22nd Street Barbell

Fantastic experience: I love this gym. The people, the no AC hard-core vibe is great. They have leg equipment your not going to find anywhere in the Ankeny area. Everyone is super friendly and gets after it.

Fantastic experience: Absolutely the best powerlifting gym in the midwest, maybe world. Legit AF.

Fantastic experience: Absolutely thrilled to find such a great place to train at. This gym is a powerlifters dream, lots of space, equipment and a competitive energy where iron can sharpen iron. Having the correct bar for the required lifted is a huge advantage if you are looking to compete at competition. They have all bars a guy or gal could need: deadlift bar, Texas power bar Buffalo bar, safety squat bar, I’m sure I’m forgetting others there. One part that that really stood out to me is how the equipment is on it’s owe island via a rubber mat with lots of space between equipment so people aren’t getting close while you lift or train. Gym members have been friendly, the place is clean, space is well organized, couldn’t ask for a better place to lift!

Fantastic experience: I love this gym! The energy and people are awesome! I would put it up against any powerlifting gym in the country! If you want the right motivation and good people 22nd is the place to be! It’s not only a powerlifting gym it’s perfect for every lifter!

Fantastic experience: The best powerlifting place in Des Moines. Community feel to it, the door is open 24 hours and the personal instruction you get from Wes is second to none

Fantastic experience: I have been going to this gym since around 2012. Owner is the most knowledgeable and passionate person you will meet. If you are serious about powerlifting. This is the place for you.

Fantastic experience: If you want a no nonsense strength training gym, look no further than 22nd. The community, environment, and equipment merge to form the perfect place to get strong.

Fantastic experience: Hell of a gym. Great people and great environment to make powerlifting gains. Couldn’t be more happy with my membership and the knowledgeable staff

Fantastic experience: Positive: Quality Great gym, with a great training atmosphere! Extremely friendly, and welcoming to new members and visitors!

Fantastic experience: I have never felt more at home in a gym than I do here. 22nd Street Barbell is my life, the people there are not only my friends but my family. Everyone goes above and beyond to treat you well and make you feel welcomed. You will never step foot in this gym and be let down or misinformed on how to properly lift weights and become the best version of yourself. If you have any bias or prejudice on what a Powerlifting Gym is like, I strongly recommend giving this gym a chance. You will see the truth and understand why we put our lives and so much passion in to fitness as a whole. There has been no hardships in my life that coming to this gym to lift or just reside could not solve. 22nd Street Barbell encompasses all demographics and brings people together of all demographics. Strongman, bodybuilding, cross fit, powerlifting, running. Whatever it is that sparks joy in your heart and soul, you can and will find it here. Wes Keith, the founder of 22nd is an incredible, selfless, and extremely knowledgeable human being. He wants the best for everyone around him and has built the gym from the ground up. When I first started a couple years ago here, I could barely afford a gym membership but he welcomed me with open arms and made me feel accepted, regardless. I have learned so much and grown as an individual because of him and his gym and all the friends I have made along the way here. Through thick and thin no matter what life throws at me, one thing is for certain. I will be a 22nd Street Barbell Member for life.

Fantastic experience: 22nd Street has been my “home gym” for 8 years. I had just done my very first Powerlifting meet, it was ran by 22nd Street. I decided then and there that if I was going to lift, I should be around people who know what they’re doing. I drive 30 minutes each way to lift. The people are great and they are always willing to help you out, whether you’re a new lifter or have been around for years. I’ve sent several people there to lift, and they’ve all loved it. If you’re looking for something that is definitely NOT Planet Fitness, this might be your gym.

Fantastic experience: Awesome gym!!!!! Best powerlifting gym around. Everyone is super nice and helpful. I love lifting there!!!!!!!

Fantastic experience: If you’re looking for a community that takes lifting seriously, this is the place for you. If you’re new to the game, they’ll take you in and show you the ropes. If you’re a seasoned powerlifter you will love the atmosphere and equipment. It’s a come as you are kind of place and worth the detour off I-80/35

Fantastic experience: Hands down the best place to lift in Des Moines , knowledge , the atmosphere , the legacy’s . Wes runs a great gym where you are always welcome .

Fantastic experience: I have been blessed to travel and train in gyms all over the great nation. The experience at 22nd Street is one of my absolute favorite. Everyone in the gym was so welcoming and the it has such a power filled vibration. You can literally feel strength on the air IMO. I heard words of encourage from individuals I had never even gotten a chance to Introduce myself too and you. Oils tell they were genuinely given. Wes the owner is one the coolest men you will ever meet. His heart matches his over the moon strength and his desire to see his people succeed is felt from the moment you meet him. Truly so blessed to know this gym is in existence. Thank you so much Wes and to everyone who makes 22nd street amazing ! Mathew

Fantastic experience: Can’t say enough about this place! From the impact they have on the community by promoting health & fitness, the family type atmosphere for the members that come there, and the powerlifting meets they host, I’d highly recommend this place! Whether you’re a beginner lifter and need guidance, or an elite lifter who needs a spot and hype squad for that big lift, I think 22nd St Barbell is a great fit for anyone. #22BB -Leondro B

Fantastic experience: Positive: Professionalism , Quality Hands down the best gym to train in the Des Moines area whether you’re powerlifting, body building or just trying to get in shape. This gym has a real sense of community, with a lot of knowledgeable, friendly people. Absolutely love it!!!

Fantastic experience: Positive: Quality Absolutely excellent gym. The atmosphere, people, and facility make it a true privilege to lift there.

Fantastic experience: Positive: Communication , Professionalism , Quality It’s not just powerlifting you will find in this gym! In one corner you may have someone squatting 700+ in the other corner someone brand new to powerlifting the best part is the guy squatting 700 will be the first to help spot the new person! Great gym great people great owner literally couldn’t say enough good things!

Fantastic experience: Best gym around! 22nd Street is not only the best powerlifting gym in Des Moines, everyone is so welcoming and supportive of whatever goals you are trying to accomplish. 22nd Street Barbell is my home away from home! 10 / 10 recommend!

Fantastic experience: I have called this gym home since 2013. The knowledge, talent, skill, community and equipment under 1 roof is the best in Des Moines. What this gym has done to grow the sport of powerlifting and strength training in general is second to none. Is open and welcome to people of all levels. Plus, cutest gym dog ever! #Tank

Fantastic experience: Favorite powerlifting gym in the area. Welcoming atmosphere; experienced and professional trainers who work with all interested in getting stronger. I train here on a weekly basis and have brought two of my children to train here as well.

Fantastic experience: This is a great gym for powerlifters or anyone who just wants to get stronger. Wide range of equipment for both powerlifting and strongman (chains, bands, atlas stones, yoke, sled, reverse hyper machine, chalk, etc.) as well as specialty bars that you might not find at other gyms (deadlift bar, buffalo bar, cambered bar, axle bar, safety squat bar, trap bar, strongman log, swiss bar, etc.) Knowledgeable owner who supports the powerlifting scene in Iowa. Great atmosphere, welcoming community of lifters from all walks of life. I highly recommend this gym!

Fantastic experience: If you are in the Des Moines area and looking for the best lifting atmosphere there is no other place you should be. Top of the line equipment along with awesome fellow lifters willing to help you.

Fantastic experience: Great people, great atmosphere, great gym! Tons of specialty equipment for powerlifting and strongman, and more than welcoming for anyone who wants to lift! Far more inviting than any commercial gym.

Fantastic experience: At the time of this posting I’ve been a member of 22nd St Barbell for approximately 3.5 years. I cannot think of a better gym in the Des Moines metro to help reach your fitness goals. I’ve seen members of all fitness disciplines become successful here. There is plenty of space and not shortage or racks or deadlift platforms. 22BB also has a good selection of dumbbells and machines. If you’re in the Des Moines area and are looking for a place to take your training to the next level stop in and give it a try.

Fantastic experience: Best gym on the planet. Wes, the owner is great! Has all of the equipment I would ever need. All of the members are wonderful! I’ve made some really good friends.

Fantastic experience: By far the best gym I've ever been to. I decided to start powerlifting last year and Wes has helped me every step of the way. And it's dog friendly, which makes me want to go there just to pet the dogs some days!

Fantastic experience: Positive: Professionalism This is hands down the most legit powerlifting gym. Solid equipment, metal plates, chalk, accessories, no commercial gym music. Best of all is the community of like minded lifters who are always happy to spot and discuss the sport we love regardless of experience or strength level. Love training here!

Fantastic experience: Been here what feels like forever. Whether your a veteran powerlifter or your just picking up your first barbell 22nd has you covered. Plus Wes is handsome.

Fantastic experience: This is a great gym for powerlifting. I have learned so much from my coach Wes. The people here are friendly and supportive

Fantastic experience: Love 22BB. Great atmosphere, great members who are always supportive and welcoming to everyone. In my opinion the best powerlifting gym in the Midwest.

Fantastic experience: Excellent powerlifting gym with plenty of racks, platforms and equipment to get in a solid training session. Great owner and community atmosphere. Bonus..best gym dogs!

Fantastic experience: A no nonsense, judgment free place to lift weights. Whether you are a powerlifter or just someone that wants to get stronger and healthier, this is the place for you. Wesley Keith has so much knowledge, you won't leave the place without learning something.

Fantastic experience: Positive: Communication , Professionalism , Quality A powerlifting gym with great equipment, a great atmosphere and an even better community. If you are ever in the Des Moines area, check this gym out!

Fantastic experience: 22nd Street Barbell is a great place to call your lifting home. Whether you are a competitive powerlifter or just want to lift for fun, everyone is welcome and treated the same. Wes is the owner and is an experienced, elite level powerlifter who offers personal training to new and seasoned lifters alike. I’ve been working with Wes for nearly 7 years and highly recommend him as a powerlifting coach.

Fantastic experience: The best powerlifting gym!! I’ve been to almost every gym in Des Moines and nothing motivates me more than this gym. The people are great!!

Fantastic experience: I love this place—anyone can walk in and feel welcomed, zero judgement. I’ve been a member for over a year, and all of the other members have become my second family. Wes is an awesome guy—so easy to talk to and more than willing to help everyone.

Fantastic experience: Positive: Communication , Professionalism , Quality Wes Keith has built something very special at 22nd Street Barbell. The atmosphere, the energy, the support...it's like a close-knit community. This is THE place for powerlifting!

Fantastic experience: Positive: Communication , Professionalism , Quality Great place to come and workout! Tons of equipment to use whether you’re training for powerlifting or just want to stay healthy!

Fantastic experience: This place is awesome. Great atmosphere, and the best there is in DSM hands down! I've lived in the DSM area and have been going to 22nd St Barbell for years, nothing beats the people here and the comradery.

Fantastic experience: By far the best gym I’ve ever been to, best equipment, best atmosphere. I’ve never had a gym where it felt like home. Everyone is always willing to help, and it feels like everyone is family happy to be apart of the 22bb fam!

Fantastic experience: Absolutely love this gym! Great atmosphere, all the members are awesome people and the crew that keeps the gym running are second to none! Wouldn't want to lift anywhere else but here.

Fantastic experience: This training facility and it's owner, Wes Keith are top of the line in every category you could ask for/want in a training facility. Wes is courteous, personable and above all, extremely knowledgeable in all areas of weight training. This location can be intimidating from the outside looking in, but once inside you'll soon realize everyone in there is wanting to see people of all backgrounds succeed and become their absolute best version of themselves! I have been a part of the atmosphere this facility has and it is absolutely amazing. The energy when someone hits a personal best, or when a newer lifter finally "gets it." I have been going to 22nd St barbell for several years and would recommend this facility and its trainers to any new lifters, competitive powerlifters or strongman athletes. This training facility is one of a kind and you won't be disappointed!

Fantastic experience: Best powerlifting gym in Iowa. Awesome culture, super welcoming. And seriously the best coaching. Ask for Wes.

Fantastic experience: Positive: Communication , Professionalism , Quality Unquestionably the best powerlifting/bodybuilding/ strength / strongman gym / fitness center in the Des Moines area

Fantastic experience: This is hands down the BEST powerlifting gym in Central Iowa. Lots of knowledgeable people around, especially Wes (owner). Not only a nice facility with top notch equipment, but the atmosphere can't be matched. You definitely lift more just by being here. Even if you don't compete, you should be training here.

Fantastic experience: Absolutely fantastic weightlifting gym! Everyone there is so welcoming including the owner and there are lots of other female weightlifters. There is definitely a sense of community here and everyone is willing to help if you have questions about how to use the equipment or technique. I wish there was more gyms like this. Also not a big deal but don't forget to bring your water :-) This is the type of gym where you go to get work done!

Fantastic experience: Best gym in DSM. Community, family and respect. Train hard and go home!

Fantastic experience: Best place to lift weights in Des Moines area, hands down. Owner is great, atmosphere is friendly, stop by - amazing place to train from beginner to advmaced lifter.