How much does performance training with ChikaraSport cost?

We understand the financial constraints that many families and teams are currently experiencing and therefore strive to maintain affordable pricing without sacrificing our quality of training.  We offer a variety of programs, training frequencies and contract durations in order to meet as many athletes’ needs as possible. Please contact us with the specifics of your training needs in order for us to give you a personalized quote.

How much does Olympic weightlifting training with ChikaraSport cost?

Chikara Weightlifting Club members pay monthly dues which cover three 90-minute training sessions per week, individualized workout plans, and entry fees into all Chikara Weightlifting Club developmental meets.

Can I attend a trial session before I make a commitment?

Yes. We strongly encourage performance training and Olympic weightlifting athltes to attend a free trial session prior to signing a contract with us to ensure that we are the best fit for your training needs.

Do I need any special equipment to start Olympic weightlifting?

No. To start Olympic weightlifting, all you need is the desire to train. Down the road, you may choose to purchase lifting shoes, a singlet, weightlifting belt, or lifting straps, but none of those items are required in order to begin lifting.

What is the difference between Olympic weightlifting and powerlifting?

In the sport of Olympic weightlifting, athletes compete in two lifts: the snatch and the clean and jerk. In powerlifting, athletes compete in the squat, benchpress, and deadlift, so the lifts performed in the two sports are different. An Olympic weightlifter may do squats and deadlifts for training, but those lifts are not done in competition. At ChikaraSport, we train both powerlifters and Olympic weightlifters.

Is my child old enough to train with weights?

There are more and more young athletes lifting weights as part of their training for sport. Previously, there were many that discouraged the participation of children and young adolescents. This was a result of the misconceptions that training with weights caused injury or had adverse effects on growth. Through research, we now know that properly supervised weight training can have many positive effects on sports performance, health and psychological well-being.

The Position Statement from the National Strength and Conditioning Association describes in detail that weight training in children and adolescents is not only safe, but beneficial.

Can children safely and successfully compete in Olympic weightlifting?

There is a big difference between what you see at the Olympic level and what weightlifting training and competition are for children. As in most sports, like soccer for example, the introduction to the sport is done in a very fun manner with emphasis not on winning, but on fundamentals like kicking, passing, and learning the rules of the game. In the same manner, the goal of weightlifting with young children is not to see how much a child can lift overhead, but to learn the fundamental technique of moving a bar correctly from the floor to an overhead position.

Training begins with a "barbell" made from a PVC plastic pipe or wooden dowel, and slowly increases to a sand filled PVC pipe, then to an aluminum technique bar and eventually to a competition barbell (weighing 15- or 20-kg). Weights start off as wooden or plastic discs, and eventually to metal and bumper plates.

Competition consists of learning the rules of the sport, athlete conduct, and learning to "compete." Unlike most youth sports, in a weightlifting competition, the athlete competes as an individual. Although there may be others in the competition, a weightlifter competes against him- or herself. Young weightlifters should never be pushed to beat another competitor, but to focus on self improvement since that is what the sport of Olympic weightlifting is all about.

Read more from an article related to successful participation by children in the sport of Olympic weightlifting.