Our Story
Built on Strength.
Driven by Purpose.
About Us
At Elite Iron Sports Performance, we believe strength isn't reserved for competitors — it's for anyone willing to show up and put in the work. Whether you're chasing a PR, building confidence, getting back into fitness, or preparing for a sport, we're here to support individuals from every background, every level, and every goal.
Elite Iron is a community of lifters, athletes, parents, teens, and everyday people committed to becoming stronger — physically and mentally — through discipline, consistency, and connection.
Our Goal
Elite Iron aims to be your training home — whether you are:
- A competitive powerlifter or weightlifter
- A young athlete developing strength
- An adult starting (or restarting) your fitness journey
- Someone wanting to feel healthier, stronger, and more confident
- An athlete following your own programming
We welcome all paths. With 24/7 keypad access, your training fits your life — not the other way around.
4140 Moore Rd, B-116
Suwanee, Georgia
Methodology
Our Training
Philosophy
Our in-house programming, developed by James Townsend, follows a high-volume, high-frequency, undulating periodization approach proven to build strong, durable athletes.
The Facility
Competition-Grade Equipment
To support athletes of every level, our facility is equipped like a true competition training room.
Owner / Head Coach
James Townsend
James brings over 20 years of coaching experience rooted in strength and conditioning, speed and agility, youth athletic development, and long-term athlete performance. After college, he advanced into collegiate football strength and conditioning, taking on roles at the University of Virginia, Mississippi State, and Marshall University.
Since transitioning to the private sector, James has trained athletes and adults across a wide range of ages and competitive levels. His coaching style blends proven training methods with a practical, supportive approach that helps clients build confidence, stay consistent, and train with purpose.
Along the way, he established himself internationally as Head Coach of the USA Powerlifting National Teams. His hard work and tenacity earned him recognition as Coach of the Year in 2017, and in 2018, he founded Elite Iron Sports Performance. He has served as Head Coach for Team USA at the World Games in 2017, 2022, and 2025.
Certifications & Awards
- NSCA Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist
- IPF Senior International Level II Coaching Certification
- USA Weightlifting Club Coach
- ISSA Certified Personal Trainer
- 2017 Billy Jack Talton "Coach of the Year"
James Townsend
Owner / Head Coach
Career Timeline
Drew Cargill
Assistant Coach
Assistant Coach
Drew Cargill
Drew Cargill brings a competitive athlete's mindset and a coach's eye for detail to Elite Iron. As Assistant Coach, Drew works directly with athletes across all disciplines — helping execute programming, provide real-time technique feedback, and support the day-to-day operations of the facility.
Whether on the competition floor or in the training room, Drew's presence and energy make him an essential part of the Elite Iron coaching staff. He is committed to the same standard of excellence that defines every athlete and coach at this gym.
Athlete Testimonials
Words From
The Platform
“I have had the pleasure of working with James since I first made the USA open national equipped team back in 2016. 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, as well as set various American and World records. He goes above and beyond for his clients, and I can't wait to see what else the future holds.”
“I started working with James in 2016 and have not looked back since. Over the years I have won numerous local meets, transitioned into equipped powerlifting through Powerlifting America, and ultimately 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. He is not just writing programs, he is paying attention, adjusting, and pushing you toward goals you did not think were realistic yet. The longevity of our athlete-coach relationship speaks for itself, and I am still making progress. If you are serious about the sport and want a coach who will match that seriousness, James is the one.”
“James Townsend is the best coach I have worked with for a handful of reasons. The support and genuine investment he has in every one of his athletes is incredible. With a schedule that sometimes is quite busy, James is accommodating, flexible, and attentive. He takes the time to view every training video and provide thorough technical feedback which has drastically improved my lifting and technique over the last 3 years. Because of his attention to detail, I have become a much more consistent lifter, which is better for both the athlete and coach. I can't recommend James enough for power lifters who are truly willing to work hard and want to get to the next level.”
“I started working with James after 2016 Open Nationals when I made the Open National Team. Since working with James I have attained national and world titles, various American records in both raw/equipped, and made national teams in both raw/equipped divisions. One of the accomplishments under James I am proud of is the development of strength I have gained in the bench press. I went from being someone who never even came close to medaling in the event — to earning a bronze in bench press at 2016 IPF Jr. Worlds (equipped) and 2018 IPF Classic Worlds (raw).”
“I started working with James to prep for the 2017 Open Nationals. That year I won the 2017 USAPL Open Nationals, I was a 2017 USAPL National team member, and a world champion deadlift at the 2017 IPF Open Worlds. I have also broken and set deadlift American Records and won the Bodybuilding.com Pro Deadlift challenge. I am most proud of my deadlift and bench press improvements since I started training with James. Each week I am hitting new weights I only imagined I would be lifting.”
“I've been training with James since 2013. I've had goals that I wanted to achieve for many years, but they kept eluding me. James' aggressive and smart style of programming and coaching has helped me achieve many of my goals and we keep pushing for more. Powerlifting is always a work in progress and I just keep making progress with James.”
“In training I thought I had hit my biggest plateau, but working with James within the last year has shown me there's always room for improvement. I can't wait to see what the future holds with Elite Iron.”
“I started training with James in October of 2017 after I competed in my second meet at the USA Powerlifting Raw Nationals. His programming helped me place 10th overall at the Arnold with a 20 point jump in Wilks, 44 pound total increase, and personal records in all three lifts. His programming is sound, and the best that you can get.”
“James adapted training to account for spinal fusion surgery, something many trainers would avoid. He's aggressive in terms of training, but cares about his lifters' health.”
Train With the Best
Contact James today to discuss your goals and find the right program for you.
Get in Touch