If you’re a fan of fitness YouTube or the bodybuilding scene, you’ve probably wondered what happened to Barbell Brigade. The iconic gym and brand, famous for its crew of charismatic lifters, seemed to be everywhere—and then, not so much. Let’s look at where they’ve been and what they’re doing now.
The story starts with the gym’s founders, Bart Kwan and Geo Antoinette. They built Barbell Brigade from a passion project into a powerhouse in the LA fitness community. It wasn’t just a gym; it was a content hub and a cultural landmark for lifters.
What Happened to Barbell Brigade
So, what’s the real story? The short answer is evolution, not dissapearance. The brand and its key members have shifted their focus, leading to a natural change in their public presence. The gym itself faced significant challenges that prompted this shift.
The Physical Gym’s Challenges
The brick-and-mortar Barbell Brigade gym in Los Angeles was the heart of the operation. However, running a large commercial gym, especially in California, comes with big hurdles.
* Financial Pressure: High rent, equipment costs, and insurance create a tough business model. Profit margins can be very slim.
* The Pandemic Impact: COVID-19 lockdowns were devastating for all gyms. Forced closures and member safety concerns hit revenue hard at a critical time.
* Logistical Issues: Managing staff, maintenance, and daily operations pulls focus from content creation, which was always the team’s core strength.
These factors led to the eventual closure of the original gym location. This move made many fans think the whole brand had faded away.
The Shift to Digital and Personal Brands
While the physical space changed, the people didn’t stop working. The core members pivoted successfully, focusing on their individual paths and digital platforms.
* Bart and Geo’s Focus: They doubled down on their hugely popular YouTube channel, “JustKiddingNews,” and other ventures like their podcast network. Their fitness content became a part of their larger brand, not the sole focus.
* David Laid’s Ascent: The standout bodybuilder from the crew, David Laid, grew into a global fitness influencer. He launched his own apparel brand, Dædrie, and collaborates with major companies, reaching a much wider audience on his own.
* Other Members: Lifters like Dom Cardone and the late Stan Browney also built strong personal followings, often partnering with supplement companies and creating their own programs.
Why the Change Felt Sudden
From the outside, the change seemed abrupt. One day your feed was full of gym antics, the next it wasn’t. This perception is because of how social media algorithms work. As creators post about new projects, their older content gets less promotion. Without constant gym videos, the “Barbell Brigade” keyword naturally faded from trending pages.
Where the Barbell Brigade Spirit Lives On
Don’t think the community is gone. The ethos they built—a blend of serious training, humor, and inclusivity—is still very much alive. You can see it in a few key places.
* The YouTube Archive: Hundreds of classic vlogs, pranks, and workout videos remain online. They continue to inspire new lifters discovering them for the first time.
* Social Media Connections: The members still support each other’s ventures online. You’ll see them commenting on each other’s posts or occasionally collaborating.
* Influence on Gym Culture: They helped popularize a certain gym aesthetic and attitude. You can see their influence in many group training gyms and fitness content today.
Can You Visit Barbell Brigade Gym Today?
As of now, the original Barbell Brigade gym in Los Angeles is closed. The team has not announced plans to reopen a physical location under that exact name. However, some former members train at or are associated with other gyms in the LA area. Your best bet for a similar vibe is to follow the individual members online to see where they currently train.
If your looking for a gym with that kind of community feel, here’s what to do:
1. Search for powerlifting or bodybuilding-focused gyms in your city.
2. Look for places that host events or meetups, not just regular memberships.
3. Check out the gym’s social media to see if the culture matches what you’re after.
The Future of the Brand
What’s next is an open question. The “Barbell Brigade” name holds a lot of value. It’s possible we could see its return in a different form.
* Potential for a New Gym: A smaller, more sustainable location is always a possibility if the right opportunity arises.
* Apparel or Equipment Line: The logo is iconic. A dedicated online store selling gear would likely be successful.
* Event Hosting: They could organize lifting competitions or fitness festivals under the Barbell Brigade banner, without the overhead of a full-time gym.
The key is that any future project would probably be more streamlined, learning from the lessons of running a large physical facility.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Barbell Brigade still open?
No, the physical Barbell Brigade gym in Los Angeles has closed its doors. The brand and its members remain active in the fitness world through other projects.
Why did Barbell Brigade close?
The closure was likely due to a combination of factors, including the financial pressures of running a large gym, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and a strategic shift toward digital content and personal brands by its founders.
What do Bart and Geo do now?
Bart Kwan and Geo Antoinette primarily run their successful digital media company, focusing on “JustKiddingNews,” podcasts, and film production. Fitness is still a part of their lives but not their main business.
Where is David Laid from Barbell Brigade?
David Laid is now a top fitness model and influencer. He runs his own apparel company, Dædrie, and creates content for his millions of followers on social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube.
Are any Barbell Brigade members still together?
While they don’t operate from a shared gym daily, the core friends from Barbell Brigade remain in contact and often collaborate online. Their friendships have endured beyond the gym’s closure.
Can I buy Barbell Brigade merchandise?
Official merchandise from the original run may be found on resale sites, but there is no current official store. Keep an eye on the founders’ socials for any future announcements about gear.
In summary, asking what happened to Barbell Brigade is really asking about the lifecycle of an internet sensation. They grew from a gym into a cultural moment, and the individuals involved have since carried that energy forward on their own paths. The gym’s doors may be shut, but the impact they had on fitness culture is still felt. You can trace the threads of their influence through the success of each member and the countless lifters who found motivation in their videos. Their journey is a reminder that in the digital age, a brand can evolve and its community can adapt, even when the original location changes.