Editorial Standards

How we maintain quality, accuracy, and trustworthiness at PlatesAndBars

At PlatesAndBars, we believe that finding the right gym shouldn't be guesswork. Our editorial standards ensure that every gym listing and piece of content we publish meets rigorous criteria for accuracy, usefulness, and integrity.

Our Mission

We exist to connect fitness enthusiasts with their ideal training environment. Every decision we make—from which gyms to list to how we categorize them—serves this mission. We're not just building a directory; we're building a trusted resource that helps people make informed decisions about where they invest their time, money, and sweat.

Gym Listing Standards

Information Verification Process

Before any gym appears on PlatesAndBars, it undergoes our multi-step verification process:

  1. Initial Research: We gather gym information from multiple public sources including official websites, social media, business directories, and community feedback.
  2. Categorization Review: Our team categorizes each gym based on its primary training focus. A gym that offers CrossFit classes but identifies primarily as a powerlifting facility will be categorized based on its core specialty.
  3. Contact Verification: We verify that listed phone numbers and email addresses are functional and belong to the gym.
  4. Address Confirmation: We cross-reference addresses to ensure accuracy and add map coordinates for precise location data.
  5. Regular Re-verification: Gym listings are periodically reviewed and updated. Outdated information is flagged for correction or removal.

Acceptance Criteria

Not every gym submission meets our standards for inclusion. We typically approve gyms that:

  • Operate as legitimate fitness businesses with verifiable addresses
  • Have a clear primary focus (CrossFit, powerlifting, bodybuilding, etc.)
  • Provide accurate contact information
  • Maintain a physical training facility (we don't list online-only programs)
  • Demonstrate active operation (we remove confirmed closed locations)

We reserve the right to reject or remove listings that don't meet these standards or that receive multiple negative reports from the community.

Transparency in Listings

We clearly distinguish between information we verify and information provided by gym owners:

  • Verified information: Address, phone number, gym type categorization, and hours (when confirmed)
  • Owner-provided information: Descriptions, amenity lists, photos, and detailed service offerings

We encourage gym owners to keep their information current through our free update system.

Content Standards

Gym Type Guides

Our comprehensive guides to CrossFit, powerlifting, bodybuilding, Olympic weightlifting, and other training styles are created by our editorial team with the following standards:

  • Experience-Based: Our writers have direct experience in the disciplines they cover
  • Research-Backed: We cite authoritative sources where applicable (sports science studies, governing bodies, established training methodologies)
  • Regularly Updated: Guides are reviewed and updated as training practices and industry standards evolve
  • Editorial Review: All guides undergo review by at least one additional team member before publication

Content Creation Process

Our guides are created through careful research and real-world experience in fitness training. We focus on providing accurate, practical information to help you find the right gym for your goals.

No Paid Influence

Our gym listings and content are never influenced by payment:

  • We don't charge for gym listings or categorization
  • We don't offer "featured placement" or promoted positions
  • Gym owners cannot pay to alter their categorization or ranking
  • Our editorial team makes all content decisions independently

Correction and Update Policy

How to Report Issues

We rely on our community to help maintain accuracy. If you spot incorrect information:

  • Use the "Report outdated info" link on any gym listing page
  • Email us at support@platesandbars.com with specific details
  • Include what information is incorrect and, if possible, what it should be

Our Response Process

When we receive a correction report:

  1. We acknowledge receipt within 48 hours
  2. We verify the reported issue through independent research
  3. We update or remove the listing as appropriate
  4. We notify the reporter of the action taken

Simple corrections (phone number changes, hour updates) typically happen within 3-5 business days. Complex issues requiring additional verification may take 7-10 business days.

Gym Owner Updates

Gym owners can update their information at any time:

  • Email us from a domain matching the gym's website
  • Include the gym name and specific updates needed
  • We verify the request comes from an authorized representative

Data Sources and Licensing

OpenStreetMap Data

Portions of our gym data are sourced from OpenStreetMap contributors and are available under the Open Database License (ODbL). We actively contribute corrections and additions back to the OpenStreetMap database when appropriate.

User-Generated Content

We may incorporate user feedback, reviews, and corrections into our listings. By submitting information to us, you grant PlatesAndBars a non-exclusive license to use that information to improve our directory.

Continuous Improvement

These standards evolve as we learn and grow. We regularly review our processes to:

  • Improve verification accuracy
  • Reduce information update lag time
  • Expand coverage to underserved areas
  • Better serve niche training communities

Contact Us

Questions about our editorial standards? Want to suggest improvements to our verification process? We'd love to hear from you.

Contact Our Editorial Team →

Last updated: March 2026