A welcoming, low-pressure introduction to the three lifts that matter — zero experience required. Thursdays, 6:30–7:30 PM: September 3, September 10, and September 17 at HVPL in Highland, NY.
Build confidence with the barbell in a welcoming, low-pressure environment. Whether you have never touched a barbell before or want to refine your mechanics, this three-part workshop series introduces the foundational powerlifting movements through clear, structured instruction. HVPL membership not required.
Three simple ground rules that keep this approachable, whichever session you come to.
Focused, digestible sessions designed to help you feel comfortable under the bar without overwhelming you.
Each session stands alone. Drop in for the specific lift you want to practice, or take all three to get a solid grasp of the basics.
Small class sizes ensure you get plenty of time with the bar and personalized, real-time feedback.
Every session is Thursday, 6:30–7:30 PM at 155 Vineyard Ave, Highland, NY.
Learn how to set up safely, find your ideal depth, and move with strength and control. We start with gym and combo rack safety, then cover bar placement, bracing, and stance before moving straight into squatting with feedback on every set.
Build a solid setup, master proper bar path, and protect your shoulders. Grip, leg drive, and bar path on a competition bench, plus how to spot and be spotted safely and how to work with the racks and safeties so you can bench on your own with confidence.
Master the hinge, lift safely off the floor, and lock out with confidence. We cover platform setup — using a jack and loading a bar safely — then bar position, hip height, and bracing. Conventional and sumo both covered, plus how to reset between reps.
Small groups, rotating through the racks, so nobody stands around waiting.
What we're covering, what to expect, and a warm-up that gets you ready to lift.
The equipment for that night's lift — combo racks and safeties for the squat and bench, jacks and plate loading on the platform for the deadlift — plus how to load a bar correctly and safely so the setup works for you instead of against you.
The lift broken down into the pieces that matter, with demonstrations and the cues we actually use when coaching.
We split into groups so you work together and keep moving — one lifting, others loading and spotting. Both coaches circulate the whole time, watching for safety and giving individual feedback.
The errors we saw on the floor, how to fix them, and open questions before you head out.
Attend one, two, or all three. Take all three and the last one is nearly free.
Per session — pick whichever lift you want
Squat, bench, and deadlift — save $25
Beginner through advanced-beginner lifters. Perfect if you've never touched a barbell, or if you've been lifting a while and want to refine your mechanics with real eyes on your technique. Come on your own or bring a friend — a more advanced series is planned for later.
Capped at 10 lifters per session with a minimum of 5 to run. We keep it small on purpose so it stays hands-on and everyone gets individual attention.
Registration for each session closes 48 hours before it starts, or as soon as it fills — whichever comes first. Paid spots come first, so don't wait.
16 and up. Anyone under 18 needs a parent or guardian to sign the waiver during registration. Parent and kid signing up together is very welcome.
Signed up for a single session? Full refund with 48 hours' notice before that session. Signed up for all three? Full refund with 48 hours' notice before the first session.
Comfortable workout clothes you can move in, flat shoes or lifters if you have them, water, and a willingness to learn. No belt, sleeves, or wraps needed. You don't need to be an HVPL member to attend.
No prior strength training experience is needed — wear comfortable workout clothes and bring a willingness to learn. You will walk away with a strong starting foundation in each lift, a better understanding of proper technique, and a clear path toward continuing your strength journey.
Register NowPick your sessions, sign the waiver, then send payment by Venmo to lock your spot.
This one is built for beginners through advanced beginners. A more advanced series is in the works — let us know you're interested and we'll put you at the front of the line. Looking for one-on-one work instead? See Training & Coaching.