Olympic Weightlifting

Olympic Weightlifting, often referred to as simply “Weightlifting,” is not to be confused with traditional weight training or powerlifting. It’s an Olympic sport that challenges athletes to perform the ultimate display of strength and precision—a single maximum-weight lift of a barbell. This captivating sport comprises two lifts: the snatch and the clean and jerk.

We take a holistic approach to weightlifting.

At Dynasty Weightlifting, we believe in fostering a sense of community and teamwork. While weightlifting may be considered an individual sport, we recognize that it takes a team of supportive individuals to help you reach your full potential. Our focus extends beyond lifting weights; we aim for holistic personal development and improved confidence to enrich every aspect of your life.

We wholeheartedly encourage everyone, regardless of age, body type, or gender, to participate and compete. In our welcoming environment, you’ll find the support and encouragement you need to thrive.

Expert Coaching & Guided Development

When you embark on your weightlifting journey with us, you’ll begin with our “On-ramp” program. This meticulously designed program, perfected over years of teaching beginners, will instruct you in the art of lifting correctly before adding significant weight. The program typically spans three months but can be tailored to your progress and attendance. Once you’ve completed the on-ramp program, you’ll join our Development Team. We provide customized programming for our development team weekly, and we also offer specialized programming for intermediate and advanced lifters. You can access this programming on our gym wall and in our exclusive “Dynasty Gym Members” Facebook group.

Meet our Coaching Team:

Our exceptional coaching team is led by Program Director/Head Coach Patrick Vuong/Richard Kam. They are supported by our dedicated coaches:

• Wyatt Hunter
• Gabe Bijok-Gold
• Connie Kuang

The Five Pillars of Dynasty Weightlifting

1. Fundamentals First: We prioritize teaching the fundamentals and nurturing sound practice habits before progressing to heavier loads. Our approach is inspired by the best practices of weightlifting legends such as the Russians, Bulgarians, Chinese, and other esteemed strength experts.

2. Balance: Just as a sailboat needs a stable base to hoist its sail, you need balance throughout your lifts. From the first pull to the pull under, maintaining equilibrium is essential.

3. Patience: Weightlifting is a sport that demands patience. Rushing a lift can lead to missed opportunities. Achieving optimal focus, or “flow,” is the key to success.

4. Timing: Precision in timing is crucial. Whether it’s coordinating your feet and hands, legs and back, or lockout and reception, synchronized timing is the key to mastering each lift.

5. Serenity: Calmness and tranquility underlie all other pillars. Managing anxiety is crucial for peak performance. Too much anxiety can lead to rushed, missed lifts, while too little can result in underperformance. Mastering your nerves is the most vital aspect of the sport.

The Health Benefits of Olympic Weightlifting

Weightlifting offers numerous health benefits, including:

• Osteoporosis prevention
• Cardiovascular disease and diabetes risk reduction
• Improved posture and balance
• Pain and inflammation reduction
• Enhanced mental well-being
• Increased energy levels
• A boosted metabolism

Our Community Guidelines

To maintain a harmonious environment, we have a few guidelines for our members:

1. Respect Others: Share equipment, avoid walking in front of or behind lifters, and be mindful of the space to prevent accidents. Cheer on your fellow teammates.

2. Respect the Equipment: Put equipment away properly, avoid dropping an empty barbell or anything less than 10KG, and adhere to our gym hours.

3. Respect Yourself: Leave your worries at the door, come prepared, and always warm up before starting your workout.

Personal Equipment

While we provide most of the equipment you need, there are a few personal items we recommend:

• Training Log: Track your progress, sets, reps, and more.
• Weightlifting Shoes: These specialized shoes feature a raised heel to help you maintain proper form.
• Singlets: Required after your first competition to prevent clothing interference.
• Straps: Used to assist in gripping the barbell for pulls but should not replace grip strength.
• Wraps: Knee and wrist wraps can be used to support joints but should not mask pain.
• Tape/Gloves/Grips: Used for hand protection and to prevent skin tears.

Gym Equipment

Our gym is equipped with the following:

• Barbells: 20kg for men, 15kg for women (and lighter options for beginners).
• Plates: Color-coded for easy identification (0.5/5kg, 1/10kg, 1.5/15kg, 2/20kg, 2.5/25kg).
• Squat Racks: Multiple options, including portable racks.
• Chalk: Provided to enhance grip and reduce friction.
• Belts: Available for feedback on core tension

Competition and Community Support

We strongly encourage all our athletes to compete, as it’s an integral part of your weightlifting journey. As a team, we support each other throughout the competition process. Dynasty Weightlifting hosts several events:

• Inter-club Challenge: Held in-house during the Spring and Fall, perfect for newcomers to test their abilities and set personal records.

Competitions are judged by three officials, and two out of three positive votes are required for a successful lift. We also have guidelines to ensure fair and safe competition.

There are different levels of competitions. 

1. Development – Can compete in any “open” competitions.
2. Provincial – Must qualify based on the provincial standards for your weight class.
3. National – Must qualify based on the national standards.
4. International – Pan-American, Worlds, Olympic other IWF sanctioned events. Qualification is more complicated for these events.
5. Masters – Anyone over 30 years of age can participate in BC. 

Age categories are broken up into increments of 5 years.

Membership

Whether you’re just starting or aiming for the international stage, Olympic Weightlifting at Dynasty is your path to greater strength, precision, and personal growth. Join us today and become part of a supportive community that’s dedicated to your success