BRITISH BARBELL
Home of London Powerlifting
SESSIONS
British Barbell is not your typical gym. The club is open only at set times, each under the supervision of a powerlifting coach.
Development Sessions
Anyone new to the club is advised to attend our development sessions. These are ideal for people of all levels, from novices looking to get their first taste of the sport to elite-level athletes seeking support and guidance from world-class coaches to compete on the biggest stages within the sport.
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As a powerlifting club with the mandate to promote the amateur sport of powerlifting, we support all of our members to compete within the sport but recognise that this may not be a goal of everyone who wants to try powerlifting.
Our primary aim in development sessions is to use powerlifting as a tool to support you in achieving your goals. We prioritise safety and proficiency in performing the competition lifts (squat, bench press, and deadlift) in a way that is appropriate for you and your individual goals, be that to compete in powerlifting, improve your physique, or to be stronger for other goals or sports like CrossFit, cycling, dancing, etc.​
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Development sessions:
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Wednesday 18:00-19:30 (Additional session)
Saturday 7:30 - 9:00 (Additional session)
Saturday 9:30 - 11:00
Sunday 8:00 - 9:30
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Unlimited Powerlifting and Additional Led Sessions​
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In addition to coached Development sessions, we also offer Unlimited Powerlifting Membership, which includes further coach-led sessions as well as other benefits. These additional led sessions are structured, coach-guided training sessions where athletes are taken through the entire workout together, including accessory work. A coach is present throughout to ensure exercises are performed at the correct intensity and standard.
These sessions are best viewed as fully coached training sessions, rather than self-paced workouts, while standard Development sessions allow for more individual pacing with ongoing coach support and feedback.
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Squad Sessions
Squad sessions are designed for experienced, competitive powerlifters who actively represent British Barbell. These athletes can train safely and independently, follow club guidelines, and hold current British Powerlifting membership.
Squad members are expected to be actively involved in the club and the wider sport, competing multiple times a year and contributing through coaching, refereeing, and event support.
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Progression into squad sessions typically comes through development sessions, with advancement based on coach recommendation and committee approval. Most lifters spend significant time developing before moving up, and once in squad sessions, members generally stop attending core development sessions. Exceptions may be made for experienced powerlifters or naturally massive athletes, and temporary access can be granted to support the club’s mission (e.g., visiting lifters or short-term training periods).
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You can view our public British Barbell Calendar which includes all squad sessions and any additional sessions being run by keyholders.
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Speak to a British Barbell club coach if you are interested in participating in the squad sessions.
​Squad sessions:​
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Monday 18:15 - 21:00
Tuesday 19:30 - 21:30
Wednesday 19:00 - 21:00
Thursday 19:30 - 21:30
Saturday 11:00 - 13:00
Sunday 10:00 - 12:00
