PFP Barbell Archives | Pittsburgh Fitness Project

A love letter from client Emma Thomas to Olympic Weight Lifting and PFP Barbell. Read her client story here as she describes her journey.

Read this client story from Emma Thomas about Olympic Weight Lifting and PFP Barbell as she talks about her fitness journey.

Get to know our PFP trainers! This week, we're featuring both PFP trainer and Athlete, Marisa Galli, B.S. Exercise Science.

Hi everyone, my name is Marisa and I am a trainer, instructor, and coach at PFP! I work one on one with clients, teach group exercise classes, and coach weightlifting for our barbell club athletes. My training method focuses on moving from basics to the barbell. I remember how exciting it was for me to…

Are you unsure of what to eat before a big meet? If you are an athlete who is new to weightlifting, there are some do’s and don’ts to follow.

Are you unsure of what to eat before a big meet? If you are an athlete who is new to weightlifting, there are some do’s and don’ts of what to eat (and not eat) before weigh-ins and competition.

Bravery is not the absence of fear, but recognizing fear and acting anyway. How do you practice being brave and finding your inner strength?

Being Brave. Full Disclosure: I didn’t finish my workout yesterday. I did about half of it, looked at the rest of my workout, then the rest of the week’s workouts, got overwhelmed and called it a day. It may have been one of the first times, in a long time, I let the gravity of…

Your experience in fitness as a whole should be enjoyable - if you're not having a good time, you should probably do something else.

This blog was originally written for the PFP Barbell Club. I have been competing in the sport of weightlifting for about 5 years now and coaching for the better part of 4. I am a big believer in training being “Process Driven”. If we can focus on the process of getting better then the results will…

Tom Duer Prepping for IWF Las Vegas International Open

This Spring, Head Coach Tom Duer, is set to compete in the IWF Las Vegas International Open in Las Vegas. After moving down to the 109kg class for last winters American Open Final, Tom secured his spot on Team USA for this Bronze Level International Competition.

Enjoy this year in review of the PFP Barbell Club!

In our first post of the new year I wanted to take a look back and review the year we had at PFP Barbell. We went through a lot of growth and changes last year. From coaching changes, joining East Coast Gold, and holding our first weightlifting meet the gym, the team transformed and was…

It's hard to stay motivated when you can't beat your PR - try approaching each session with these four goals for training in mind.

When we start as weightlifters, Personal Records can be a weekly or daily occurrence. However, once the PR Party stops we must work harder to stay interested and engaged as athletes. The same can be said for any kind of fitness training. It’s hard to stay excited when you can’t beat your mile time. Or…

My name is Tom Duer and I am one of the owners of Pittsburgh Fitness Project. Lifting and weight training are some of my biggest passions in life. I have been working with my coach Phil Sabatini for almost a year now. And I am learning more and more about weightlifting every day. This year…

Pittsburgh Fitness Project

5.0

Based on 42 reviews

Erica Stevens

2020-02-26T23:43:59+0000

During college, I had a great support network of friends to go lifting and have fun with. All of those friends... graduated and left me with no motivation to go the gym, something that used to be a very fulfilling activity for me. I tried joining a mass gym with the cheapest membership, but it didn't provide any sense of community, a very important aspect for me. In PFP Barbell, I have once again found that group of supporters and friends that make me WANT to go to the gym again. The space is welcoming, the people are fun, the coaches are knowledgeable, and the workouts are tough. The space for open gym has everything I've ever wanted for a workout even though it's small compared to a mass gym. Also, the classes look great, with very encouraging and personable instructors (I've never taken a class but have seen them during Barbell practices). 100% recommend. Make some friends. Get that "want to go to the gym" feeling. Experience this space where it's safe to be yourself, where everyone's there to work hard and have some fun at the same time.read more

Ashley Calvimontes

2019-09-09T14:08:32+0000

Nice clean space, friendly staff; I went for the first time with Jake today for personal training. He explained all the... exercises we were going to do, and demonstrated them for me. He also explained what muscles we were working and what form I should be having!read more

Jillian Barnet

2018-10-21T14:01:17+0000

Love this place! Friendly, knowledgeable trainers who take you through tough workouts while monitoring you carefully so... you don’t hurt yourself.read more

Jason Lucarelli

2018-10-18T16:48:51+0000

I'm a BUSY social worker (I work on average 65 to 70 hours per week between one full-time job and a part-time job in a... crisis center) so I supplemented the Pittsburgh Fitness Project with my home gym and the results are looking very promising. I can walk here and get to the morning classes and its been a great way to condition and improve my stamina. The staff are very welcoming and make each person feel appreciated.read more

Martin Brembly

2018-09-10T21:10:26+0000

The gym was really great good weight equipment lots of space good place to workout

Amanda Thompson

2017-12-07T01:09:29+0000

Where to start? This place is perfect- clean, spacious, and welcoming. The trainers are amazing- knowledgeable,... helpful, and friendly. The small, structured classes are, as I quickly learned, exactly what I needed to be motivated and push myself harder and more consistently than I ever could have imagined. I have been wasting money for half my lifetime “donating” to gym memberships and dreading every second spent “exercising” with no results. PFP provides a free personal assessment, a free first class, and several affordable options to get started. I’ve never felt more comfortable, motivated, and confident, and I encourage anyone at any fitness level to give it a try. You won’t regret it.read more

Kitty Julian

2017-09-13T12:11:20+0000

I love this gym. The trainers are extremely knowledgeable and the classes are fun and challenging. Because classes are... small, there instructors take a lot of time, particularly in weightlifting classes, explaining proper form and keeping an eye on everyone. This is huge: I've spent a lot of time winging it on weightlifting machines and having no idea if I was doing the right things.read more

Terri Lelinski Duer

2017-08-11T23:27:31+0000

Rachel Grecco

2017-06-30T23:24:18+0000

One of the best gyms in Pittsburgh! Has awesome classes, equipment, and instructors! Truly a fun workout that pushes... you.read more

Megan Gialluco

2017-06-23T16:18:58+0000

Sophia Berman Ogiso

2017-06-05T22:53:26+0000

James McAdams

2017-05-25T01:22:03+0000

Matt Tobin

2017-05-24T22:59:48+0000

Full disclosure: I have a gym membership at Gold's and I never thought I'd be into going to a gym that offers a variety... of classes like PFP does. I was wrong! I think a lot guys think the way I did before I attended classes at PFP. I still have my regular gym membership, but I thoroughly enjoy attending classes at PFP to switch up my routine. Tom and the rest of the staff are engaging, friendly, welcoming and really care about pushing you to maximize results. I've really enjoyed the strength and circuit trainings that we've done. Kettlebell swings, sled pushing, pull-ups, bear crawls, deadlifts, abs, and more in a circuit training style will really get you shredded in a hurry! I recommend going with a friend to your first class to give it a trial run. You most likely will be back after your first class! If you're worried bout pricing, there are some very affordable groupons available.read more

leslie vincent

2017-05-24T20:25:44+0000

I've been working out with Tom at PFP for 45 minute training sessions, two to three times a week for a few weeks now... and couldn't be happier with the investment. As a nurse who's only 30, I was already feeling the chronic pain of bad body mechanics and general weakness. I'm feeling stronger everyday and am looking forward to being a healthier woman! I have to take care of myself in order to care for others! So, seriously, thanks so much Tom/PFP. Please everyone stop in! Get started! �read more

Melissa Eller Brown

2017-05-04T16:47:34+0000

I have tried many different gyms and workouts over the years, and until I started working out at Pittsburgh Fitness... Project, I never thought I would enjoy working out. I've been at PFP for over a year now, and that is the longest stretch of time I've ever committed to physical fitness. PFP is a welcoming, nonjudgemental, encouraging environment for people at all levels of fitness, and I highly recommend giving them a try.read more

Kate Rekrut

2017-05-02T23:48:39+0000

I've been going to classes for about a year now, and that's probably the longest I've ever committed to a fitness... routine. Jill is the absolute best! The staff challenges you and encourages you to do 5 more reps, 5 more pounds, 5 more seconds.... But it's never too much. Even in the class settings, they get to know you well enough that it feels like a personalized training. Whether you're a regular weightlifter or barely workout, this is an amazing place to be!read more

Rob Webb

2017-05-02T20:16:46+0000

Fantastic gym. Not too big and not too small either. The trainers are what make it. Very friendly and welcoming of... everyone. If you are looking for an LGBT friendly gym then you need to check out Pittsburgh Fitness Project.read more

Amanda Wright

2017-04-26T12:53:48+0000

Phill James

2017-04-25T02:04:51+0000

One of the best gyms in Pittsburgh, hands down. A combination of experienced coaches, quality equipment, and a positive... environment make this gym above the rest. I'd highly reccommend this gym to anyone that wants to reach their fitness goalsread more

Bori Bori

2017-02-16T00:19:24+0000

Anthony Bafile

2017-02-12T14:19:44+0000

After my first barbell session with Tom I immediately added 10lbs to my snatch and 5lbs to my clean PRs. Great... instruction with great coaching cues. I'll definitely train with him again.read more

Melissa Fritz-Hankinson

2017-02-07T15:35:32+0000

Steve Noviello

2017-01-26T15:25:41+0000

John Titus

2017-01-26T01:38:45+0000

I love PFP. Jake is my trainer, and he pushes and motivates me. He also is very knowledgeable with regard to fitness... and running. Tom and Brian have their act together. It is great to see management involved and a team that cares for its clients.read more

Edward Alan Moore

2017-01-25T23:44:43+0000

Great staff, and now a great new facility. Check them out!

PFP Barbell

Client Story – A Love Letter

PFP Trainer Spotlight: Marisa Galli

What Should I Do and Eat Before a Meet?

Being Brave: Finding Your Inner Strength

When Training Stops Being Enjoyable

Competing at IWF Las Vegas International Open!

PFP BARBELL REVIEW: 2018

Four Goals for Training

Expectation Management: Why It’s Crucial for Longterm Training Success