Coaches first. Everything else second.
Ironside was started by two coaches who wanted a gym where good teaching mattered more than fancy machines.
From a garage on Leavenworth to Harney Street.
In 2012 Ben Carter and Maria Santos were coaching friends in a two-car garage. Within a year there was a waiting list.
In 2014 they took over an old print shop downtown, kept the brick walls and built the gym they had always wanted to train in.
Eleven years later Ironside has 640 members and nine coaches. Ben and Maria still coach the 6am classes.
The coaching team.
Every coach is certified, full-time and trained in-house for three months before leading a class.
Ben Carter
Head coach, strength
Maria Santos
Conditioning lead
Andre Wallace
Boxing coach
Leo Marquez
Personal trainer
Tess Morgan
Conditioning and mobility
Kara Lindqvist
Nutrition coach
What we believe.
Everyone starts somewhere
Nobody is judged for the weight on their bar.
Consistency wins
Three good sessions a week will change your life.
People keep you going
You will show up for the group on days you would not for yourself.
What is inside.
Twelve thousand square feet, laid out so the floor never feels crowded.
14 racks and lifting platforms
Dumbbells from 5 to 120 pounds
Rowers, bikes, sleds and a turf lane
Ten heavy bags and a boxing ring
Private showers and day lockers