ABOUT US

OUR STORY
Next Level Barbell started as a mission to provide real strength training, attached to a community of lifters that felt like home. What started as a dream in a 240 square foot garage gym has now become the best equipped gym in Milwaukie.

Next Level Barbell is an 1800 square foot gym in Milwaukie Oregon. It is home to the United States Strengthlifting Federation, the sister gym of Strength Union in Portland, and staffed by the best coaches in the region.

Next Level Barbell seeks to become the best training facility in Milwaukie, the great Portland area, and the pacific northwest through Strength, Community, and Excellence.

Next Level Barbell Coaches

Jordan Stanton BSN, PBC, PN1 - Head Strength Coach
Jordan Stanton RN, PBC, Pn1, is the Owner of Next Level Barbell, Owner of Strength Union and President of the United States Strengthlifting Federation. Jordan is proud to be a Professional Barbell Coach (PBC) and certified Precision Nutrition Coach (Pn1). Elite Powerlifter (700,475,700) and competitive BJJ athlete, Jordan has coached multiple world champions and record holders. After receiving his BSN degree from the University of Portland in 2009, Jordan spent ten years as a critical care nurse. He uses his extensive knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and medicine to the benefit of his clients. Jordan, when not moving iron, can often be found on the jiu jitsu mats, the rock wall, and traveling the beautiful nature of Oregon.

Be strong, look strong.

Bjorn Nelson PBC, PN1 - Head Strength Coach
Bjorn is a graduate of the Barbell Logic Coaching Academy, and Head Strength Coach at Next Level Barbell. Bjorn began with Barbells to manage chronic lower back pain from years of kitchen work. Strength training changed his life for the better and he has become committed to sharing it with others. Bjorn is a veteran math and physics high school teacher by trade. When not in the gym, Bjorn can be found exploring nature, tossing it up on the Jiu Jitsu mats with the other coaches, and nerding out on video games, music, and more.

Denis Motyko - Assistant Coach
Denis is a former nursing student who found a passion for barbell training while using squats and deadlifts to rehabilitate his knee post surgery. Denis has competed in football, track & field, and wrestling prior to becoming a competitive powerlifter. Denis is a USSF World Champion and multiple record holder and hopes to share his passion of being strong and healthy with people of all ages and backgrounds. When Denis isn’t in the gym he can be found in the great outdoors of Oregon mountain biking, skiing, snowboarding, camping, or exploring the gorgeous PNW coast.

Daniale Mercier - Assistant Coach
Daniale is a certified Women and Girls in Strength Sports Coach, graduate of the Barbell Logic Principles Course, and is continuing her journey with a course through Barbell Rehab to specialize in the female lifter. She is a veteran high school teacher, specializing in Social Studies, English Language Arts, and Leadership. After many years practicing yoga and Pilates, Daniale was searching for something new and turned to barbells. Barbell training has given her a new sense of empowerment as well as greater physical, emotional, and mental strength, and she is excited to help others experience strength, too. While she is primarily focused on the female lifting experience, Daniale welcomes all genders and identities to the platform, and works to create a safe, inclusionary space for all.

Josh Ennis DPT, CSCS - Assistant Coach
Josh is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, and powerlifter. As a coach and physical therapist, he has seen the difference being strong makes in all physical as well as mental aspects of life. After training t through his own number of injuries, he is dedicated to helping other get and stay strong while navigating common aches and pains.

Let's focus on getting you strong and keeping you there for the long run.

Jason Saar - Assistant Coach
Jason is passionate strength coach with a profound dedication for helping others unlock their full potential. As a former manual laborer, Jason found the barbells lifts transformative for his life and healing for his body. Jason finds great joy in teach others witnessing their development and progress.

McKenzie Tarkalson - Intern Coach
McKenzie is an accountant by day and strength athlete by night. As one of the longest standing Next Level Barbell athletes, McKenzie seeks to use her experience and knowledge to help others on their own strength training journeys. She specializes in training women both in powerlifting and general strength.