Santa Cruz Strength

Clay is an excellent instructor, committed, articulate, discerning. Can't wait to work with him again.

Reviewed on Facebook

Before coming here in May, my numbers were:

Bodyweight 111 kg
Snatch 109 kg
Clean and jerk 145
Total 235
Back Squat 225
Front Squat 195

Today, my numbers are:
Bodyweight 106-108 kg
Snatch 112
Clean and jerk 157
Total 262
Back squat 245
Front squat 220

Thank you guys for all that you do! More...

Reviewed on Facebook

I like it. In fact, I liked it so much I bought the thing.

Reviewed on Facebook

If you want personal attention, personal growth, and just plain bad ass personal records, come see what Santa Cruz Strength can do for you!

Reviewed on Facebook

Clay runs a great training facility and is amazingly accommodating. If you can't get strong here you can't get strong anywhere!

Reviewed on Facebook

Clay Edgin's the man, the beard his master, AND he knows how to help people see the results they want from his training - great place!

Reviewed on Facebook

This place is the real deal. If you want to get strong this is where to go.

Reviewed on Facebook

Great venue. They put on a great event. Very welcoming, gave good advice, and mixed in good humor moving the event along. Will definitely be back next time!

Reviewed on Facebook

An amazing gym to work out at with an amazing community of people supporting your goals! I highly recommend this facility!

Reviewed on Facebook

What a great place! Wonderful group of welcoming people.

Reviewed on Facebook

Knowledgeable coaches, as well as other gym goers. Everyone is super supportive, and we have a great community of people just working to make themselves stronger.

Reviewed on Facebook

Today was my first time at SCS, Clay was awesome and very attentive. The gym is spotless and very organized. I saw all kinds of bodies XX large down to XX small. I felt welcomed by everyone, it was not intimidating at all.
I'm excited to reach my strength/endurance potential in 2017! More...

Reviewed on Facebook

Volunteered here as a helper for California's Strongest Woman. The facility and the equipment are top notch, well run and clean. And I've been following some of the athletes/owner ever since and this is THE place for Strongman training and Powerlifting in the area and among the best in all of Northern California. Easily. More...

Reviewed on Facebook

I came here with 2 of my athletes to compete for California's Strongest Woman competition on April 15th.
We arrived Saturday morning to weigh in and Clay was there and gave us a very friendly welcome.
I know what it's like to run a competition at your own gym and all the work behind it....and I gotta say this was Such a smooth competition!!
It was well organized, all equipment was up to par and all athletes received the attention and love they deserved.
Cool gym, awesome people! More...

Reviewed on Facebook

Clay is awesome. Super friendly and welcoming. Lots of great people at this gym. Highly recommend it.

Reviewed on Facebook

Love training here! Coaches are helpful and knowledgeable. There's programs on a board to give a suggested workout. You can do your own thing or check out the board for a coaches workout. They also host different competitions if you're interested. They have several great coaches for one on one to help you get onto the groove. A good variety of members-this is not a meathead grunting kind of place- they strive to make everyone feel welcome-all ages and genders. A great place to get More...

Reviewed on Facebook

Can't say enough good things about this place! I love how they incorporate many avenues for gaining strength, health and fitness. We're not all the same nor should our training be - no cookie cutters here! Clay with SCS and Kalle from StartingStrongman. com put on an amazing event every year called the California's Strongest Woman! By far one of the best events I've had to privilege to compete in 2x and sponsor/vendor as The Sox Box! Clay and his strong ass woman athletes are always fun and super welcoming whenever I visit! If you're in town looking for a place to train and kick some laughs.. this is the gym for you! More...

Reviewed on Facebook

I participated in a Strongwoman contest here this weekend and SCS seems like a friendly, fun, down to earth place where everybody knows your name (or will learn it quickly). If I lived closer this would be my lifting gym, without question. Thanks for a fun event! More...

Reviewed on Facebook

Awesome people, Awesome skills, Awesome results.

If you haven't found a gym that fits your needs, you really should check out this place.

Reviewed on Facebook

Our whole Powerlifting Team came here for a USPA Meet. Well run event with a very kind and positive staff that catered to everyone's safety and needs.

Clay's a good man!

Reviewed on Facebook

I've been coming to Santa Cruz Strength for 2 years and highly recommend it.  There are several programs to choose from or do your own thing. The coaches and members create a healthy environment to learn, improve, and just be yourself.   Can't say enough on how SCS has changed my life for the better.  Stronger, fitter, happier and best of all I've found a fitness home! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

This gym is outfitted perfectly for all strength training sports including plenty of strongman implements. I will definitely be going back to Clay's gym anytime I'm in the area.

Reviewed on Google Maps

Great selection of free weights and strong man equipment. Great, supportive members. Not a place for people who want machines or mirrors.

Reviewed on Google Maps

I'm 44 and have been told by countless Doctors that I need new knees and hips and I should just get used to it. Then someone suggested strength training. I Google and found this gym.Let me tell you something. ALL my pain is gone. And they are the friendliest most welcoming people I've ever met. The owner Clay treats everyone like a friend. It's like "Cheers" (it was a sitcom back in the day for you kids). Sy my coach is patient and knowledgeable and I'm the strongest I've been in 20 years. More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

Amazing place to get strong. SCS offers coached hours included in the price of membership, which you don't see anywhere else. More powerlifting, olympic lifting, and strongman equipment than any other place I've seen in the area. Custom programs are available every week, meaning you don't have to get bored with the same workout every time you're in the gym (AND you don't even have to think of what to do that day - just walk in, check out the board, and do the workout for that day of this week's program). Of course, you're also more than welcome to come in, put your headphones in, and bust out whatever workout you want. This place has such an amazing, inclusive community of uplifting individuals that will support you in whatever you're here to do. Cannot recommend enough. More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

Wonderful environment and community. The owner, Clay, is very welcoming to people of all ages and fitness levels. No frills gym with everything you need and nothing you don't. Multiple lifting platforms and quality equipment. The only place to train in Santa Cruz. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Best strength training gym in the area hands down.

Reviewed on Facebook

Competed at California's Strongest Woman here, everything was clean and the bathroom had supplies all-day-long! Good job Clay!

Reviewed on Facebook

Short: A well equipped gym with an incredible group of people and experienced coaches. Welcoming place for all genders, sexualities, and poc. Warm Fuzzies: This is my favorite place in Santa Cruz.  The community is a happy one, and I have never had a bad day at Santa Cruz Strength. Everyone is there to  have a good time while working on their goals. I really just love it.Practical: Awesome equipment and coaches. I literally walked in and said I want to lift teach me, and Clay (owner/coach) got to work. He kept me safe while I was learning and is always patient with my thousand questions. The first time I tried to lift I couldn't get a 45lb bar out of the rack without help. Today I deadlift 285. That's  a lot of progress in a short amount of time and it's all because of Clay and the accomplished lifters here. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Good people, good environment.

Reviewed on Google Maps

Clay has a ton of knowledge and expertise in the realm of strength sports, and he's someone who truly cares about his members and their well being and you can see it. Highly recommend if your in the area! More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

Leave your attitude behind. Shut up and lift. This is an awesome place to work out at. Friendly and knowledgeable staff. Great equipment selection. Clean facilities. More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

Great experience at Santa Cruz Strength overall! I wish I would have known about SCS earlier. I am moving and it will be hard to find a new gym that compares to this one. Coaches are very approachable and patient. The past five months at SCS were superb thanks to Clay! I recommend his guidance for your fitness goals--especially if you are interested in strength training, olympic lifting, and strong-people stuff. (Side note: if you are looking for a treadmill you won't find one here but there are rowers and bikes) Seeing a lot of strong and dedicated individuals at SCS is really motivating, that's what I liked the most :) More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Out of all the gyms I have been a member of this one is for sure my favorite!! The results come quick although there is some serious work involved! I really like how there is a healthy balance of men / women as well as beginners / athletes. Very stimulating environment!! It's an easy to follow weekly schedule. The only thing I wish they had was heaters in the 'mild' California winters, haha. Keep up the wonderful 6 year track record!! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Our whole Powerlifting Team came here for a USPA Meet. Well run event with a very kind and positive staff that catered to everyone's safety and needs.

Reviewed on Facebook

I love going here! After owning my own CrossFit gym in another state and being head trainer, it's hard for me to be just a regular member at another CrossFit gym. I know it's ego, but after having had a whole gym at my disposal, it's hard to be limited to just the WOD. I like being able to go here and do my own thing, if that's what I choose. People are friendly, the atmosphere is fun and laid-back and the community is supportive. It's allowed me to get back to a place mentally and emotionally where I was over a year ago and lost in this last year of ups and downs. It is exactly what I need in a gym. Bonuses: 1) Equipment - being able to use some things that we never had, like the reverse hyper and axle bars. The gym has everything you could ever want or need to use.2) Programming - tons of programming options for strength/power gains, strongman, Olympic lifting or just overall strength and conditioning. Whatever your goal, you can find a program that will fit.3) Training - Clay's knowledge of all things strongman and powerlifting. I'm convinced he keeps all this knowledge in his beard; regardless, he is a great resource to learn anything fitness related.You don't have to be an experienced athlete to go here. I've seen Clay work with members new to working out (or returning after some hiatus). He is knowledgable, supportive and patient. Overall, a great coach and a great gym. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

I can't give this place enough stars. I walked in one day after being out of the Crossfit and Weightlifting scene for a very long time, because I was just burnt out and was having trouble finding a gym or area that I felt I belonged in. I had left multiple other Crossfit/Strength gyms due to issues with attitudes or vibes I would get from members or coaches, but not this place. I walked in one day, was kindly greeted by Clay, and he told me to step on the platform and start lifting, and immediately, he was giving me pointers, feedback, mobility drills, and I was feeling more confident already. I signed up that day because the vibe in this place was great. Everyone was very supportive even though I was a completely new member. The coaches are TOP NOTCH in their respective field and I truly, could not be happier with the help I have received here. I have gotten so much help with my technique and strength that now I am stronger than I was at my strongest point when I was competing in Crossfit. Not only does this gym have amazing coaches and members, but there is always something going on. I am part of the barbell club, there is powerlifters, cross fitters, there are seminars all the time with big name lifters, there is a rowing club with a highly ranked rower, there are competitions, I mean, you name it, its happening. There is never a dull moment at the gym, people are happy, doing what they love doing, and sharing their passion for it with everyone that steps foot through the door. I feel like I am part of a family now, being a member there, and am so happy I found this little gem tucked away in Santa Cruz! More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

A super strong gym with great coaches and nice people.

Reviewed on Facebook

This is truly an amazing gym.  I have always been active but I have struggled with seeing improvements in my power and overall strength.  I have been at this gym for less than a year and everything has changed for me.  The support and knowledge found in this gym is untouchable.  Programming I have received from coach Clay Edgin has moved me up to weight levels I didn't see possible a year ago.  I even competed in my first powerlifting event.You are never lifting alone (unless that is what you prefer).  Coaches are always there to offer assistance and advice.   The people around you become family and push you when you need it.  Everyone is doing something different and working towards their own goals; but when a gym member is going for a one rep max or just a big lift you will see people stop what they are doing are cheer them on.  Amazing coaches, amazing dynamic, I couldn't be happier. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Coach Clay Edgin and his team of exceptional coaches bring a powerhouse of knowledge to the gym.  I have seen marked improvement in my rowing, my flexibility and overall strength.  There is something for every level of commitment to your health.  Coach Clay brings out the best in every athlete. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

I was here for the first time yesterday and have to say I liked it a lot! There is plenty of equipment for both powerlifters and weightlifters, the platforms and facility are in great shape, and there is plenty of parking as well! The vibe is pretty awesome too, everyone was very friendly and nice, and they seem to have a really great community. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Ownership of Santa Cruz Strength recently changed to Clay Edgin, an awesome dude who has been my PT for almost a year now. SCS was already a great gym but even in the last month the gym has taken on new life. It's an excellent place to train regardless of your gender, age, and build. The trainers (and gym-goers) are friendly, enthusiastic and supportive. Don't be surprised to find yourself with a mini fan club cheering you on when it's max day.I've never been into team sports and usually I like to put my headphones in, put my head down, and move the weight. But I've really opened up at Santa Cruz Strength and I look forward to seeing everyone succeed here. There are enough events and groups of SCS folks attending meets to keep you feeling competitive and keep you setting goals. I can personally attest to Clay's training ability, under his guidance I managed to resolve a form issue that had been hindering me (despite great efforts) for a year and a half. I blew through my original goals and learned a lot about what methods my body responds best to. I'm setting goals now that I never would have dreamed of. And at the SCS gym, I get to use a ton of fun and awesome equipment I would never have access to in a conventional gym. Prowlers, sleds, safety squat bars, all sorts of goodies. I'd recommend SCS to anyone who really, truly wants to be a better and stronger person. Ever since Clay took over there are trainers on staff at all times, who are happy to check your form, give you advice, spot you, and generally be your support team. You're not going to find this level of individual attention in any other gym, and that will make a huge difference in whether you actually meet your goals of getting strong/fit, or let them die off in a forgotten 24 hr membership. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

My place of worship

Reviewed on Facebook

In hindsight, I still think it was a great place to train but I was disappointed in the non-emphasis on fundamentals of movement.  Learn how to crawl before you run. So, if you are a new trainee, I'd say spend a year getting ready to put some weight on the bar.  Main thing to worry about if you've been sedentary is just getting yourself out of zombie mode.  This place has the mentality of "put up or shut up" and isn't the greatest place for you if you don't have a strong background in athletics.  That said, if you do have a strong foundation you'll do great here.  The coaches and students are strong as hell. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

There are gyms and there are training facilities. This place is the perfect blend of both. The other reviews here cover a lot of what I wanted to say. One of the strongest points of this place is that it is, indeed, a community - NOT a CrossFit cult, NOT a clique of "elite" fitness fanatics, NOT a place where people stand around and talk/doing nothing, and definitely NOT a place to show off. This is a community of people from different walks of life withe different goals who come together to support one another, share ideas, check in with each other, push each other towards our individual goals and learn from the very best athletes. This is what "sold" me and kept me here for nearly 2 years now: at any moment, I can be chatting with a guy who is just learning the ropes of strength training, sharing my experience and setbacks, so he can advance quicker. In another moment, one of the world's top athletes in their sport can be pointing out a technique improvement I could do to enhance my progress. Someone might take a video of me doing a lift, show it to me and say, "See? Here, notice this? Try that instead." Lo and behold, it works! And that's just the other members. Most of the members go by the US Weightlifting Federation guidelines; which I knew nothing about until they explained them. Basically, it's a general understanding of respect for each other as individuals and for each other's safety. In the past, I saw 8 serious injuries in one CrossFit box within 16 weeks, and 3 serious injuries in a "normal" gym within 12 weeks - all preventable. At Santa Cruz Strength, I have been a member for nearly 2 years and I have not seen one serious  injury. This is due to the excellent coaching staff. The coaches are top rate. They encourage community participation. Really can't say enough about them. They are, without a doubt, phenomenal athletes - not gym rats, not show-offs, not hard-bodied sales people you see at every other gym these days - these coaches have PROVEN and CONTINUE to prove their competitive zeal as true athletes. The coaches all possess a sense of humility and respect for their profession, for the members and for the community they value. They are funny, playful and enlightened. They've obviously struggled with the things they coach you on, plus they overcame these struggles and they are delighted to share their experience with you. No... they are EAGER to share these with you. They are driven to see you succeed. They empathize when you fail or experience a set back, and they genuinely glow when you progress and win. This is rare in a gym. My personal experience is that I came in not knowing what I was getting in to. I thought it was a CrossFit box, but I quickly learned it was a strength gym devoted to true athletic training, not just exercising repetitively. I came in with multiple injuries, hadn't played sports in years, weakened from grief and no goals. Within a couple days, the coaches assessed me, plus gave me some good feedback and ideas. Within weeks, I was progressing with a strength and conditioning class a few times a week. Within months, I was stronger than I ever was in my early years of playing sports. During that time, I tried different training styles (which the coaches were all too happy to show me) and we discovered power lifting was my favorite. By the end of the year, I was qualified to compete in regional power lifting competitions. My goals continue to shift and change as life circumstances change, and the coaching staff simply adapts to what those changes are. There is no judgement, but there is sincere concern at times and they will share their concerns... this is what builds the trust and community that is fostered at this gym. Every place has it's drawbacks. This place gets loud, but in way it's good because it's a happening place. It's not visually as "pretty and polished" as some gyms are - I doubt they've painted a wall there in years, but who cares? It's a real gym, not an adult babysitting facility. There are hardly any machines here,  but I quickly learned that's because there are more things you can do with a bar bell, dumb bells, body weight and rowing machines. If you want to hang out, read magazines on a treadmill, stare at TV screens, ignore everyone around you and get minimal effort from staff who know more about WODS and Whole Foods smoothies than applied athletic kinesiology, there are plenty of options. If you are ready to get serious about your body, health, self esteem and general outlook - give this place a try. If I could give it 10 stars, I would. More...

Reviewed on Yelp