Louie Simmons founded Westside Barbell, a strength training gym in Columbus, Ohio, in 1976. Our gym is considered one of the world's most innovative and successful strength training facilities. It is known for using the conjugate method, a strength training system that emphasizes the rotation of exercises and variations to avoid overuse injuries and continually challenge the athlete.

Our gym has produced many world-class powerlifters, coaches, and athletes that have set numerous world records and won multiple national and international championships. Westside has also been a leader in developing and refining the conjugate method.

We are well-known for our firm commitment to scientific research, cited material references, and applying physics, biomechanics, and physiology principles to strength training.

Louie Simmons was widely recognized as the strength coaches, strength coach. Louie's contributions to the field of strength training have influenced and inspired athletes, coaches, and trainers worldwide. On March 24th, 2022, Louie Simmons passed away, leaving the ownership of the business to his wife Doris, and the direction of the gym and business operations under the guidance of his most trusted student Tom Barry.

Westside Barbell is a strength training education company operated by Tom Barry and his team under the ownership of Louie's wife Doris Simmons. Its primary goal is to preserve and build upon the educational legacy laid by its founder Louie Simmons.