The stories

For years, I worked out in traditional gym settings, chasing better health but never seeing the progress I hoped for. After some test results revealed I needed to focus on strengthening my bones, I knew I needed a new approach, and that's when a friend (Noelle) told me about The Foundry Barbell.

I began working with Skyler, and in the last two years, everything changed. I've gained and maintained 15 pounds of strength and muscle, and I've achieved goals I never thought possible for myself.

Beyond the physical transformation, this gym has been a game-changer for my mental health. It's become a space where I can clear my head and truly focus on my well-being. Skyler and Carrie have been incredible: supportive, knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in my success. The community here is welcoming and uplifting, something I never expected when I first walked through the doors feeling intimidated.

Taking that leap was one of the best decisions I've ever made. I'm so grateful to be part of this place.

Skyler has completely transformed my fitness journey. Over the past two years, he has guided me through multiple powerlifting and bodybuilding blocks that were always personalized to my goals, helping the weight on the bar go up while the number on the scale continued to go down. As my goals evolved and my ambitions grew, he has consistently adapted my programming to help me keep progressing.

Beyond the physical results, he has also greatly helped my mentality by keeping me accountable, encouraging me to push harder, and reminding me that progress takes time and consistency. I've worked with other coaches in the past, but I can confidently say Skyler is the coach who really skyrocketed my progress because of how intentional, knowledgeable, and personal he is with every one of his clients.

My experience with Skyler and Carrie has been absolutely amazing. I came to them with the goal of competing in my first bodybuilding show, and with their help, I was able to walk away with 1st and 2nd place medals!

Skyler's training completely transformed my body and helped me bring my best physique to the stage. Carrie's guidance with nutrition made a huge difference, especially in helping me find meal plans that worked for my body, goals, and the demands of prep.

Beyond their knowledge, what really set them apart is the kind of people they are. They are supportive, encouraging, and genuinely invested in the people they work with. They made me feel believed in every step of the way, even during the hardest parts. I truly could not imagine going through this process without them. Their mentorship, kindness, and constant support were the biggest reasons I was able to stay focused, confident, and proud of the work I put in!

Joining The Foundry and working with Carrie and Skyler has been one of the best things I've done for my physical health! They are both so passionate about their work and so patient and understanding.

As someone who has always struggled with weight and body image issues, it's been great working with people who understand these things and help me maneuver around them while still reaching my fitness goals. They're both so encouraging, reminding you to celebrate all the small wins along the way while also keeping you accountable.

It's not all about the numbers, but since December 2025 I have lost almost 7 inches from my waist. The gym itself has such a welcoming vibe, and being open 24/7 really helps if you need to come in to get extra steps after work.

Working with Skyler and Carrie has truly been life-changing for me. Going into bodybuilding and training at a level I was not familiar with, I had no idea what to expect, but they guided me through every step of the process and helped me achieve results I never thought were possible. Placing second in my class in my first show was just an added bonus.

Skyler pushed me in training while also helping me stay grounded when I would feel overwhelmed. Carrie's guidance with nutrition completely changed my perspective on tracking and has helped me heal my relationship with food.

Skyler and Carrie genuinely care about the people they work with, and I have gained two friends through all of this. I'm beyond grateful for their guidance, advice, and constant encouragement, and I truly couldn't have asked for a better team by my side.

I started powerlifting under Skyler's coaching in 2015 after several years of CrossFit, looking for a sport that better suited my strengths and goals. Despite living over an hour away, the majority of my coaching was done remotely through video analysis and communication, which speaks to Skyler's dedication and attention to detail as a coach.

From the beginning, Skyler believed in me more than I believed in myself. He pushed me to grow not only physically but also mentally, helping me work through competition anxiety with honest, direct coaching and unwavering support. Under his guidance, I competed successfully in the 97 lb and 105 lb weight classes and achieved milestones I never thought possible.

In 2018, I earned an all-time Top 20 ranking (14th) for raw squat in the 97 lb weight class, squatting 226 lbs at 97 lbs of body weight just one year after having my first child. In 2019, I competed in Virginia Beach and achieved a pro total in the 105 lb class with a 231 lb squat, 132 lb bench press, and 248 lb deadlift.

Over the years, Skyler has continued to adapt my programming through different stages of life, including pregnancies, motherhood, and a demanding work schedule. Even now, though my focus has shifted more toward bodybuilding and hypertrophy training, he continues to tailor my programming to fit my goals, recovery, and lifestyle. At 44 years old, I feel strong, healthy, and capable, and I credit much of that to Skyler's knowledge, support, and individualized coaching approach.

When I first walked into Foundry Barbell last October, I'll be honest: I was nervous. At 66 years old, I had never stepped foot in a gym before. I had just recently retired and was looking forward to the flexibility of my new schedule, but I was also self-conscious about my age and lack of fitness. I had this nagging fear that everyone would be watching the "new old guy" struggle.

Those fears didn't even last a week. Skyler and Carrie have built something truly special here in Greenville. The culture they've fostered is one of zero judgment and total inclusion. Whether I'm asking Skyler a technical question or seeking a bit of help from a fellow member, people are always willing to stop what they're doing to lend a hand. It is, hands down, the most inviting and welcoming environment I've encountered.

I joined to get stronger and improve my stamina, and I've certainly checked those boxes. However, it's the unexpected benefits that have made the biggest impact on my daily life:

• Posture: I was beginning to notice a definite hunch in my posture. Training has reversed that; I'm standing taller and feeling more aligned.
• Rest: The leg cramps that used to plague me at night have been entirely eliminated.
• Travel: I've gone from being uncomfortable after three hours in a car or on a plane to handling eight-hour trips with no discomfort at all.
• Daily life: Even the simple things are easier. I've gone from making multiple trips to the car for groceries to carrying triple the number of bags in one go.

A huge part of this success is due to Skyler's coaching. He is incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and kind. His one-on-one instruction was the crucial missing piece for someone like me who didn't know a barbell from a bench press. He meets you where you are and helps you get to where you want to be.

If you're sitting on the fence because you think you're "too old" or you've waited too long to start, take it from me: those barriers don't exist at Foundry. My wife and I couldn't be happier with our decision to join.