On March 24th, 2022, sad news broke that one of the all-time greats in the sport of powerlifting, Louie Simmons has, passed away at the age of 74. Simmons is considered the Godfather of powerlifting and is an icon that transformed the way people train for strength. Simmons was known for his unmatched work ethic and unparalleled knowledge that he imparted at his legendary gym Westside Barbell.
Louie Simmons Died At 74 Years Old
At 74 years old, the legend Louie Simmons passed away from some health issues at his home on March 24th, 2022. Simmons had been battling some kidney issues and other health problems recently. Simmons decided to check himself out of the hospital against the doctor’s recommendations but at this time we don't know the exact cause of death.
WHO IS LOUIE SIMMONS?
Louie Simmons is an American powerlifter and one of the greatest strength coaches of all time. Simmons is the proprietor of Westside Barbell, an elite invite-only powerlifting gym based in Columbus, Ohio.
Simmons was a true trailblazer in all things strength and created training ideologies such as the Conjugate Method that helped normalize using resistance bands and chains during workout sessions.
Simmons was an innovator in the space and is credited with inventing several strength training devices such as the reverse hyper and the belt squat machine.
Another admirable trait Simmons possessed is his no BS. He openly spoke about using PEDs didn’t care about people’s judgment.
Simmons approached everything related to strength with a die-hard attitude. He lived for powerlifting and coached some of the legends in the sport, including Chuck Vogelphul, Jim Wendler, and Dave Tate.
Besides coaching, Simmons also left his mark on the sport of powerlifting during his competitive days, which lasted nearly 35 years from 1979-to 2012, where he had Elite totals in five different weight classes.
Simmons put up some massively impressive lifts all after the age of 50, including:
- 920lb squat
- 722lb deadlift
- 600lb bench press
If you want to learn more about Louie Simmons and his mecca, Westside Barbell Gym, we suggest you watch Westside vs. The World. This documentary released in 2019 highlights some of Simmons’ contributions to strength training and shows you what his mythical gym is all about.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
Louie Simmons’ death is a blow to the fitness world. SET FOR SET sends its condolences to the Simmons family and friends. This man was indeed one of a kind; he helped the world or strength sports progress singlehandedly more than most could ever imagine. Rest in peace to the king of the gym, Louie Simmons.
8 Responses
Joe McNay
I’m 50yrs old and started weight training at a hard core gym called Flat Top Gym in Kentucky where you could only get voted in by powerlifters. Big Louie Simmons posters hung on the walls and many magazines with his training methods. I learned to lift with a group of power lifters they taught me everything along with Louie style West Side Barbell style training. Even though I never met Louie personally he touched my life and I will forever be a power lifter and have some of the greatest memories from my own gym. My thanks goes out to Louie Simmons and his training methods. He truly is the GOAT of powerlifting.
Gene Marczika
I worked out in the early 80’s at Westside Barbell when he was on Briggs Road. Louie taught me a lot of techniques that i still use today at age 58. I still do quarters and halfs on bench press to maintain high weights. Louie taught me box squats and proper technique. I weighed 160 and was benching 330 and squating and deadlifting 425. Maybe not incredible lifts but drug free. Louie asked if I was interested in joing his team because he had no light weight competitors at the time. I regret not becoming part of the team. I told Louie I wanted to look like a marble statue and not a slab of beef. He use to give me a hassle about doing curls, said biceps was a waist. He always took his time in working with me. Good guy. I still love lifting.
Francis Dwira Jnr
Louie Simmons training methods are just fantastic, great guy! Deep love for powerlifting and training in general. Rest in power strongman!!!!!
Isaac Cintron
I cannot believe this man is gone. I was not into powerlifting much but I respected Louie’s training. I tried it for about 4 months with getting routines from his trainers and the shit worked for me! Being 51 years old I had never been stronger in my life. I had to stop because of the TRT I was taking my fn doctor was not keeping my results up to par so my blood pressures was thru the roof. This man was a great person for not just powerlifters but to all athletes! I never met the man, but I wished I would of. He built silverbacks there at his gym. God bless big papa!
John vellucci
It’s been bless to have Louie look over my medical records and help be able to complete again . When my son die Doris talk to me few both are a blessing to powerlifting gang
Linda Lee Gray Wilson
I grew up with Louie. He lived on the my road, Richter Road. Louie was a wonderful person. He was full of life and creativity. My mom considered him one of the family. I didn’t have three brothers. I had five brothers, Chuck, Bill, Floyd, Louie Simmons and Kenny Ward. My brothers loved Louie too and so did my sisters, Kay and Joan. Louie lived the American dream. It was an honor to know him. I send love from all of the Gray’s to his family and friends. Love Linda
Jim Walters
So sad, Louie’s workout have kept me going over the years. He will be sorely missed.
Stephen C Fricke
God bless Louie. A genius whether you loved his genius or hated it. The man is a legend. ULTIMATE RESPECT
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Kiel DiGiovanni
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