Nestled next to the Side Street Cafe in Thousand Oaks, California, The Training Hall, founded by legendary strongman Odd Haugen, has been a mecca for strength athletes for over a decade. Walk through its doors, and you’ll find a gritty, no-nonsense gym buzzing with elite competitors—think World’s Strongest Man contenders, Olympic-level track and field athletes, bodybuilders, and powerlifters. It’s a place where chalk flies, effort is non-negotiable, and respect is earned through sweat. So, why did this hardcore strength hub add the youth-focused Parisi Speed School to its offerings? Spoiler: it’s a match made in athletic heaven.
The Training Hall: A Legacy of Strength
Founded by Odd Haugen, a strongman icon, The Training Hall is more than a gym—it’s a community where beginners and pros alike chase strength through powerlifting, strongman, Olympic lifting, and general conditioning. Housed in a unique indoor-outdoor space with platforms, turf lanes, and top-tier equipment, it’s built for serious athletes who value hard work and technique. The gym’s reputation draws competitors from across the globe, creating a culture that celebrates dedication and progress.
Parisi Speed School: More Than Just Speed
At first glance, adding Parisi Speed School, a program known for boosting youth athletic performance, might seem like an odd fit for a gym synonymous with lifting massive weights. But dig deeper, and the synergy is clear. Parisi, with over 30 years of success training over a million athletes (including 130+ NFL draft picks), focuses on building speed, agility, and confidence in young athletes. Its approach isn’t just about running faster—it’s about mastering movement mechanics, improving coordination, and fostering mental toughness. Every athlete starts with a performance evaluation to tailor training to their needs, ensuring precise, measurable growth.
A Perfect Fit: Shared Values in Technique and Grit
The Training Hall and Parisi Speed School share a core philosophy: progress comes from perfecting the fundamentals. In strongman and powerlifting, athletes obsess over form—think flawless deadlift mechanics or a perfectly executed snatch. One wrong move under massive weights can spell disaster. Similarly, Parisi drills proper running, cutting, and jumping techniques to maximize speed and prevent injury. Both programs demand consistency, with no shortcuts to long-term gains.
Young athletes training at The Training Hall’s Parisi program will soak up this ethos. Surrounded by elite lifters who embody discipline, they’ll see firsthand that success requires relentless effort and attention to detail. The gym’s high-energy, supportive vibe—praised by visitors for its home-like feel—amplifies this, motivating kids to push harder and stay committed.
Why It Matters for Young Athletes
Adding Parisi Speed School expands The Training Hall’s mission to build better athletes, not just bigger ones. For young runners, soccer players, or basketball stars, Parisi’s focus on speed and agility complements the gym’s strength training expertise. Kids learn to move smarter, not just harder, reducing injury risk and boosting performance on the field or track. Plus, training alongside world-class athletes instills a work ethic that lasts a lifetime.
The Bottom Line
The Training Hall’s addition of Parisi Speed School isn’t a departure from its roots—it’s an evolution. By blending Parisi’s youth performance training with its strength-focused culture, The Training Hall offers a one-of-a-kind environment where athletes of all ages can master technique, build resilience, and chase their potential. Whether you’re lifting a barbell or sprinting down a turf lane, the message is the same: hard work and proper form win the day.
Curious about training at The Training Hall or Parisi Speed School? Drop your thoughts in the comments or visit their Thousand Oaks facility to see the action for yourself!
