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Rivercity Barbell isn’t your run-of-the-mill, membership-based gym. Sure, there’s 24/7 access, and plenty of equipment to choose from. But, unlike a national gym chain, chances are, you actually know the people working out beside you, and maybe you’re even vocally cheering them on.
The gym was originally founded in 2012 by Jim and Nicole Phillips, and Zac Whalen. With Jim and Whalen training together for competitive powerlifting in a two-car garage, the trio recognized a void of dedicated places for specialized training. After a series of locations throughout the years, today, Rivercity Barbell calls Dayton home.
“We didn’t really set out to do it,” Whalen explained. “It was sort of a happy accident.”
Nicole currently oversees the “behind the scenes,” administrative aspects of the gym’s operations, while Whalen tends to handle more of the hands-on coaching side.
“We’re kind of a serious strength training gym,” Whalen said. “So we’ve got a much better selection of free weights than any of the commercial gyms would have.”
Alex Donald, a member for two and a half years and powerlifer for over a decade, described Rivercity as a “one-stop shop” for all the equipment she needs. She sees the space as one that’s intentionally designed and run for the best experience.
“Those corporate gyms – they’re just there to get your money,” she said. “Zach and Nicole… they care if you’re getting the most out of the gym.”
Yet Rivercity isn’t Nicole and Whalen’s main gig. Alongside running the gym, both work full-time jobs outside the fitness circuit. Membership dues and 3 annual power lifting meets hosted in the space – which Whalen equates to their version of a “bake sale”– keep it up and running. At these events, they usually see around 55 competitors from as far as California.
It was through these meets that Thomas Cecere, a competitive powerlifter and member of just over a year, initially became familiar with the space. Later, when seeking a change of gyms, he turned to Rivercity.
“ I was just looking for that more bare bones, intense, focused training facility,” he explained. “Limited distractions, everyone’s trying to achieve one goal there. So I just needed a different environment, and this is what suited me.”
The Rivercity community is made up of everyone from what Whalen calls “utmost beginners” to world record holders. According to Whalen, the gym counts CrossFit athletes, powerlifters, strongman competitors, endurance runners, and the generally fitness-conscious as part of its roster.
Just the same, Whalen describes the varied community as inherently “like-minded.” He also acknowledges a special expertise within it – and a willingness to pay it forward.
“There’s a lot of knowledge within the walls,” Whalen explained. “We’ve got an excellent member base, a lot of people that have competed for a long time or really active strength training for a long time. They’re more than willing to pass on that information, help you out with your form, your technique, or avoiding injuries.”
Robert Spears has been a member for around a decade, joining when the gym was still located in Newport. It took just one conversation with Nicole and Whalen to prompt him to join.
“ The gym environment is something I actually love from them,” Spears explained. “They’re amazing people that are in there. As soon as you walk in, you just bond with everybody there.”
And Nicole and Whalen can rely on its community to help keep the space running.
“We have some great members that will step in if either myself or Zach are too busy to meet with a potential new member, or if there’s issues at the gym,” Nicole explained. ”We can send them a text, we can call them and ask for help, and they’re always willing to step in and take the leadership role for us.”
Rivercity’s members in turn acknowledge the leaders at the gym’s helm. Describing Whalen as “the main muscle” and a font of “older brother encouragement,” Spears explained his ability to push gym-goers to the next level. And he also acknowledges the welcoming atmosphere created through its vital administrative side.
“Nicole – the gym wouldn’t function without her,” Spears said. “ She makes that place home. She is the mother hen that keeps us all coming in there.”
Today, the gym continues to amass members, and host meets. The memory of co-founder Jim Philips, who passed away in 2022, is still preserved within the space whose character he helped define – “tough, welcoming, unpretentious,” per Rivercity’s website. His initials are embossed on the sleeve of every Rivercity Barbell t-shirt, and incorporated in the gym’s wall art. The Jim Phillips Memorial Classic meet will be held in January 2027.
Whalen acknowledges that the space may feel “intimidating” to an outsider not familiar with the more challenging equipment – primarily free weights – they have available. But he emphasizes that the community they take such pride in is open to all, and ready to welcome and encourage anyone willing to start.
“Our members … are some of the nicest people in the world,” Whalen said. “They might not always look like it on the outside, but as soon as you’re in the walls, you’re one of us.”
