The Complete History of MetroFlex Gym: From 1987 to Today
In 1987, Brian Dobson opened a warehouse gym in Arlington, Texas. He was a national-level bodybuilder and powerlifter from Detroit, 402-pound bench, 705-pound squat, 700-pound deadlift. He wanted a place where serious lifters could train without distractions.
What he built would produce 8 consecutive Mr. Olympia titles, generations of IFBB Pro athletes, and become the most legendary training facility in bodybuilding history.
The Foundation (1987-1989)
MetroFlex Gym opened at 2921 S. Cooper St. in Arlington. Heavy free weights, minimal machines, no corporate atmosphere. Dobson built it on principles rooted in his Christian faith: discipline, service, generosity, and treating every person who walked through the door with respect.
For two years, it was a solid training facility with a growing reputation among serious lifters. Then in 1989, a police officer named Ronnie Coleman walked in looking to stay in shape. The way Brian Dobson remembers it, he saw world-class genetics and made an offer: train for bodybuilding, membership is free.
Coleman took it.
The Dynasty (1990-2005)
Coleman won the novice division at Mr. Texas in 1990. By 1998, he was Mr. Olympia. He won 8 consecutive titles through 2005, tying Lee Haney's all-time record. Every title was built at MetroFlex Arlington with Dobson coaching and training partner Gus Carter loading the weight.
The 2003 documentary The Cost of Redemption captured Coleman squatting 800 pounds and leg pressing 2,300. Carter turned to the camera: "800 solid pounds!" That footage became the most iconic training film ever recorded and put MetroFlex on the map worldwide.
The Champion Factory
MetroFlex became a magnet for elite athletes who wanted to train in the environment that built Coleman.
Branch Warren, the story goes, found his way in through the back door, couldn't afford membership. Left as a 2x Arnold Classic Champion (2011, 2012) with 9 IFBB Pro wins and a runner-up finish at the 2009 Olympia. He now produces the Branch Warren Classic NPC shows in Denver and Houston.
TRAIN WHERE CHAMPIONS ARE MADE
Experience the gym that built 8 Mr. Olympia titles. Find your nearest location.