Healthy Biz: Heavy Metal Barbell Co.
By Lori Okami
Don’t let the name fool you into thinking that Heavy Metal Barbell Co. is just one of those “Go big or go home” types of businesses. Whether you are a competitive athlete or a “newbie,” you will be pleasantly surprised because they are able to accommodate the needs of anyone aiming to get fit, get toned or get strong.
First off, this convenient, centrally-located downtown business has lots of parking right in front. That’s right... downtown AND parking!
Secondly, they’ve got everything… yoga mats, fitness accessories, small dumbbells to heavy ones, weights (rubber-coated too), a huge variety of bars, belts galore, cable accessories, protein and other supplements, gloves, straps, cardio equipment, multi-function systems, kickboxing supplies, heavy-duty equipment, travel fitness sets, and most importantly, qualified people with experience who can actually tell you how to use these correctly.
In addition, they are the exclusive distributor of Life Fitness equipment (the one’s you’ve seen all over the place with trainers, treadmills, bikes, etc.) and PowerTec (the leading heavy-duty plate-load) equipment—killer strong.
Finally, a place where Service IS the way they do business and Kevin Yoshida, the owner, exemplifies this. I found Kevin to epitomize customer service—something that more businesses today need to focus on. No macho, muscleman attitude to deal with… just sincere, knowledgeable, and helpful people that you can trust.
I’m making Heavy Metal my first stop for exercise supplies and equipment and for a refreshing bit of old-style, local business carrying modern innovations in exercise.
Heavy Metal Barbell Co. - 627 South St, Ste 102 (808)536-7323.
Support Local!
***Healthy Biz is an opportunity to highlight resources that are available to you on your fitness journey, as well as other businesses that are helping to promote a healthy Hawaii. Let me know if you'd like me to check out a business you're curious about.
Be Strong Live Long
March 11th, 2009 at 9:20 am
Hi Lori,
Nice pics. If you were to get a single piece/type of equipment for home, which would it be? If cost was or was not a factor?
March 11th, 2009 at 10:49 am
I think they used to be in Kaimuki next to my office they were really good at helping me.
Aloha,
Keahi
March 11th, 2009 at 2:31 pm
Hello betterlatethannever,
Beyond cost, it will definitely depend on what your goal and priority is. For myself, I am hooked on resistance training. I have a plate-load, smith machine (multi-system unit) at home, as well as a treadmill (if I can't get out of the house...bad weather, odd hours, etc.). I also have some dumbbells besides the plates. The system I have came with high and low pulleys plus an adjustable bench with leg and preacher curl attachments. It's the bomb! Luv it! I saw a couple different units when I was @ Heavy Metal taking those pics but I didn't look at prices. It was well worth the investment for me, over 7 years and still going strong.
Hi Keahi!
Yup. That's the one. Kevin bought it from the original owner but also worked for them from way back. They still got the great service!
Aloha,
Lori
March 13th, 2009 at 9:31 am
I couldn't agree with Lori more. Kevin Yoshida represents what a business owner truly is, taking care of his business and his customers. I go there to pick up supplies and supplements and even picked up a treadmill for my wife last year. We need to support local businesses like this more. Good job Kevin!
Scott
March 13th, 2009 at 9:36 am
Sorry, just found this. Anyway, one of the best reasons to shop at Heavy Metal is that Kevin doesn't sell products based on hype and profit margin. He only stocks and sells supplements and equipment that is of the highest quality, and that he believes in.
March 13th, 2009 at 9:56 am
Aloha Lori,
Ever since I've taken over the fitness room for our company, dealing with Kevin and the entire staff at Heavy Metal has been a blessing. Their attention to detail in figuring out what a customer's needs are is top notch and their customer service is unsurpassed.
March 13th, 2009 at 11:03 am
Equipment at Heavy Metal is very well priced and Kevin provides excellent customer service. I bought a bunch of PowerTec stuff from him and they all work great and should last more than a lifetime. If times were better (economically speaking) I'd pick up more stuff. I have enough things (most of it from Heavy Metal) to provide me a full body workout at home and although I do have membership at 24 HR Fitness, I don't give up much when I work out at home, which I do most of the time. I am very critical when it comes to customer service, quality, etc. and I fully endorse Kevin Yoshida and Heavy Metal Barbell Company.
March 13th, 2009 at 12:21 pm
I would like to say thank you to everyone that wrote these nice comments about the store and the staff...Thank you very much...truly thank you! Also Thanks to Lori Okami for blogging this...Thanks Lori, this is awesome!
March 14th, 2009 at 7:13 am
Hello Scott, Darren, Tony & Randall-
Appreciate your feedback on Kevin and Heavy Metal. Nice to see that Kevin and his team have earned such respect from their customers. I understand why...
Kevin-
Actually "thank you" for allowing me to share my thoughts about your business. I wouldn't have asked if I weren't impressed by you and your team. I'll drop by again soon to check out a few things. See ya!
Aloha to all,
Lori