RVA BARBELL
When Was Your Last PR?
RVA Barbell, an Olympic Weightlifting program in Richmond, VA, is designed to help trainees improve their power, strength, and technical proficiency with the ultimate goal of lifting heavier weight in the Snatch, Clean & Jerk, and Squat.
Train
Each 90 minute+, limited class size session will have you performing Olympic lifts, assistance movements, as well as strength building and auxiliary exercises to make sure that you progress safely and consistently.
Compete
For those who wish to pursue competitive weightlifting, this program will prepare trainees of all levels for competition, and has produced many national event competitors and medalists.
Included in membership:
Access to ALL Group Classes and Open Gym
Our RVA Barbell classes are part of our Group Coaching Membership, which includes access to Performance RVA, RVA Fit, and more. Access to Open Gym allows you to train when it fits your schedule.
Expert Coaching
Coaching in a small group during all scheduled group training times.
Weekly Programming
Workouts are distributed weekly to all athletes, and may be customized based on each athlete's needs.
Team Membership
All RVA Barbell members are welcome to compete as a part of team RVA Weightlifting.
Jake Rowell
- USAW National Coach
Jake Rowell has been coaching athletes in the Olympic lifts and at Olympic weightlifting meets since 2007. He has coached multiple national competitors, including 2017 & 2021 National Champion Jaci Alberts.
In addition to coaching, Jake has run 20+ weightlifting meets since 2011 and is the former USAW Virginia LWC President.
Jaci Long
- CrossFit Level 1 Certificate Holder
- Precision Nutrition Level 1
- USAW Nationals 2017 and 2021 Champion (63k/64kg)
- Former Level 10 gymnast
Jaci is an olympic weightlifter by training, but comes from a 15 year gymnastics background where she competed both nationally and internationally for the USA. Her professional coaching experience includes five years of competitive gymnastics coaching, making her the go-to person for any of your gymnastic issues at the gym.
Chad Blomquist
- USAW Level 1 Coach
- Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
- Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy (OCS)
Chad is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, Weightlifting Coach, and active Weightlifter and is able to bring all of those perspectives to his work with clients. He understands the context of competing in strength sports and the demands of training, which enables him to provide quality coaching and care to his coaching and rehab clients.Outside of coaching weightlifting at RVAPT, Chad owns and operates Darksteel Strength, a Physical Therapy practice offering rehab primarily within the niches of Olympic Weightlifting and CrossFit.He currently contributes a quarterly “Doctor’s Office” column for the newsletter titled “The Program” produced by the Virginia Weightlifting organization.Chad, his wife Jen, their son Henry, and their daughter Ruby currently reside in the city of Richmond and enjoy all of the benefits of urban life. Outside of family time, Chad spends much of his time training, reading, and continuing to strive for the longest beard his genetics will allow
