Grizzly Weightlifting logo GrizzlyWeightlifting · Portsmouth NH
Olympic Weightlifting · Portsmouth NH

Olympic weightlifting coaching in Portsmouth, NH

Grizzly is the only gym on the Seacoast built around Olympic weightlifting. Learn the snatch and clean & jerk properly — from a USAW Level 2 coach who learned from Olympians and Olympic champions.

The lifts

Learn the snatch and clean & jerk the right way

Olympic weightlifting is the sport of the snatch and the clean & jerk — two of the most athletic, technical, and rewarding movements in all of strength training. Done well, they build explosive power, mobility, and coordination that transfer to every other sport and to everyday life. Done without coaching, they're frustrating and easy to get wrong.

That's the gap Grizzly fills. As the only dedicated Olympic weightlifting program in Portsmouth, we teach the lifts step by step, on real platforms with real bumper plates, with a coach watching every rep. Whether you're an athlete looking for more power, a lifter who's plateaued, or a total beginner who's always wanted to learn, you'll get technique-first coaching that meets you at your level.

Who it's for

Why coaching matters

The barbell rewards good positions and punishes bad ones. A certified coach shortens your learning curve, keeps you healthy, and helps you actually enjoy the process. At Grizzly you're never left to figure it out alone.

Stanislav Babenko coaching Olympic weightlifting in Portsmouth NH

Your coach: Stanislav Babenko

Stan learned weightlifting from Olympians and Olympic champions, and now brings that knowledge to lifters of every level in Portsmouth.

USAW Level 2 CoachCrossFit Level 2 TrainerCPR Certified

Common Questions

Frequently asked

Do I need any experience to start Olympic weightlifting?

No. Most of our lifters start with zero barbell experience. We teach the snatch and clean & jerk progressively, starting light and building as your technique develops.

Is Olympic weightlifting safe?

Yes, when it's coached. Loads are controlled and technique comes first, which makes well-coached weightlifting one of the safer ways to train. Every new lifter starts with a free intro and an assessment.

Is there anywhere else in Portsmouth to learn the Olympic lifts?

Grizzly is the only gym on the Portsmouth Seacoast built specifically around Olympic weightlifting, with dedicated platforms and a USAW Level 2 coach.

Can Olympic weightlifting help my other sport?

Absolutely. The lifts build explosive power, speed, and coordination that transfer to almost every sport, which is why so many athletes train them.

Ready to get started?

Your first session is on us. Come meet the coach and the crew in Portsmouth.

Book Your Free Intro