight training, powerlifting, etc. They have everything you need when it comes to weights.
Only one old treadmill which sucks but not a big deal just run outside.

Most days there are < 10 people so you won’t have to wait for equipment. Overall great gym.

Ruben

Definitely the best gym I've ever been a part of. Totally a family vibe where everyone will support you from day one. Facilities and equipment are top notch, and the trainers are outstanding. Can only give 99 Barbell my highest recommendation!

Andrew Yanni

A month in and I can confidently; this Gym is among the absolute best if not the best in all surrounding areas. Everything you need, and more. The true win is in the surrounding energy which is unmatched. 99% Pros and damn near less than 1% cons. Exceptional in every way