Comments on: strength training for a newb?

Question: strength training for a newb?

aeighty — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 09:33:21 -0800

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.

By: crunch buttsteak

crunch buttsteak — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 09:39:03 -0800

Do you have any universities nearby? You could contact the oly-lifting coach and maybe get some leads from him.

By: crunch buttsteak

crunch buttsteak — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 10:18:31 -0800

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!

By: Loto

Loto — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 11:09:03 -0800

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.

By: tiburon

tiburon — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 11:48:21 -0800

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.

By: aeighty

aeighty — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 11:49:41 -0800

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.

By: tiburon

tiburon — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 11:52:49 -0800

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.