Owner and head coach of Grizzly Weightlifting — bringing elite-level weightlifting coaching to the Seacoast, one lifter at a time.
Owner & head coach, Grizzly Weightlifting
His story
Stanislav Babenko learned the sport of weightlifting directly from Olympians and Olympic champions — the kind of education most coaches never get. He built Grizzly Weightlifting to bring that caliber of coaching home to Portsmouth and the wider Seacoast.
What sets Stan apart is his range. He's certified across both the Olympic-weightlifting and functional-fitness worlds, so he's as comfortable teaching a nervous first-timer their very first squat as he is refining a competitor's snatch. That breadth means whoever walks through the door — teenager, parent, athlete, or retiree — there's a real coach who knows how to meet them where they are.
His approach comes down to a few simple beliefs: technique comes before weight, every lifter deserves a coach's full attention, and the room should be one where people of every age and background feel like they belong. It's why Grizzly members tend to stick around — and bring their friends.
Credentials
USA Weightlifting's advanced coaching certification for the snatch and clean & jerk.
Advanced credential in functional-fitness coaching and class programming.
Trained and ready for safety on the training floor.
Learned the lifts from coaches and athletes at the very top of the sport.
The gym
Grizzly is a coaching-first strength and weightlifting gym — real barbells, small groups, and a genuinely welcoming community for every level.
Common Questions
Stanislav Babenko — owner and head coach. He's a USAW Level 2 coach, CrossFit Level 2 trainer, and CPR certified, and learned weightlifting from Olympians and Olympic champions.
A coaching-first strength and Olympic weightlifting gym in Portsmouth, NH — real barbells, small groups, and a welcoming community for every level.
Always. Most of our members started as beginners. Everyone begins with a free intro so we can build the right plan.
33 Emery St #001, Portsmouth, NH 03801, serving Portsmouth, Kittery, Dover, Newington, and the Seacoast.
Your first session is on us. Meet the coach, meet the crew, and see what real strength training feels like.
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