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Bags & Barbells
5 ★★★★★ 85 Google reviews · Muay thai gym in Johns Creek, Georgia
Plan your first class
- Beginner-friendly all levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start
- Kids & youth classes kids and youth muay thai classes (ages 10) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Private lessons private, one-on-one coaching available — a focused way to start or to work around a busy schedule; ask about availability and rates
- Fitness & conditioning muay thai fitness and cardio classes — a serious workout you can do without ever having to spar
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule bagsandbarbells.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 678-921-3771
Hours
| Monday | 8 am–1 pm, 4–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 4–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am–1 pm, 4–8 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am–1 pm, 4–8 pm |
| Friday | 8 am–12:30 pm, 4–7:30 pm |
| Saturday | 8 am–12:30 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“He sees the potential in people and will make you feel like you’re a champion whether you’ve been training for years, or it’s your first time stepping in a gym.”
“Coach Payne structures the program in a way that makes you feel like you’re getting a semi-private session, providing personal attention while keeping the energy of a group class.”
“Once that is figured out, it goes very well and you end up building good momentum and get a great workout!”
Other martial arts here
“Coach Payne has 28 years of experience in kickboxing, and his knowledge and expertise really show in his training.”
“Whatever you looking for: weight loss, any fitness goal, kickboxing, boxing.”
What members say
“Marc is a great trainer, patient, and very knowledgeable on a range of things, from stretching out sore muscles, to different combinations of exercises.”
“He sees the potential in people and will make you feel like you’re a champion whether you’ve been training for years, or it’s your first time stepping in a gym.”
“As the owner and coach at Bags and Barbells, he has created an environment that is motivating, welcoming, and truly results-driven.”
“Marc is incredibly knowledgeable and takes the time to focus on proper form, technique, and individual goals.”
“Once that is figured out, it goes very well and you end up building good momentum and get a great workout!”
“The equipment is always clean and well-maintained, and there's never a shortage of weights or machines when you need them.”
From the reviews
I can't say enough about my incredible experience with Marc, my certified personal trainer! From day one, his 25 years of experience and passion for fitness have shone through. I've been working with him for over a year now, and it's the longest I've ever stuck with a single trainer – and for good reason!
NO PAYNE....NO GAIN!!! Coach Payne has 28 years of experience in kickboxing, and his knowledge and expertise really show in his training. He is highly skilled and ensures every session is effective and engaging. His team of assistants is incredibly friendly, creating a welcoming and supportive environment.
I’ve been active for most of my life and been to a variety of classes, gyms, and even personal training but nothing has compared to my experience here. The convenience of getting a short, effective workout without having to sign up for a class at a specific time takes away a barrier that would otherwise demotivate me…
I've been coming to Bags & Barbells for a few weeks. It is great! you never get bored, the workouts are dynamic and varied; a total body workout. Coaches Marc and Stephanie are involved with 100% of your workouts, they care about accountability. The combination works. Kickboxing, strength training, flexibility.
New to muay thai? Start at Bags & Barbells
Bags & Barbells comes up as a beginner-friendly gym — noted on their own site. If you've never thrown a punch or a kick, that's exactly who a good beginners program is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and coaches scale the conditioning to you. Second, you won't be thrown into sparring — reputable gyms build fundamentals (stance, footwork, and the basic strikes of the "art of eight limbs") for weeks before any contact, and sparring stays optional. Third, all levels really are welcome — ask about a dedicated beginners or fundamentals class time so your first session is alongside others who are also starting out. Most gyms are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.
Your first muay thai class at Bags & Barbells
Nervous about walking into a muay thai gym for the first time? Almost everyone is, and good coaches expect beginners to come through the door. Here's what to know. What to expect: a typical first class is a warm-up, then drilling the basics on pads and bags — not fighting. Rest whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: shorts or athletic wear and a t-shirt; you'll train barefoot on the mats. What to bring: water and hand wraps if you have them — many gyms lend gloves for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll add your own gloves, wraps, a mouthguard, and shin guards. Sparring is optional and comes later, once your fundamentals are solid. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign a waiver and meet the coach. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.
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