A couple of weeks ago, a group of our lifters competed at the DMV WSO Championships. For those not fully steeped in the community, this is the regional championships for the sport of Olympic Weightlifting. In a weightlifting meet, you’re given 3 opportunities to lift the heaviest you can in the Olympic lifts (the Snatch and Clean & Jerk).
Being there reminded me so much of how much the sport has changed over the years, and how much the RVA Barbell program has grown. I can fondly (if not comically) think back to the first few meets I went to, and the first few I took a stab at running myself. We’ve come far since the days of no dedicated competition platform, warming up on pound plates, and running an hour behind.
Since those early days, RVA Barbell has grown into a thriving program. We now coach a wide range of athletes—complete beginners, experienced lifters, and even those competing on the international stage. Our coaches have years of experience meeting the needs of our athletes, wherever they’re at in their weightlifting journey.
For those just starting out, our Barbell Basics program offers a welcoming, step-by-step introduction to the sport. We’re here to teach you how to lift with confidence, ensuring your progress is safe and effective from day one. After gaining experience through Basics or working 1-on-1 with one of our coaches, our ongoing RVA Barbell program will set you up to PR your lifts, whether that’s in the gym or on the competition platform.