Grizzly Weightlifting logo GrizzlyWeightlifting · Portsmouth NH
Women · Portsmouth NH

Strength training for women in Portsmouth, NH

Strong is the goal. Grizzly coaches women of every age and starting point in Portsmouth to build real strength, confidence, and lifelong health — with expert form coaching, not guesswork.

Built for strength

Lifting won't make you bulky — it'll make you strong

Let's put the biggest myth to rest: strength training does not make women bulky. Building large amounts of muscle takes years of dedicated effort. What strength training actually does is make you leaner, more capable, and more confident — while protecting your health in ways almost nothing else can.

At Grizzly, women train alongside women of every age and background, from first-timers to seasoned lifters. You'll learn to move well and lift with confidence under the eye of a coach who tailors everything to you.

Why women thrive with strength training

Our focus is on what your body can do — getting stronger, moving better, and feeling capable — coached in a positive, encouraging environment.

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

Your coach: Stanislav Babenko

Stanislav "Stan" Babenko coaches women of every age and starting point, from first-timers to seasoned lifters. He tailors each session to you, keeps the room supportive and welcoming, and focuses on what your body can do — getting stronger and more confident, rep by 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 →Beginners →Adults 50+ →Athletes →Runners →

Common Questions

Frequently asked

Will strength training make me bulky?

No. Building significant muscle takes years of deliberate effort. For most women, strength training produces a leaner, stronger, more athletic body.

I've never lifted — is this beginner-friendly for women?

Very. Most of our members started as beginners. You'll begin one-on-one and build confidence at your own pace.

Can strength training help with bone health?

Yes — resistance training is one of the most effective ways to support bone density, which matters especially through perimenopause and later life.

Do I have to lift really heavy?

No. We scale everything to you. The goal is lifting well and progressing sensibly, not maxing out.

Start with a free intro

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

Book Your Free Intro