Over the last decade, hundreds of fantastic strength sports businesses and coaches have emerged to offer their expertise and product to the enthusiasts around them. At BarBend, we have one goal, and that is to provide large audiences across all strength sports with the resources they need to progress to their fullest.
We wanted to highlight how many awesome Black owned businesses there are within the strength sports world that you may not have heard of…yet. The goal here is to not only connect you with great businesses, but to grow this list over time.
Below, we’ve broken businesses into which strength sports they generally cater to. Note, most of the coaches and businesses below generally welcome every type of lifter, but we wanted to build some form of table of contents to help you navigate the article!
Author’s Note: If there’s a business that should be on the list that was left off, then please feel free to drop a comment down below so we can plug the business in!
Bodybuilding
Iron Addicts
The Iron Addicts gym is owned by C.T. Fletcher and is based in California. If you’re not in the area, then you can purchase Iron Addicts apparel through the website linked below!
Fortis EQ
Fortis EQ is bodybuilder and powerlifter Ryan Doris’ brand that offers a variety of service. Doris provides 1-on-1 coaching, programming, and nutrition plans.
Powerlifting
Barbell Commission
Barbell commission is an apparel company that was co-founded by multi powerlifting world record holder, Kevin Oak. They make training focused apparel for both men and women.
- Barbell Commission
https://www.instagram.com/p/CBV760gg00j/
Sam Strong
Sam Strong is elite -63kg powerlifter Samantha Calhoun’s coaching business. She offers traditional coaching, game day coaching, and has options for those that are local.
Strength Studio TT
Strength Studio TT is elite powerlifter and world record holder Jamal Browner’s coaching business. Browner offers his expertise to other strength athletes looking to gain an edge.
Russwole
Russwole is elite powerlifter Russel Orhii’s brand that says apparel and coaching services. Orhii’s apparel brand is Get Better Today, which can be found through his main site below.
The CRCL
The CRCL is powerlifter LC McClain’s brand that provides coaching and apparel. On their site below, you can find apparel for men and women and a variety of coaching services.
Relentless Power Systems
Relentless Power Systems is a brand run by elite powerlifter Barbara Lee. Her company provides a variety of coaching services for lifters all around the globe.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CBPN_SnApK7/
Beyond Average Training
Beyond Average Training is a coaching and apparel brand that was founded by Latonia Sumuel. Her brand offers a variety of services and has apparel for men, women, and kids.
Royster Fitness
Royster Fitness is a coaching brand that was founded by JamaRR Royster. In addition to coaching, Royster has an apparel brand called Inspiring a Stronger You.
Mark Harris II
Mark Harris II is a videographer that works in a variety of spaces, but has spent a considerable amount of time working with another strength sport athletes and businesses.
Marcellus Williams
Marcellus Williams, A.K.A the swolefessor, is an elite powerlifter that also offers coaching. We’ve linked his Instagram handle below where he an email provided for outreach.
Sir Gymrat Fitness
Sir Gymrat Fitness is a coaching business was founded by elite powerlifter Ronald Tarvin. His coaching services range from powerlifting to general fitness clientele.
- Sir Gymrat Fitness
https://www.instagram.com/p/B–wapcAUFl/
Irregular Strength
Irregular Strength is a brand and company founded by raw bench press world record holder Julius Maddox. His company offers programming and consulting for motivational talks and appearances at events.
Okpoko Infinite Fitness
Okpoko Infinite Fitness is a company owned by Charles Okpoko who is an elite USAPL powerlifter. Okpoko Infinite Fitness offers coaching packages and apparel.
Weightlifting
Kings of Weightlifting
Kings of Weightlifting is a free after school weightlifting program that is run by Derrick Johnson and helps underprivileged youth based in Los Angeles, California. Learn how to donate below.
Functional Fitness
17. 13th Flow
13th Flow is a business that was founded by CrossFit athlete Elisabeth Akinwale and Kevin Brathwaite. They offer a wide variety of coaching services to help out any fitness enthusiast trying top improve their physical and mental edge.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CBOzXLbj9Tk/
18. Lift Heavy Often As In Everyday
Lift Heavy Often As In Everyday is a company that was founded by CrossFit athlete Elijah Muhammad. His company provides a wide variety of coaching services and offers apparel.
*Again, please drop a comment below for any coach or business that we missed that should be on this list!
Feature images from @oakstrong and @msbarbellbarbie Instagram pages.
