Our mission

Hey there everyone! My name is Michael Burns. My journey of owning Burns Barbell came WELL before I even thought it was possible. 

I am a United States Marine Corps veteran, and former US Secret Service Officer. My love and passion for working out started during time in the Corps, and I started to do some serious lifting while living out in Washington DC working for USSS. 

I remember being on a work detail in New York and going to the New York Sports Club to hit my work out for the day. There was a man I remember admiring while squatting, because it seemed nearly impossible to me how much weight he could lift. I started talking to him, and he was very kind with his words, gave me some pointers, and went on his way. Since that day, I started making lifting goals for myself in the Squat, Bench, and Deadlift. 

I started to develop PTSD over the years, and decided I had to stop the path I was on. So, after my time in the Marine Corps was over, I decided to quit the Secret Service in late 2019 and move back home. From there, I had completely lost my direction in life. 

Shortly after, I was talking with a friend who asked what I enjoyed doing every day. The only thing that got me out of bed at that point was going to the gym. It was then, I decided that I would try my hand in personal training. From there, I gained a small clientele over the next year. After a year, I decided to open my own facility, THUS Burns Barbell was born. To me, Burns Barbell symbolized more than just a gym. Creating this gym has literally saved my life, and completely transformed me, both physically, and mentally. 

I encourage everyone who has read this far to think about my story, and to follow your dreams. It takes HARD work. But absolutely everything is possible when your mind and heart are in the right place.