Where
Champions
Are Built
Elite Iron Sports Performance — Suwanee's premier strength and powerlifting facility. Coached by James Townsend, Powerlifting America's Head Team Equipped Coach.
The key is not the will to win. Everybody has that. It is the will to prepare to win that is important.— Bobby Knight
What We Offer
Training Built
For Every Goal
Small Group Training
High-energy group sessions with expert coaching. Build strength alongside a community that pushes you.
Powerlifting Coaching
World-class equipped and raw powerlifting coaching from Powerlifting America's Head Team Equipped Coach.
Sports Strength Training
Periodized performance programs for athletes at every level — from youth development to collegiate.
Remote Programming
Structured, individualized programming built around your schedule, goals, and competition calendar.
Head Coach
James
Townsend
With over 20 years of coaching experience spanning collegiate football strength & conditioning at UVA, Mississippi State, and Marshall University — to leading the USA and Powerlifting America National Teams — James brings world-class expertise to every athlete he coaches.
Named Coach of the Year in 2017 and three-time Head Coach for Team USA at the World Games, James founded Elite Iron in 2018 to bring elite-level coaching to athletes at every stage of their journey.
- NSCA Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist
- IPF Senior International Level II Coach
- Powerlifting America Coaching Commission Chairman
- World Games Head Coach: 2017, 2022, 2025
Earn Your Edge
Results Speak
What Athletes Say
“I placed second at the 2016 IPF World Championship, third at the 2017 IWGA Powerlifting Championship, and first at 2018 Classic World Championship with James's programming and coaching.”
“I started working with James in 2016 and have not looked back since. I won the 2022 NAPF Championships. None of that happens without James. What stands out most is how invested he is in his athletes long term.”
“I won the 2017 USAPL Open Nationals, was a National team member, and became a world champion deadlifter at the 2017 IPF Open Worlds.”
The Elite Iron Community
Ready to Start
Your Journey?
Whether you're stepping on a platform for the first time or chasing a world record — there's a place for you at Elite Iron.