Monolift
Equipped lifters don’t train on a standard rack — you need a monolift for real equipped work.
Iron Raven
Want to try powerlifting? start here
The South's dedicated powerlifting gym — in Tonbridge. Try your first meet or chase your next total on a floor built entirely for squat, bench, and deadlift.
Jason Swalwell & Helen Redhead — world champion powerlifters
DEDICATED POWERLIFTING GYM · TRY YOUR FIRST MEET · COMPETITION COACHING · WORLD CHAMPION COACHES · KIT WORTH THE DRIVE · TONBRIDGE, KENT · DEDICATED POWERLIFTING GYM · TRY YOUR FIRST MEET · COMPETITION COACHING · WORLD CHAMPION COACHES · KIT WORTH THE DRIVE · TONBRIDGE, KENT ·
Kit that means business
Monolift, combo racks, calibrated plates — kit chosen for powerlifters, not bolted onto a general gym floor. Plenty of places in the South have a platform or two. The whole building here is built around squat, bench, and deadlift.
See the equipment
Coaching that gets results
World champion coaches on the gym floor. First meet prep, technique work, or peaking for your next total — hands-on coaching built around squat, bench, and deadlift.
Powerlifting coaching
A gym with no ego
Serious about lifting. Relaxed about everything else. A members' gym with a club atmosphere — supportive, not cliquey. From first session to competition platform.
Get in touchKit built for powerlifters
Four examples from the floor — not the full inventory. Monolift, combo racks, calibrated plates, and plenty more beyond these four.
IPF Combo Rack
Same spec you’ll compete on — not a bolted-together rack from a commercial gym catalogue.
Calibrated Plates
Over 1,000kg of calibrated competition plates — not gym plates that vary by a kilo or two per side.
Deadlift Platforms
Dedicated deadlift platforms — not rubber mats squeezed into a corner between cardio machines.
The full equipment list is on site — or book a look around and walk the floor.
Before you book
The questions powerlifters ask before they walk through the door — answered straight.
This is for you if…
- You want to try powerlifting — first meet, no competition experience needed
- You’re already competing and want hands-on prep on the gym floor
- You’re back after injury or time away from the barbell
- You want proper squat, bench, and deadlift coaching — not a generic gym floor
Belonging
I’ve never competed — can I still train here?
Yes — trying powerlifting is the whole point. We’ll teach you the lifts, competition commands, and how to train for a meet. At your pace, with no pressure to sign up for anything on day one.
Do I need to know squat, bench, and deadlift already?
No. Plenty of members had only used machines before they arrived. Book a look around and we’ll walk you through the kit. A coached intro is there if you want hands-on help with the basics.
Will I be judged?
No. Serious about lifting, relaxed about everything else. People train here to try their first meet, chase totals, or come back after time away. Nobody’s performing for an audience.
How it works
Do I need a coach to train here?
No. Gym access starts from a £10 day pass, £20 week pass, or £40/month membership — train on your own schedule. Powerlifting coaching is there when you want technique work, meet prep, or structured programming. Not required.
What does powerlifting coaching cost?
In-person coached sessions are bought in blocks (£60 single, £220 for four, £400 for eight). Gym access is separate. Online coaching runs monthly — see our online coaching page. We’ll talk through what fits at a look around.
How does programming work?
Your programme is written as a structured block on ironraven.app — not a monthly app subscription. The next block is planned when the current one is done. Online clients get monthly coaching plus the app; in-person blocks include programming support between sessions.
Why Iron Raven
What makes Iron Raven different?
A dedicated powerlifting gym — the whole floor is squat, bench, and deadlift, with kit chosen for competitors. Other gyms in the South have powerlifting equipment, but they also serve general training, classes, and cardio. Here it’s the only focus. Two world-champion coaches on site, full time.
Is it worth travelling?
Powerlifters routinely drive for the right floor. If you’re comparing a general gym with a rack in the corner to a gym built entirely around powerlifting, a look around usually settles it. Tonbridge station is a 10-minute walk away — direct trains from London in under an hour — and we’re on the M25 / A21 corridor for drivers too.
I just want general strength training — is this the right gym?
Iron Raven is for powerlifting — trying your first meet or prepping for the next one. General strength training, gym memberships, and most coaching live at our sister gym Sportive Tricks at the same address in Tonbridge.
Who actually coaches here?
Jason Swalwell and Helen Redhead — both world champion powerlifters, full-time on site. You’re not passed to a junior trainer or an app-only programme written by someone you never meet.
Taking the next step
What happens at a look around?
You walk the floor, see the kit, ask anything. Try equipment if you want. We talk through gym access, coaching options, and what you’re trying to achieve. No hard sell.
Is there pressure to sign up on the day?
No. A look around is a look around. Most people want to see the gym before they commit anywhere — we’d rather you decide with your eyes open than over email.
Seen enough to want the platform, not just the website?
Book a look aroundGym Access
Train on the powerlifting floor — day, week, or month
Day Pass
£10per session
- Full gym access for one session
- All competition-grade equipment
- Ideal for trying the floor
Week Pass
£207 days
- Full gym access for 7 days
- All competition-grade equipment
- Train at your own pace
RECOMMENDED
Membership
£40per month
- Full gym access
- All competition-grade equipment
- Limited membership — serious lifters only
Want coaching with your training?
Opening Hours
Monday
05:00 – 10:0016:30 – 21:00Coaching only 10:00 – 16:30
Tuesday
05:00 – 10:0016:30 – 21:00Coaching only 10:00 – 16:30
Wednesday
05:00 – 10:0016:30 – 21:00Coaching only 10:00 – 16:30
Thursday
05:00 – 10:0016:30 – 21:00Coaching only 10:00 – 16:30
Friday
05:00 – 10:0016:30 – 21:00Coaching only 10:00 – 16:30
Saturday
05:00 – 16:00
Sunday
06:00 – 14:00
Powerlifting coaching
First meet or next total — Jason and Helen coach on the gym floor with structured block programming via ironraven.app. Technique, competition prep, and programming that moves when you do.
See coaching options