What is St. Pete Barbell Club?

Within Elevate St. Pete, we have a USAW (USA Weightlifting) sanctioned club known as St. Pete Barbell Club. We are one of the only full-time olympic style weightlifting programs in the St. Petersburg area. Our barbell club serves the St. Pete, Clearwater, Tampa Bay area.

What does St. Pete Barbell Club do?

Often the term “weightlifting” gets confused for just simply lifting weights (you may be thinking bench press or deadlift). However, olympic weightlifting actually consists of just two contended lifts: the snatch and the clean & jerk. While we do perform squats, presses, deadlifts and other types of lifts in our training, they are simply preparation towards the two main lifts.

The olympic style lifts are great displays of athleticism, flexibility, strength, balance, and coordination.

Who do we work with?

We coach participants of all ages and skill levels. Many of our lifters start out as complete beginners to the sport, while some others have had some experience in other methods such as CrossFit, powerlifting, or just general exercise programs.

While weightlifting is really an individual sport, St. Pete Barbell Club aims to foster a team environment in training so that we support and push each other to improve and have a good time!

We encourage all of our lifters to work towards participating in competitions eventually, but it is not a requirement by any means.

What are the training hours? Are there classes?

SPBBC operates with a flexible training schedule, since our members have jobs, school, and other obligations just like you. Lifters are able to access our dedicated weightlifting space any time during Elevate St. Pete’s operating hours (typically 5am-7:30pm weekdays, 8-11am Saturday, 9-10:30am Sunday).

There are coached hours within those times and we generally start new participants in a more private setting. As such, weightlifting is not offered currently in a class setting (although you will likely train with other members of the team in an open session).

What is included in the weightlifting program at Elevate?

As part of our club, you will be coached and provided with a structured program that is tailored to your schedule, skill level and goals. You will have access to the gym during the hours outlined above. The head coach is Taylor Race, Owner of Elevate. Taylor is there as support each lifter through training and also guide them through the competition process.

If you are interested in learning more about weightlifting or starting with a free introductory session at Elevate, please email [email protected] today!