Topic: Weightlifting Clubs

[Kris Reeves]

Hi All,

I was wondering if someone could help me out.  I'm a 31 year old guy who came to the Olympic Lifts by way of Crossfit.  I've been working them by myself in my garage for about a year now with so-so progress to show for it.  I would really like to get involved with a club not only for some instruction, but more importantly to be around some other weightlifters.  I think the learning and information one can gain from being in a hand's on environment with more experienced people is unsurpassed.

From research it looks like the closest club to me is Central Maryland Gold.  I sent an email to cmgusaw@yahoo.com (which was the email listed on the site) to try to get some information but I have yet to hear back.

Does anyone know about how to join CMG?  Do they generally accept all newcomers?  Am I too old?  If anyone on here belongs to Central Maryland Gold and could point me in the right direction I would really appreciate it!  Thank you for your time!

Kris

[Chris Ⓐ LeRoux]

What about this contact?:

Maryland/Potomac Valley
Henry Deimel Towson MD
swishytrishy@comcast.net
(410) 828-6070

[Arden Cogar Jr.]

Kris,
  You and I are in the same boat.  I'm not sure where you're at, but here's some East Coast Gold affiliates in that general area, I think?

Cima Studios
Veronica Aguila
USAW Club Coach
16804 Oakmont Avenue
Rockville, Md 20850
240-403-0171

Central Maryland Gold
Sportsplex at Worman's Mill
Jami Willette-Brown - USAW Senior Coach
1854 Brookfield Ct.
Frederick, MD 21701
301-662-8639
cmgusaw@yahoo.com

you listed Central Maryland Gold in your original email. I'd call them or Just show up.  Not only is Jami a senior coach, but they have about 10 USAW club coaches on staff.  My guess is that would make it one of the best places to learn.

And you are not too old.  I'm 38, did my first contest this past weekend.  I got tons of support and encouragement.  Moreover, a lot of the various coaches who where at the meet (including Jami and Veronica) gave me pointers and words of encouragement.

While it is true it's more than likely a younger man's sport, it's all about competing with ourselves.  It's us versus the weight.  At least that's the way I look at it.

Good luck.

All the best,
 Arden

[Kris Reeves]

Thank you both for the reply/info!

I feel like a jack ass though...as I completely missed the *phone number* on the website listed for CMG!!!

[Fred Fialco]

Kris - not sure where you're at, but we train out of Potomac Crossfit in Arlington, VA.  We have a nice mix of strict olympic lifters, crossfitters/olympic lifters, and crossfitters who have an interest in developing their olympic lifts.  All are welcome to come train and work on improving their olympic lifts.  Feel free to contact me at fred@capitalbarbellclub.com or stop by our basic website (of course, compared to WE!!) www.capitalbarbellclub.com

[Kris Reeves]

Fred,

Thank you for the information.  I'll keep you in mind, however I live in Howard County, MD (about 30 mins away from CMG) and not sure how feasible it really it is to make it to Arlington on a regular basis.... but you never know!

Thanks Again!