Grizzly Weightlifting logo GrizzlyWeightlifting · Portsmouth NH
Beginners · Portsmouth NH

Strength training for beginners in Portsmouth, NH

Never touched a barbell? Perfect. Grizzly is built for beginners — private, judgment-free coaching in Portsmouth that teaches you to lift well from your very first session.

Start from zero

The gym doesn't have to be intimidating

Walking into a gym for the first time is the hardest rep of all. At Grizzly, that first step is the whole point of how we coach: you start with a free intro, one-on-one, where nobody expects you to know anything. No crowded classes, no guessing which machine does what, no feeling like everyone's watching.

Beginner strength training in Portsmouth with us means learning the basics properly — how to squat, hinge, press, and pull with good form — before we ever chase heavy weight. Technique first, confidence second, strength as the natural result. Most of our members started exactly where you are now.

What your first month looks like

You do not need to "get in shape first"

This is the most common thing we hear — and it's backwards. You don't get fit and then start training; the training is how you get fit. Come as you are.

Stanislav Babenko, owner and head coach at Grizzly Weightlifting in Portsmouth NH

Your coach: Stanislav Babenko

Stanislav "Stan" Babenko built Grizzly's beginner coaching around one belief: nobody should feel out of place on day one. He starts every new lifter one-on-one, teaching the fundamentals patiently and without judgment — the same lifts he learned from Olympians, scaled all the way down to your very first rep.

USAW Level 2 CoachCrossFit Level 2 TrainerCPR CertifiedLearned from Olympians & Olympic champions

▶  Watch Stan's clients on Instagram

More coaching

Explore other specialties

All personal training →Women →Adults 50+ →Athletes →Runners →

Common Questions

Frequently asked

I've literally never lifted weights — is that okay?

That's exactly who we coach best. You'll start one-on-one, learn the basics with light loads, and build from there. No experience needed.

Will I be surrounded by intimidating lifters?

No. You start with private coaching, and the Grizzly community is famously welcoming — everyone remembers being new.

How soon will I see results?

Most beginners feel stronger and more capable within a few weeks. Visible changes follow with consistency. We'll set realistic, encouraging goals together.

Do I need to be fit before I start?

No — that's a myth. Training is how you get fit. Come exactly as you are and we'll meet you there.

Start with a free intro

No pressure — just come meet the coach and see if Grizzly's the right fit.

Book Your Free Intro