Welcome!

Welcome to Newcastle’s first Olympic Weightlifting club “Raise The Bar”, which is based at Elswick pool.

Olympic Weightlifting is the only barbell sport of the Olympics and its training methods that develop speed, power, strength, flexibility, and muscular coordination. These skills are applicable to all other sports that require strength and conditioning so this is a perfect sport to do alongside your existing fitness routine. No previous experience is needed.

The club is affiliated to its National Governing Body, British Weight Lifting, and has its own constitution. It is open to males and females from 9 years of age. The club fully prepares young lifters and adults for regional and national BWL competitions, for which annual membership is required.

The club was set up by Vika De Giorgi (Head coach) in May 2010, who is absolutely passionate about her sport. She continued to train, compete, and coach weightlifting during and after her university years. After graduating with BSc (Hons) degree in Applied Sports Science with Coaching, she taught secondary PE during her PGCE teacher training. Vika is also qualified Level 2 trampolining and athletics (speed events) coach. Vika worked as worked as Strength and Conditioning coach to organisations notably Northumbria University, British Rowing, English Institute of Sport, and Newcastle United Foundation.
To-date, Vika (CRB cleared) is actively engaged in developing weightlifting in local schools, and runs extra-curricular after-school clubs, and teaches GCSE PE weightlifting in schools across Newcastle. For more information, please telephone on 07989.235.384.

Vika also runs her personal training business and is a busy full-time mother to her three children. For Personal training or individual coaching sessions, please visit www.VikaFitness.com