Louie Simmons was a powerlifting legend and a strength coach who influenced generations of athletes and lifters. He was the founder of Westside Barbell, a private gym in Columbus, Ohio, where he trained some of the best powerlifters in the world. He also developed the Conjugate Method, a system of training that combines different physical qualities and exercises to optimize strength and performance. Simmons was known for his innovation, passion, and dedication to the sport of powerlifting. He passed away on March 24, 2022, at the age of 74. What was the cause of his death? Here is what we know.
Health Issues and Hospitalization
According to BarBend, Simmons had been suffering from some kidney issues and other health problems recently. He had been hospitalized for a while, but he decided to check himself out against the doctor’s recommendations. He wanted to spend his final days at his home, surrounded by his family and friends. He died peacefully in his sleep on March 24, 2022.
Tributes and Condolences
The news of Simmons’ death was announced by Westside Barbell on their Instagram page. They posted a photo of Simmons with a caption that read:
It is with our deepest regret we have to announce the passing of our founder and leader Louie Simmons. Louie passed this morning at home with his family by his side. Words cannot describe how much Louie meant to us all. He was a mentor, friend, father figure, and inspiration to countless people across the world. His legacy will live on forever through Westside Barbell and everyone who has been touched by his teachings. Rest in peace, Louie. You will be missed but never forgotten.
Many people from the powerlifting community and beyond expressed their condolences and paid tribute to Simmons on social media. Some of the notable figures who shared their memories and respect for Simmons include:
- Dave Tate, the founder of EliteFTS and a former Westside Barbell member, who wrote: “Louie Simmons changed my life in more ways than I can ever express. He was a mentor, friend, coach, and father figure to me for over 25 years. He taught me how to train, how to think, how to live, and how to give back. He was one of a kind and there will never be another like him.”
- Jim Wendler, the creator of 5/3/1 and a former Westside Barbell member, who wrote: “Louie Simmons was one of the most influential people in my life. He gave me an opportunity to train at Westside Barbell when I was 19 years old and opened my eyes to a whole new world of strength training. He was always generous with his knowledge and time, and he pushed me to be better every day. He was a legend in every sense of the word.”
- Mark Bell, the owner of Super Training Gym and a powerlifting coach, who wrote: “Louie Simmons was a pioneer and a visionary in the field of strength training. He revolutionized the way people train for powerlifting and other sports. He was always ahead of the curve and always willing to share his wisdom with anyone who wanted to learn. He was an inspiration to me and millions of others who love lifting weights.”
Legacy and Impact
Simmons left behind a lasting and monumental legacy in the world of strength training and sport. He was one of the most successful powerlifting coaches of all time, producing over 140 world records in various weight classes and federations. He also worked as a strength consultant with collegiate and professional sports teams from various disciplines, such as football, track and field, combat sports, and CrossFit. His training methods are featured in the CrossFit Powerlifting certificate course and his articles on training were a regular feature in Powerlifting USA.
Simmons also invented several training devices that are widely used by strength athletes today, such as the reverse hyperextension machine and the belt squat machine. These machines are designed to target specific muscles and joints that are often neglected or injured by conventional exercises. Simmons also popularized the use of resistance bands and chains to modify various strength exercises, creating more variety and challenge for the lifters.
Simmons was not only a coach and an inventor, but also a lifter himself. He competed in powerlifting for over 50 years, achieving elite totals in five different weight classes over almost four decades. He also lifted some impressive numbers over the age of 50 years, such as a 920-pound squat, a 600-pound bench press, and a 722-pound deadlift. He was one of only five lifters to total elite in five different powerlifting weight classes.
Simmons was a true trailblazer and a legend in the sport of powerlifting and strength training. He influenced countless people with his passion, knowledge, and innovation. He will be remembered as one of the greatest of all time. Rest in peace, Louie Simmons.
