Westside Barbell: Revisiting Its Origins to Understand Its Future Direction.

Westside Barbell: Revisiting Its Origins to Understand Its Future Direction.

The Journey of Self-Discovery and Fitness

The world of sport and fitness can be a journey like no other. It’s a path that can bring out the best in us, push us to our limits, and ultimately transform us into the individuals we’re meant to be. When we let our passions guide us, we often find ourselves on a journey we never expected, but one that ultimately leads to growth and self-discovery.

The Turning Point: From Martial Arts to Powerlifting

Craig Bongelli’s story is one of just that. As a teenager, he was passionate about martial arts and boxing, working hard in the gym with a sense of purpose and dedication. However, it wasn’t until he attended a Highland games event and met Scotland’s strongest man that his focus shifted. He wanted to become big and strong, and his journey as a powerlifter was born. Unfortunately, a back injury at the age of 21 forced him to re-evaluate his approach, leading him to discover Louie Simmons, the owner of Westside Barbell.

The Mentorship and the Road to Success

Craig’s introduction to powerlifting and Westside Barbell marked the beginning of an incredible journey. With Louie’s guidance, he fell in love with the sport, and his hard work paid off. The mentorship Craig received from Louie was invaluable, and his passion for powerlifting only continued to grow. When Louie passed away, the gym was passed on to a new and trusted owner, and Craig was excited to see where the gym would go from there.

The Westside Docuseries: A Journey of Self-Discovery and Fitness

The Westside docuseries chronicles Craig’s return to Westside Barbell, as he shares his experiences and insights on the gym’s new training philosophy and program. Having been away for several years, Craig is eager to learn about the changes that have taken place and see how he can continue to improve his skills and achieve his goals.

Episode 1: Seeing the New Westside

In the first episode, Craig returns to Westside Barbell to get a glimpse of the new training philosophy and program. With a clear determination to understand the gym’s new direction, he begins to implement new training methods and track specific metrics over a four-week period.

Episode 2: A Tough Start

Week one is a difficult one for Craig, as he struggles to adjust to the new training regimen. This episode showcases his challenging return to the gym, as he faces the reality of being pushed beyond his limits. This journey of self-discovery is not just about physical transformation but also about mental toughness and perseverance.

Episode 3: Finding the Groove

As Craig progresses through the second week, he begins to find his footing and adapt to the new training program. This episode delves into the emotional challenges he faced during his time away from home and his family, and the importance of working hard and pushing through the tough times.

Episode 4: The Final Push

In the fourth and final episode, Craig reflects on his experience and shares his end results. He discusses the impact the Westside Barbell program has had on his life and the lessons he’s learned about himself and fitness. This episode concludes the docuseries, highlighting Craig’s growth and renewed commitment to his fitness journey.

Conclusion

Craig’s story is one of determination, self-discovery, and the pursuit of excellence. Through his experiences at Westside Barbell, he has learned valuable lessons about the importance of hard work, perseverance, and the power of community. This docuseries is a testament to the transformative power of fitness and the incredible impact it can have on our lives.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What inspired you to start powerlifting?
  As a teenager, I was passionate about martial arts and boxing. Meeting Scotland’s strongest man at a Highland games event sparked my desire to become big and strong, leading me to powerlifting.
• How did you get involved with Westside Barbell?
  After a serious back injury, I was searching for ways to navigate my injury and prevent future injuries. I discovered Louie Simmons, the owner of Westside Barbell, and his book. This led to a phone call, an invitation to the gym, and ultimately, a lasting mentorship.
• Why did you decide to create the Westside docuseries?
  I want to share the incredible training system at Westside Barbell with fellow athletes, showing that with dedication and the right methodologies, one can achieve more than they ever thought possible. By sharing my own story, I hope to inspire others to pursue their fitness goals and indulge my own passion for powerlifting.