Who We Are

How We Got Here

The Sanctuary Barbell Club, LLC was founded in November of 2021 by Ted and Bobbejo Kohler.  Ted and Bobbejo are a husband and wife team who have been together for almost 25 years.  They have 3 kids, 3 grandkids, 1 son-in-law and share a love for the sport of powerlifting.  Bobbejo competed in her first powerlifting meet in 2012 with Ted as her coach.  Ted began competing in 2014.  Over the last 10 years Powerlifting has grown from a hobby to a passion.  They both continue to compete, as well as, train others.  They have shared the platform with both of their daughters and their son-in-law.  This summer, Destin, their oldest granddaughter did her first unsanctioned deadlift in a meet they held.

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Before this duo had the gym and powerlifting they were youth leaders in their church.  During that time they learned how valuable it is for people to have a place to belong. They also realized that working with teens and young adults was something they both felt equally called to do.  While Bobbejo was raised in church, Ted was not, yet together they do their best to be an example for the younger generation. Sanctuary Barbell Club has allowed them to extend their reach beyond the walls of a church and reach people where they are. 

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Sanctuary Barbell Club, or the Sanctuary, as it is most often called, is a Safe Place to it's members.  The club is more than a gym.  It is a place where people can go to feel a part of something.  There are several small groups that train together. We watch each other to make sure that we are safe, that lifts are done correctly, and that there are proper spotters.  If you have never strength trained but would like to start, this is the place.