strength training for a newb?

March 3, 2008 9:33 AM

I'd like to learn how to do olympic style weight lifting, somewhere around Vancouver, BC. Any ideas?

I know I can just go to a gym but I understand that proper form is the key. I'd like a professional to teach me how to do it.

posted by aeighty to sports, hobbies, & recreation (6 comments total)

Do you have any universities nearby? You could contact the oly-lifting coach and maybe get some leads from him.
posted by crunch buttsteak at 9:39 AM on March 3, 2008

To expand on that.. ideally the coach might be a nice guy and you might be able to drop into the gym for a quick crash course!
posted by crunch buttsteak at 10:18 AM on March 3, 2008

I don't know Vancouver, but you want to look for sports training oriented gyms. I'm sure in a city there will be plenty of them, but check the yellow pages for places that focus on athletic training.
posted by Loto at 11:09 AM on March 3, 2008

Check with the guys at CrossFit Vancouver. Squats, Cleans, Jerks, Snatches and Deadlifts are a big part of Crossfit. They should be able to steer you in the right direction. Good luck!

Also, if you are into Squat, DLift, Press, and Cleans, get Starting Strength by Mark Rippetoe. You might also find a gym recommendation on his discussion board.
posted by tiburon at 11:48 AM on March 3, 2008

Appreciate all the suggestions! "UBC" + "olympic lifting" has gotten me a couple of good leads. I'll check out CrossFit vancouver as well. I've heard about Starting Strength so I'll check that out.
posted by aeighty at 11:49 AM on March 3, 2008

And here is a great source of videos teaching the olympic lifts. You could get lost for a few hours watching all these.

Just to clarify - Starting Strength has a chapter on the power clean, but nothing on the snatch. The main chapters are squat, deadlift, press, bench, and power clean. Also a chapter on assistance exercises and a chapter on programming.
posted by tiburon at 11:52 AM on March 3, 2008