Gorilla Bench Training Center

Fantastic experience: Gorilla Bench Training Center is the premiere location in town for strength training. If you want to be strong, you don't need to look beyond the bold sign that simply says GYM going south on 19. GBTC is more than a gym though, especially more than any Big-Commercial gym. It's a culture of real iron and strength that only wants you to be as strong as you can be. The team, the members of the community, everyone here is supportive and encouraging no matter how old or what condition your body is in, or what condition you think it's in. Even if you don't powerlift or haven't been to a gym in 30 years, there's a bench and a bar waiting for you to heed the call. The personal trainers and owners here are also amazing, friendly, and knowledgeable. If you're ready to make the move and commit to a program, the coaches here will help you get setup and ready to start safely lifting weights. I've been training with Katrina Curtis for the last 4 months, and she has been an amazing coach and motivating force for any lifter. I knew nothing about the barbell or powerlifting coming in. Along the way, she's taught me everything to be a confident lifter and understand the sport. Powerlifting can be technical, and she's been an excellent resource for questions about form or when some accessory was unclear or a cue in a main lift didn't make immediate sense. So whatever your goals are, if you're looking for a local gym that is serious about strength, check out GBTC where it's not a requirement to compete, but you have to train like you're competing. If you do, and you take YOUR training seriously, that strength will transform more than your body, but will transform your mind and your life! Let's go!

Fantastic experience: Came in today and unfortunately (to no fault of the gym) sustained an injury. Owner was very helpful in calming me down and giving me advise. Very professional and truly caring considering he just met me minutes before. Highly recommend for people who take their training serious

Fantastic experience: Absolutely amazing gym! Great atmosphere, top of the line equipment, tons of knowledgeable trainers assisting and coaching. Plus 24 hour access! Everything you could ask for in a gym. Rather you are starting off on your fitness journey or fine tuning for a competition, this place will give you every opportunity to succeed!

Fantastic experience: It’s a phenomenal gym, incredibly well equippd & clean. The culture there is awesome and the people are friendly. Best coaching experience I’ve had in the world of fitness. Glad to have found it.

Fantastic experience: Great place very large they have all the different weights you could ever need very nice personal working there rest rooms showers massarge rooms etc. Nothing like it anywhere.

Fantastic experience: Really nice Gym. Judgement free zone.

Fantastic experience: amazing gym with so much equipment. deadlift bars, metal plates, and so much more

Fantastic experience: Best gym in Tampa Bay. If your goal is to get stronger, you can't beat the Gorilla Bench Training Center.

Fantastic experience: Positive: Professionalism , Quality Javi is my trainer here at GBTC; & he’s amazing! He really wants to help you be independent and to train correctly for your body. If your looking for a new trainer try him, he’s super creative and you won’t be disappointed. I really enjoy his torture chambers!

Fantastic experience: Positive: Professionalism Great gym and equipment. Javi is a fantastic and knowledgeable trainer as well! I have referred several of my own clients to him for help with fitness and functional movement.

Fantastic experience: You can come when you want as a member. Equipment is in good shape, a nice variety and is great for powerlifters

Fantastic experience: This is THE PLACE to be if you like strength sports. The members are a tight, welcoming community unlike any gym. Even among the pandemic, the place is extremely clean. The owners are always eager to help. Overall, I wish I could give this place a 6-star review

Fantastic experience: This is the strongest gym in Florida. If you powerlift, do strongman, or bodybuilding, then this is the place to be

Fantastic experience: Great powerlifting gym!!

Fantastic experience: Today was my first visit to Gorilla Bench and, I have to say, I was impressed. It was what I had hoped for and have no complaints. While I was there, I met a trainer (Tom) and the owner (Matt). Both were extremely personable and down to earth. The gym itself is well suited for serious lifting. They have just about every bar type you could want (deadlift, ssb, yoke, etc), conventional (lbs) and kilogram plates, and equipment geared toward heavy lifting. That hard to find, lift specific gear is huge for powerlifting. On top of that, the place has successfully created a very raw, keep it simple atmosphere that just psyches you up and makes you wanna get to work. It isn't as large as some gyms, but this place also won't have the crowds to contend with like other places do because it isn't for the masses. It IS for serious, focused lifters who are ready to move weight. It's also open 24hrs a day for members, which is a significant benefit. The cool staff, rare equipment, great hours, and amazing atmosphere make this place a 5 star strength training facility.

Fantastic experience: Awesome gym. I have been a member for 8 months now and this is my favorite gym I have ever belonged to. Everybody cheers everybody on in this gym. I workout with coach Javi three times a week. Really great coach. He has worked out a lot of my imbances by studying my lifting technique. I am an injury prone athlete but feel I will be removing that title as I continue to work with Javi. He shows me how to lift for my body to prevent me from hurting myself doing conventional lifts all while making incredible gains.

Fantastic experience: Gorilla Bench is an incredible gym for all your fitness goals. Powerlifting and strength training are the majority, but the Impulse group ex classes are great too. Solid for conditioning. The team at GB are knowledgeable and truly care about your success.

Fantastic experience: Positive: Communication , Professionalism , Quality Walked in never lifting pretty much ever. Few months later ive signed up for my first powerlifting comp. Feels amazing. Trainers are the real deal; straight forward about goals and laying foundations to prevent injury. Its nice to see a place promote safety above all else. If you want to be strong, this is your gym

Fantastic experience: Positive: Communication , Professionalism , Quality It’s an awesome Strongman Gym! Farmers Carry, Yoke, Atlas Stones, Log press (8 & 10), Bag toss. Near Anna Maria Island where the Strongman 2020 is being held. #jujimufu #brianshaw #eddiehall #HafþórBjörnsson #martinslicis #oddhaugen #larrywheels #mateuszkieliszkowski

Fantastic experience: I joined Gorilla Bench back in May of this year. Immediately, I was treated like family. Everyone, including the members and staff, were eager to help when I had questions, and made me feel accepted. Joining Gorilla Bench has been the best thing for me. Prior to joining, I used to be in great shape; however, my old gym was lackluster and left me feeling unmotivated. As a result, I stopped working out because I was bored and get like I was stuck in a rut. I ended up gaining over 40 lbs in 10 months and was not happy with myself. Gorilla Bench Training Center helped me break free from those chains. I am now much healthier, both mentally and physically, and happier, as well. Also, I have made a lot more friends too! I still have a long way to go to reach my goals, but I know that Gorilla Bench will help guide me there!

Fantastic experience: Best training atmosphere I have ever experienced. As someone who has had ankle and shoulder injuries, I never thought I would get my strength and functionality back. Working with Matt the last few months, has been incredible. He has such a talented and knowledgeable individual. I could barely complete walking lunges without falling over 3 months ago. Today, I am training for my first powerlifting competition. Couldn’t be more grateful!!

Fantastic experience: Great place to train hard with Olympic lifting platforms and 24hr access! Training hard here is required! No slacking allowed.

Fantastic experience: For someone who has been in fitness for a decade and met many skilled and well versed trainers - Matt is the absolute best! Never have I met someone who know his stuff so well and who can adapt to and read clients as well as Matt does! He literally saved me from having surgery on my knee in a matter of weeks! I’m back to training multiple times a week (from not being able to squat Or deadlift without pain for 12 months) and have gained strength I never thought I would. Not to mention the culture and vibe at this gym is unparalleled! Highest recommendations! This is a place to grow in the best ways!

Fantastic experience: If you are looking for a true powerhouse gym that specializes in power lifting as well as strong man and many other fitness disciplines this is definitely the gym for you is pretty well known throughout the Tampa Bay area as one of the best Non commercial gyms. Richer the owner is a terrific guy and is always willing to help when needed. They hold competitions and train individuals to compete as well. If you're within a reasonable distance I would highly recommend checking out and becoming a member to this gym.

Fantastic experience: Positive: Communication , Professionalism , Quality No words to describe the multitude of benefits this place has to offer. 5 stars ain’t enough.

Fantastic experience: This place is very unique..Truely addresses the needs of any strength athlete at an entry level to am elite,world-class lifter.All are very humble and helpful in this gym..yet it doesn't stop there.Are you a businessman who doesn't have time to loose some weight and get back.into shape?. Stop by and see what they can do for you.tell the Spanky sent you and I'm sure that will get you a free workout. This gym isn't a huge corporately run place..you train right alongside the owners and management team..you get to train with elite athletes and absorb their knowledge . Seriously..stop in and check this place out!

Fantastic experience: I have been training with Matt for 10 years and am so grateful to have been coached by him (considering I was 50 years old and out of shape). It is nice to have a trainer who works harder anyone else during our workouts; i.e., he sets the standard for what a workout should be. Matt is passionate about physical conditioning, training and the power lifting sport. It has been great to see how he is constantly learning and improving his knowledge of training techniques, stretching/warm ups, nutrition and recovery.

Fantastic experience: I have been training with Matt Levine for just under a year. I hired him to help me become a stronger powerlifter but he’s given me so much more. Really charismatic and approachable guy. He has experience in a wide spectrum of fitness and exercise and has knowledge of body mechanics and rehab/recovery that has taught me so much. His programming and one-on-one coaching has helped me take some very large strides as an athlete and a person. I’m so grateful for the support and community of people he has introduced me to! Could not recommend him or Gorilla Bench more highly to anyone with a fitness goal looking for some direction.

Fantastic experience: I have been training and will continue to with Matt Levine. He is extreemly knowledgable, observant, patient and friendly and more. I am thoroughly impressed with his professionalism and knowing what needs work. I have had 2 previous trainers and he is far better. Not to knock the others down. But he knows what he is doing and what to look for in his clients. Words cannot express how thankful I am that I found Gorilla Bench Training Center. I look forward to learning and growing here for years to come. Here's to getting stronger straighter and hopefully competing in the furture...

Fantastic experience: The only place in the Bay Area to get professional training to maximize your strength.

Fantastic experience: Amazing facility with fantastic coaching and equipment. Heavy dumbbells up to 150lbs and great powerlifting atmosphere. Accepts all sorts of athletes from powerlifters to bodybuilders to Olympic lifters to people who just want to get in shape. All ages accepted. I will be continuing my training with my coach Matt Levine, the manager of this facility and look forward to the competitive atmosphere I am currently entering. I can’t explain how thankful I am to have such a knowledgeable and professional coach at this great facility. I really look forward to getting stronger and growing better as an athlete under his coaching and with this team.

Fantastic experience: I recently started training at GBTC with Matt Levine as my coach and the experience has been awesome. Everyone there has made me feel like family from day 1, and Matt has already improved my lifts so much in a short time period. I can’t wait to do my next powerlifting meet with him as my coach, I highly recommend both him and GBTC!!!!!!!

Fantastic experience: Strongest gym in all of Florida. Period.

Fantastic experience: This gym was amazing! It has everything you could need for fitness and powerlifting/strongman. But the best parts are the people! Matt Levine knows his stuff! His years of experience and vast knowledge provide you with the perfect recipe to meet your goals, whatever they might be. He also can modify workouts to fit your level of fitness or to help rehab injuries. Being in this environment for my powerlifting training today boosted my confidence and reinforced specific stretches and excersises that I need to be doing to protect an old hip injury. Thank you Matt! P.S. He's also selfless. At my PL meet last June I was competing alone. And even though he had a number of other athletes competing that day, he still took the time to help me and I crushed all of my third attempts... hes the bomb!!!

Fantastic experience: I found this gym last year and it has changed my life for the better. The coaches, equipment, and community are everything a lifter could want. If you are looking for a quality gym, this is the place to go.

Fantastic experience: Been working with Matt for about a year. In that time I've added 310 lbs to my total and already on track for more. Could not ask for more from a coach as an athlete. Prehap, rehab, nutrition, technique, mindset; Matt has all the tools if you put in the work. Matt is the manager of Gorilla Bench Training Center and it is an injustice to try to explain the camaraderie and training atmosphere he's put together here. Stop in on a Sunday prepared to squat and you'll see what I mean.

Fantastic experience: Decided to start taking lifting more seriously around March and asked around to find this gym through a friend of mine. Immediately noticed how inviting and friendly Matt and Jen were and the theme stuck with everyone there, members, staff, and owners alike. The gym itself is powerlifting oriented but has implements for strongman and Olympic lifting as well. The coaches offer services from basic programming up to 1 on 1 training sessions at very affordable prices for the level of quality the coaches are at. To put my opinion plainly, this is the best gym in Tampa Bay and I have nothing but praise and good things to say about it.

Fantastic experience: Completed my 1st workout at Gorilla Bench- great experience! My trainer was great - it was a tough workout, but he made it alot of fun for all of us. Will be hurting tomorrow for sure, in a good way! The facility is top notch, with all the equipment you need to get that beach body you're looking for! Highly recommend you check them out.

Fantastic experience: I love this gym. I train here and even my older kids train here. There are Bootcamp classes, Olympic lifting, Powerlifting, Strong man and whatever else you can think of for strength training. Owners/Coaches Rich, Jenn, and Matt are literally experts in the Powerlifting sport. They are all awesome and very welcoming!!! They are meticulous when it comes to their athletes form and excellent at troubleshooting technique problems. They have the equipment, knowledge, and experience to push you to achieve your goals.

Fantastic experience: I have been training under Matt Levine for over ten years now, and it's been an amazing experience. He has a wealth of knowledge and he's a great teacher. His ability to train and motivate his clients all while having a great time are unmatched, he truly cares about all clients and gives them his all every session. The gym has amazing equipment and plenty of room to do any workout you could want. It's always clean and the staff and other gym members are really friendly and always willing to lend a helping hand. Its a fantastic environment to work out in!

Fantastic experience: An amazing and intuitive group of people. There always willing to help regardless of your level!

Fantastic experience: This gym is the best, they have classes and best personal training I strongly recommend Gorilla Bench!!

Fantastic experience: Go there! Lift heavy things. Feel amazing. Repeat several times a week.

Fantastic experience: Gorilla Bench Training Center is my favorite gym in Florida! It is a state of the art facility with every tool for powerlifting, Olympic lifting, bodybuilding and even strong man. All racks are competition grade and there are bars for every sport. After months of training I started working with Matt Levine for strength coaching. He is incredibly knowledgeable with years of experience and available 24/7. The knowledge within the gym is unparalleled and I go out of my way to train there each week!

Fantastic experience: You don't sell Ice in Alaska. You don't bring coal to West Virginia. And you don't come to GBTC because you are strong enough, you come to GBTC to get stronger. GBTC is the Premier destination for Strength Athletics of all types in the Tampa Bay area. Powerlifting, Strongman, Olympic Weightlifting, Functional Fitness, and anything strength-related you need to accomplish. Everyone from World Record holders to novices are respected and welcome here.

Fantastic experience: Outstanding venue for anyone serious about strength training. Gorilla Bench Training Center is owned by world class competitive powerlifters very active in the sport. Many very strong men and women train here. But it has also proved a blessing to this 75 year old old using basic barbell lifts to fight against the muscular atrophy endemic to the aging process. So glad to have found this gym. The new facility is really nice. There are currently five squat/bench combination stands the same as used in competitions, a squat monolift, three power racks, two deadlift platforms, and two platforms for olympic weightlifters. In addition to quality powerbars, there are Caps squat and deadlift bars and pretty much any other specialty bar you could want. Perhaps most important about GBTC is the quality of the people here -- knowledgeable, experienced trainers and helpful friendly members.

Fantastic experience: 2nd best Strongman gym in the area (Strength Camp is #1)

Fantastic experience: World class athletes and tons of support and cameraderie.

Fantastic experience: This is only my second experience a gorilla bench and it was great yet again. Although the gym is small it fits exactly what I'm looking for and had everything I could need wall also not feeling cramped. Richard and Jen have done a great job keeping the place in a working order as well as keeping it organized so you don't feel crowded or confused when working out. There's plenty of strong people who work out here and everyone regardless of your experience is accommodating as well as helpful if you have questions. For only $10 a day to come up and visit its unbeatable as even the largest commercial gyms charge more than that per day. I highly recommend training here if you are making a quick stop or if you're looking to have a monthly membership as it's still cheaper than any other powerlifting gym in my area. I would have a membership here if I lived closer!