Look at this photograph
Rob Impastato came to Austin the way a lot of people do — following opportunity and hoping it would stick. What he found was a city full of people who wanted to train seriously but didn't have anywhere to do it properly.
Big Tex opened in 2010. By 2015, it was weeks from closing. Rob and Esther saw something worth saving — a real gym, real equipment, real community — and convinced the landlord to give them a shot.
They turned it around in six months. No contracts you can't escape. No enrollment fees that surprise you later. No corporate wellness committee deciding what "family-friendly" means. Just real equipment, real people, and the kind of atmosphere where showing up is enough to belong.
Growing Since 2015
Milestone by Milestone
2015
The Takeover
Rob and Esther acquire Big Tex Gym weeks from closing. They convinced the landlord to give them a shot and turned it around in six months.
2016
First Strongman Competition
Big Tex hosts its first ever strongman competition. The gym's identity as a serious strength community starts to take shape.
2017
First Big Tex Classic
The first Big Tex Classic Powerlifting Competition is held. Winners take home the Gold Skull Trophy — a North Austin tradition is born.
2018
Expansion + Ed Coan Seminar
Big Tex expands into a second building next door. Powerlifting legend Ed Coan hosts a seminar at the gym.
2019
Austin Fit Fest + Athlete Search
Big Tex participates in its first Austin Fit Fest and launches the Big Tex Athlete Search.
2019
Third Building Expansion
Growth continues — Big Tex expands into a third building space next door.
2020
The Covid Training Ark
When gyms shut down, Big Tex found a way. IYKYK.
2021
Gains Bus Trip
The first annual Big Tex Gains Bus Trip. Members load up and head out together — community on the road.
2022
Turf Side Expansion
Big Tex's fourth expansion — the Turf Side opens, adding a whole new training zone to the complex.
2023
Hosting Melee MMA Fights
Big Tex becomes the home of Melee MMA Fight events in Austin. The gym takes fight sports seriously.
2024
Iron Forge Gym Opens
Big Tex opens its sister gym, Iron Forge Gym. The family grows.
2025
200+ Memberships Donated
Through the Big Tex non-profit, over 200 memberships are donated to First Responders and Military members.
2026
RP Strength Partnership
Big Tex officially partners with RP Strength. Serious training meets elite programming.
Pro athletes train here. So do people picking up their first barbell. The weights don't care what you did yesterday. Neither do we.
Unlike the big chains, everyone knows each other here. We give free advice and real knowledge because we actually are a family.
The main focus at Big Tex is freedom. Freedom to train how you want. Freedom to be yourself. The way gyms used to be.
Train Hard. Play Hard.
We put in the work year round and we bring the fun too.
We've hosted 40+ events, supported local high school powerlifting programs, and built partnerships with veteran organizations across Central Texas. The real proof is the people who show up every single day.
Come check us out. No pressure. No contracts.