"A gym for the loud, proud crowd of lifters"
Founded by Caroline Addington, Blue Ridge Barbell is a woman-owned, 24/7 gym created for powerlifters, bodybuilders, and strength athletes of all kinds. The gym was born from a desire to build a bold, inclusive lifting community in Charlottesville that truly supports its members and embraces a culture that is loud, proud, and community-driven. The gym is set to open its doors to the public on February 21 after months of hands-on community involvement.
CV SBDC has been an essential partner in Caroline’s startup journey. Advisors provided guidance on personnel, marketing, and administrative needs, helping her navigate hiring, licensing, and operational best practices. Additionally, the SBDC offered ongoing encouragement and a trusted space to talk through ideas and challenges. This support helped Caroline feel confident and supported throughout the early stages of building her business.
Looking ahead, Blue Ridge Barbell is already showing strong momentum. The gym has been fully funded by the local lifting community, with more than 60 members joining during the first weeks of pre-sale. Caroline also plans to transform the gym’s 1,250 square feet of outdoor space into an outdoor training area in the spring. As the business grows, she plans to continue working closely with the SBDC to tackle new opportunities and challenges along the way.
It has been wildly helpful to know that I’m not alone on this mission and that I have an advisor I can bounce ideas off of, ask questions to, and with whom I can share the ups and downs.