★ 5

Friendly, clean, The coaches are very knowledgeable and very helpful. Everything is safe and there is no intimidation great place to work out and learn all about Lifting.

Source: Google

★ 5

I was an athlete at Cherokee Barbell for 3 years and competed powerlifting! I had Ayse as my coach (she’s amazing) and we worked hard and I broke some records and set state records. Truly an amazing gym!

Source: Google

★ 5

Coach Ayse helped me achieve goals I never even knew I had. She first inspired me just by setting an amazing example - I saw her every day in the gym working hard and showcasing strength. After a while, I approached her about helping me compete in my first bodybuilding competition. She gave me a training and nutrition program that built gradually and provided amazing support anytime I needed it. She was encouraging and always made me feel like I was capable of anything. With her help, I was able to take 1st in my class and 2nd overall in the show. It was an amazing experience - I could not recommend her or Cherokee Barbell enough! :)

Source: Google

★ 5

I can’t say enough great things about Cherokee Barbell and Coach Ayse Sukola.

Ayse has coached me through Olympic Weightlifting, Powerlifting, and now Bodybuilding prep, and she’s been instrumental in every one of my athletic milestones. Under her coaching, I’ve competed at Masters Nationals for Olympic Weightlifting, qualified for Regionals in Powerlifting, and continue to grow in every aspect of training.

What sets Ayse apart is that she truly cares about her athletes as whole humans. She brings precision, patience, and an incredible amount of belief to every session. As a coach myself, I’ve had great mentors before, but Ayse is genuinely the best overall coach and mentor I’ve ever had. Her knowledge, attention to detail, and support have made me a stronger athlete and a better coach.

If you’re serious about your fitness, nutrition, or training — whether you’re a beginner or chasing the next level — Cherokee Barbell is where you want to be.

Source: Google

★ 5

The coaches are great, there is also a very healthy team atmosphere in the gym!

Source: Google

★ 5

Training with Ayse has been an incredible experience. She is thorough, knowledgeable, and patient, she always knows exactly what feedback I need to continue improving. Her attention to detail and ability to explain things clearly have not only helped me refine my technique in powerlifting, but also given me the confidence to push beyond my limits.
She knows exactly when to push me and allows me to grow in my abilities as an athlete.

With her guidance, I’ve competed in five powerlifting meets, including three at the national level. When it comes to handling, Ayse knows exactly what I need for meet day. Her confidence in my program and her confidence in me as an athlete, has led to me having some of the most rewarding meet days ever.

Both Ayse and the coaches at Cherokee Barbell have always been supportive and knowledgable. Through difficult prep seasons, both Ayse and the community she built have been a rock for me! Ayse’s coaching is the perfect balance of technical expertise and genuine support, and I’m so grateful to have her in my corner.

Source: Google

★ 5

I competed at the Barbell Collective finals recently and had an outstanding experience with Cherokee Barbell Strength & Nutrition. The atmosphere was welcoming and positive from start to finish, and the coaches were exceptionally knowledgeable, attentive, and eager to help. While traveling from out of town without my coach, their expertise and encouragement made a real difference on the platform. I left feeling supported and motivated I would highly recommend Cherokee Barbell to anyone looking for a fitness community.

Source: Google

★ 5

Coach Ayse is a wealth of knowledge and a great coach for Olympic Weightlifting! I had the amazing opportunity of receiving her coaching and guidance at my very first weightlifting meet, and she not only bolstered my confidence by helping to lower my stress level in the new experience, but also encouraged and cued me in ways that genuinely helped me as a lifter!
Coach Ayse was also one of my instructors for my USAW coaching certification seminar and was so knowledgeable. She did a wonderful job of explaining concepts, and pulled from her own career and experiences to educate all of the seminar attendees as we prepared to become coaches ourselves.
I have experienced working with Coach Ayse from both an athlete perspective and a coach perspective, and I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for a top notch weightlifting coach!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Love the trainers they are great and always make sure you keep good forms and not get injured .

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

I’ve worked with Ayse for years and there is no better coaching! She is dedicated to her athletes and goes above and beyond to ensure their success.

Source: Google

★ 5

Great experience going for my 1st time. Community is great, instructors are super knowledgeable and know what cues to give to perfect technique, and atmosphere is exactly what you want.

Source: Google

★ 5

I was taking a break from CrossFit since I had injured my shoulder and doing yoga. As I healed I started missing the barbell again but did not want to go back to CrossFit. That is when I signed up to train under Ayse at Cherokee Barbell and focus on Olympic lifting. Thanks to Ayse my snatches and clean & jerk lifts have significantly improved. I never had mobility so my snatches always felt and looked awkward. I would lean forward, also unable to squat fully. Ayse is patient, meticulous, and methodical.

Under her guidance I participated in my first lifting competition in July 2025. I was nervous and failed a lift warming up. She adjusted my opening weight and I completed all my 3 snatch lifts!

She also helped me with nutrition and now I am down to 20.5% body fat. You need a coach that can hone in your macros (balance of fat, protein, and carbohydrate intake)in order to change body composition. Also weight loss is an emotional journey. You need someone like Ayse who can support you mentally.

If you are looking to improve your lifting technique, build strength, recover from injury, or lose weight, Cherokee Barbell is the place to be!

Source: Google

★ 5

Our son attended over the spring and summer this year to prepare for football season. Ayse and the other trainers took the time to make sure he learned the proper form so that he could prevent injury. He really felt like it helped out and he was excited about the progress he made. We will definitely be returning after the season so he can continue with his training.

Source: Google

★ 5

This gym was not only beautiful it was incredibly welcoming, I specifically went two hours out of my to come here for that reason. If you are a beginner or advanced weightlifter this place is somewhere I’d highly recommend. Good training coaching and vibes!!!

Source: Google

★ 5

I started a year ago with Ayse and Cherokee Barbell. I was new to Olympic Weightlifting, but was eager to learn. As a Masters lifter and remote athlete I started off using TrainHeroic and lifting 3 days a week with her guidance. As I got stronger I made the decision to compete and Ayse became my coach. I love the programming and her attention to detail. I competed twice last year and qualified for US Masters in April. If wasn't for Ayse and Cherokee Barbell this would not be happening. If you are looking for an incredible place to train, in person or remotely, with a knowledgeable staff this is the gym for you!

Source: Google

★ 5

Very enjoyable lifting here. Coaching staff is superb, and I made significant progress on my Olympic lifts in a short amount of time. Workouts are assigned through TrueCoach, and you can record weights, progress pictures, or personal notes. Highly recommend checking this one out!

Source: Google

★ 5

I absolutely love this place. The community is vibrant , the owner is the sweetest woman and she’s YOKED AND SHES PRESENT!

Source: Google

★ 5

Cherokee Barbell is a phenomenal gym and will tailor your programs to your personal goals. The head coach and owner, as well as all of the other coaches on duty are attentive and will provide helpful advice no matter how many people are in the gym at a time. At my time there I crushed my personal records and improved my strength tremendously. And you will find yourself surrounded by other like-minded individuals that will lift you up as well.

Source: Google

★ 5

Awesome place! Highly recommend!

Source: Google

★ 5

From the moment I walked in, felt welcomed by not only coaches, but clients who were training. Excellent coaching and helped me so much with queues to continue to perfect cleans and snatches. Being at a functional gym that does OL, I never realized how much technique goes into OL, but the coaches broke it down so well I can still hear their voices when I am lifting at my gym. 10 out of 10 for this facility!

Source: Google

★ 5

I needed a place to train while in town for a weightlifting competition, and Cherokee was the perfect spot. The staff and members were extremely welcoming and friendly. The gym has plenty of platforms and equipment and was very clean and organized. I loved that it was an Olympic weightlifting only gym, and not a side room of a CrossFit gym, as they are hard to find these days! I would definitely recommend this gym to anyone visiting or anyone looking to start weightlifting for the first time!

Source: Google

★ 5

I have received excellent coaching and gained so much confidence in my Olympic lifting working with Ayse and Cherokee Barbell. I predominantly work remotely with workouts that are written specifically for me with drills and lifts to address my weaknesses and technique issues. There is never any pressure to lift heavier weight that what I am prepared for which is important to me as a masters lifter. The gym is clean with high quality equipment, barbells, accessories, etc. Everyone I have met at the gym has been friendly and helpful. I am looking forward to continuing to learn, grow, and improve at Cherokee Barbell.

Source: Google

★ 5

I loved is my first meeting and everybody make me feel comfy

Source: Google

★ 5

Wonderful community as soon as you walk in the door. The coaches are extremely knowledgeable! I had them work with me and my son. Both of us improved immensely in just a few months. Will definitely be returning every year!

Source: Google

★ 5

Owner is extremely kind and helpful!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

The HSN nutrition plan was easy to follow and had great recipes! Ayse followed up with us in a weekly basis to tweak macros once the goals slowed. I lost 18 pounds in less than 3 months on the nutrition plan.

Source: Google

★ 5

I drop in when I am in town, and everyone is so friendly! Coaches give great technique feedback too; I feel right at home!

Source: Google

★ 5

I completed a six week introduction course. Every single coach was extremely nice and knowledgeable. They will watch your form and give you specific tips and correction tailored just towards you. I was able to learn a lot in 6 weeks! I would definitely recommend Cherokee barbell to anybody.

Source: Google

★ 5

Ayse and her team made a dramatic difference in our teenage son! He came in with no lifting experience and need guidance in mobility and range of motion. Over the last 5 months he has been pushed and molded into a new kid. He understands the importance of warmups, mobility training, stretching, and gym etiquette on top of the huge PR gains! If you have a child with any sort of athletic aspirations, Ayse and her team are an invaluable resource!

Source: Google

★ 5

A friend suggested I try out Cherokee Barbell and beyond happy I did. I’ve had several surgeries related to joint issues and was struggling with mobility which makes me hesitant with trainers.

Ayse listen to all my needs and developed a plan around my issues and always makes sure I am not over doing it while working at building up my strength. This has changed my life. I am able to move easier and my pain level is almost non -existent. Now I’m starting to train in power lifting and I never thought lifting was going to be possible for me in my life again.

You will not find better trainers than Rachel and Ayse! They are caring and extremely knowledgeable on lifting and nutrition. It’s a wonderful and welcoming environment, so if you’re looking for a place to learn Olympic lifting, personal training or nutrition you will not find a better place!

Source: Google

★ 5

Have loved working on Olympic weightlifting with coach Ayse! I have learned so much from the short time I have been working with her. Her knowledge and ability to work with athletes where they are at is one of a kind. She truly cares about each of her athletes in and out of the gym and puts emphasis on not just the olympic coaching but importance of coaching the athlete as a whole, including their physical and mental health. Highly recommend for ANY level lifter!

Source: Google

★ 5

I trained under Ayse for 4 years until I left the state. She is an awesome coach and the gym atmosphere is great! Highly recommended for anyone looking to get into Olympic Weightlifting or athletes looking to increase their performance.

Source: Google

★ 5

Ayse is a great person, coach, dietician, and mentor! She helped me lose weight and introduced me to weightlifting. She will be your #1 cheerleader!

Source: Google

★ 5

Such a lovely environment with great coaches and athletes! I was able to be apart of their 6 week technique and strength program and had a blast! My lifting and strength improved within that time frame. I'm very pleased and love getting to work with such great coaches!!

Source: Google

★ 5

I took both my level one and a 6 week training program at Cherokee barbell. I learned a lot of new techniques and cues about my lifting. In only 6 weeks my lifts improved! I feel more confident in myself and in my abilities. The atmosphere is amazing and so is all the equipment! Definitely will be returning!!

Source: Google

★ 5

If you are looking for a gym with a great community and excellent coaches - Cherokee Barbell is for you!! They have it all from Olympic lifting, to personal training, to nutritional guidance. What really makes this place is the PEOPLE! The coaches and members here are TOP NOTCH and are 100% on board in helping everyone work on their goals. Incredibly knowledgeable and experienced. Do yourself a favor and come see what Cherokee Barbell is all about!

Source: Google

★ 5

Thanks to the coaches at Cherokee Barbell, I went from someone who never worked out and was rapidly losing muscle in my 40s to someone who looks forward to lifting and is building strength and developing flexibility. The coaches are especially gifted at working with you where you are, which is great if you're older and have past injuries you need to work around. I am constantly amazed at what I'm accomplishing and have more energy than I've ever had before. Olympic lifting at Cherokee Barbell changed my life.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Ayse is an excellent olympic weightlifting coach. In one session she was able to break down the things I was doing wrong in my lift and help me made improvements. Looking forward to seeing the progress I can make in all my lifts working with her.

Source: Google

★ 5

Stopped in for an open house to check out the gym about a month ago. Coach Ayse was attentive and provided positive feedback to help improve my form. The atmosphere is very laid back, come and go as you please, while still providing the attention when necessary. The members there were all very friendly and inviting, as well. This seems like a place to go whether you are experienced or just starting out.

Source: Google

★ 5

Took a clinic class on power cleans & in 3 hours I was able to get & understand the technique. They are very knowledgeable & dedicated to helping people grow.So if you have never done crossfit & are curious. This would be the right place to begin.

Source: Google

★ 5

I have had phenomenal Olympic weightlifting coaching and nutrition coaching at Cherokee Barbell. The owners are professional, attentive, and take care of their athletes like family. Youth, adults, older adults, and all athletes new or experienced to weightlifting (Olympic or Powerlifting) are welcome here. I’ve known Coach Ayse for years and count her among my friends as well as my weightlifting coach.

Source: Google

★ 5

I can’t tell you how much weightlifting (in general) and this team (in particular) have done for my strength, fitness, physical health, and mental health. Our coaches are always refining their skills, and they put everything into their athletes. Our members are such solid, awesome people. We have such a strong community — I commute 40-45 min to train here 4-5 days a week. It’s beyond worth it.

Source: Google

★ 5

I live in Columbus, GA and spent Labor Day weekend in the Atlanta area. Cherokee barbell is an awesome barbell gym that I was able to drop-in to on a Friday morning. The owner, Ayse, is very responsive and passionate about helping people grow and improve in the sport. I look forward to future training sessions at Cherokee barbell in the future! 🏋🏻‍♂️

Source: Google

★ 5

Cherokee barbell is my home away from home. Ayse and Rachel have created an incredible atmosphere. To name a few words that describe them: supportive, encouraging, adaptive, insightful, energetic, passionate, and badass! And the members are all so incredibly nice and welcoming. 10/10, I highly recommend.

Source: Google

★ 5

I’m new to Cherokee Barbell but have years of lifting experience. I’ve always struggled with squats and in ONE session with Rachel she determined what was causing my flexibility issue and was able to fix it immediately. My squats are better than ever! I highly recommend Cherokee Barbell. It’s affordable and the coaches are phenomenal, plus the training is completely customized to you! I’ve definitely found my new gym home!

Source: Google

★ 5

Love the atmosphere, energy, and coaching staff. Always a pleasure being at Cherokee Barbell ❤️

Source: Google

★ 5

I love CB! Ayse has been coaching me for a little over a year. The atmosphere is encouraging and team based. I have gained strength, mobility and knowledge. When I first started Olympic lifting I was unable to get into a full squat, Ayse and Rachel have been so focused on my technique I am now able to fully squat under weight. I had carpal tunnel surgery and they were both able to modify my workouts so I could still participate.

Source: Google

★ 5

This community of people is more than just a group, but a family. From day one working remotely as an athlete I still felt like I was there I’m classes with everyone else. Thank you to the coaches that still continue to do an amazing job and their profession.

Source: Google

★ 5

I love the new location and coaches are great communicators when I'm working remotely. Since I started training with Coach Ayse and Rachel my technique in the Olympic lifts has gotten significantly better. I would also highly recommend the nutrition coaching in conjunction with strength training. Everyone is very knowledgeable and friendly. I look forward to going every time.

Source: Google

★ 5

I went in for my first class with Rachel. She was very good at teaching me proper form, and kept an eye on me to instruct. They also have classes for the children.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Ayse has been both my weightlifting coach and my nutrition coach. When I couldn’t regularly train in person with her, she was also my remote coach. We’ve worked together for 5+ years. She’s guided me through 40lbs of weight loss while helping me maintain muscle and grow stronger. She’s now helping me build lean mass as we continue to refine my weightlifting technique. I couldn’t ask for a more responsive, supportive coach. She always has my goals in mind. She’s always there to help push me when I need it, but she’ll also tell me when I need to back off and regroup. Here’s to the next 5 years!

Source: Google

★ 5

If you are looking for a great coach who cares about you for more than just weightlifting then you have come to the right place. Working with Cherokee Barbell has been the best decision I have ever made when it comes to my fitness and wellness journey.

Source: Google

★ 5

The coaches at this gym are amazing! Coach Ayse is super knowledgeable and really caters to everyone’s individual goals and skills. Her personalized programming for my Olympic Lifting has allowed me to gain tremendous strength and better technique. I have been with Coach Ayse and Coach Rachel for over 3 years and Elaine for just a few short months and they are all family to me! The community and encouragement of this gym is like no other. All skill levels are welcome, I started off with zero experience!

Source: Google