The most important thing for a beginner is to be patient and consistent. Stick with the basics. Do the snatch, Clean and Jerk, and Front Squats at every workout–3 days a week. Do that for a good 8 to 12 weeks. It’ll seem boring, but it’s worth it. Don’t do much else, maybe pull ups and push ups at the end and some cardio. After that, go through the WOD archives here or at Mike burgener’s site and follow those routines (just a suggestion). It’s a long haul, but worth it.

But, alas, there are precious few places to do Olympic Weightlifting in the Portland Area. One place is Loprinzi’s where we train. Another is at Portland Oregon Weightlifting in Tigard. The guys there are great.

Here’s the link: http://www.francosportstraining.com/2801.html

There are crossfit places, but they are likely to make you do crossfit!

I have a guy who trains at an LA fitness during the week over in Beaverton, then comes out to SE on Saturdays. That might work. They seem to be tolerant of his lifting there.

Other than that, I’m not sure. good luck. And you’re always welcome out here in South East.

The myth in America is that we are a nation of workaholics. I don’t buy it. There’s a reason the Squat rack in most gyms is never used … except for curls, of course!

What’s wrong with moving some serious Iron around? When did that become too simplistic? Why is hard work so disdained by our society?

I retort: being weak is a choice.

I live in Beaverton so getting all the way over to your gym regularly would be impractical. Do you know of any facilities on the west side, or even Beaverton, that would allow me to get back into the sport?

Or, do you have any lines on some used weights where I could garage-it myself?

Thank you,
Steve