Grinder Gym floor

Welcome to San Diego’s Strongest Gym

Real implements. Real members. Real coaches.

Why People Train Here

Real coaches. Real implements. Members who actually show up for each other.

The Implements

Atlas stones. Yokes. Log press. Axle deadlifts. Sandbags. Macebells. Everything you need for real strength work — plus full barbell platforms.

The Coaching

Not optional. Not motivational. Structured performance development across powerlifting, strongman, weightlifting, and armwrestling.

The Community

Members who show up. Members who compete. A gym floor culture built around effort, not aesthetics. In the gym and at competition, you’re never alone.

Coaching

Train With Purpose

Every training modality. Real coaches. Real results.

One-on-One Personal Training

Dedicated programming and direct coaching. Built around your goals, your schedule, and your competition calendar.

Semi-Private Training

Small groups. Individual attention. Train alongside athletes at your level with coaching that doesn’t get watered down.

Competition Coaching

Powerlifting, strongman, armwrestling. Competition prep that’s built on experience from the platform — not theory.

Events

Compete. Not Just Train.

Grinder Gym hosts and supports armwrestling, strongman, and strength events throughout the year. Train with people who step on the platform.

PARTNERS

Reign Body Fuel

WHY GRINDER GYM IS BUILT DIFFERENT

We don’t chase trends — we build muscle that performs in life, sport, and competition.

ABOUT US

The Coaches

Dave DePew

Dave DePew

Owner · Head Coach · 34+ Years

Competitive powerlifter, strongman, and coach. Built Grinder Gym to be the facility he always wanted — where the equipment is real and the standards aren’t decorative.

Kyle DePew

Kyle DePew

Coach · Professional Armwrestler

Competitive strongman and full-time coach at Grinder Gym. Works with athletes across disciplines with a focus on real-world strength and competition preparation.

Strength Knowledge. No Fluff.

  • The Role of Coaching and Training in Strongman Competition Success

    Strongman competitions reward more than strength. Athletes who perform well are typically those who prepared with structure, guidance, and intention. Coaching and training work together to turn effort into performance — helping athletes apply their strength efficiently, manage fatigue, and execute when it matters. Competitors often benefit from: structured programmingevent-specific technique guidancecompetition pacing strategiesrecovery planning…

  • Understanding Competition Structure in Strongman

    Strongman competitions are designed to test multiple qualities of strength across a full day of performance. They are structured around a series of events rather than a single lift, with athletes earning points in each event based on placement. Final rankings are determined by cumulative performance, not one standout moment. This format rewards preparation, pacing,…

  • Neural vs Structural Training: Why Most Lifters Get It Backwards

    Most people spend years in the gym working hard, pushing weight, and chasing progress—yet they never quite reach the level of strength or development they’re capable of. It’s not because they lack effort. It’s not because they don’t want it bad enough. It’s because they don’t fully understand what they’re building. They’re focused on lifting…

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San Diego’s Training Ground

1013 Morena Blvd, San Diego. The implements are real and so are the coaches.