Powerlifting in Toronto

[onesmalldude]

Evening,

I live in downtown Toronto and I want to get into powerlifting, but I have 0 experience being coached in the 3 lifts. I pretty much taught myself from reading Ripptoe, Wendler, and watching WSBB and EliteFTS videos.

I'd like to get into a gym to learn from a coach, but do I need to be decently strong first? My stats are pretty weak, and I'm pretty sure my technique sucks. I have to ask people around me if I'm going femur parallel when I squat.

BW: 185 lb
Squat: 355 lb
Deadlift: 365 lb
OHP 145 lb
BP: I haven't benched in some time because I don't know how to fix my form to not make my shoulders hurt

Right now, I see 2 options. Stick with my program and hit "Advanced" according to the ExRx standards, or just email some gyms around to see if any coaches are willing to sell a few sessions. The Anvil is the closest to me, but I heard they're a hardcore gym that only accepts guys who's competed before.

I'd appreciate any advice from lifters in Toronto,

Thank you in advance

[btlifter]

I can't speak for the Anvil, but many powerlifting gyms will welcome you regardless of experience level. If at all possible, definitely try to hook up with one in your area.

[bigfor15]

-Find a gym, find a crew, compete. The formula is pretty simple and focuses less on where you are, but rather where you'll be.

-If you need coaching for your lifts then find a strength coach to assist you. There should be plenty at any of the powerlifting gyms listed on powerliftingwatch.com. Their business model is based on generating a profit, which is why I doubt they'll turn you away if you have not competed.

-If neither of those seem to be an option then you can go it alone. The chances of fading out or losing the desire to compete will be pretty high. Not to say it's impossible, since I've been lifting and competing as a member of a tiny fitness center severely lacking in implements. It's about making ends meet.






Bullet points, beeotch.

[onesmalldude]

Alright, thanks for your suggestions guys.

[CROMAGS1985]

http://ontariopowerlifting.org/page.php?10

[Jasonx21]

Add The Anvil on ******** and ask them, or head on down and find out. Worse they can do is say come back later.

I'd suggest hitting them up first though.

[Torrtrefireto]

I know there is another good one in Toronto, can't remember its name yet.


Fortis
276 Carlaw Avenue
TORONTO

A forum member used to train there and seemed to like it

[CROMAGS1985]

http://fortisfitness.ca/

I previously recommended Fortis to someone looking for a Strongman gym in Toronto. They do Oly and Crossfit too.

[littlebones6]

U of T has developed a small powerlifting community as well.

[JeremyHamilton]

I train at Fortis, it is the best gym in Toronto by far. I don't know if you will find any personal coaching but everyone there is really friendly and open to help.

I got started at The Anvil before I ever competed, they are a great group of guys and I am sure you would be able to learn a lot there.

[martin_mathers]

Yep Fortis is the best gym in Toronto. I used to train there before I moved. They have all the equipment a lifter needs.

[Remullagotgrams]

Hey guys!

It's been a long time coming but I wanted to introduce to you Band of Barbells, Toronto's first dedicated powerlifting gym located in Scarborough.

Our gym is fully equipped with over 2000kg of Eleiko and Titex competition plates, 3 Eleiko combo racks, 3 ER combo racks, 1 Texas Strength Combo Rack over 8 comp bars (ranging from Eleiko, Titex, Bull and Rogue), 6 Rogue Ohio Power Bars, Speciality bars (SSB, rogue deadlift bar, Swiss bar, trap bar), power racks, a belt squat machine, functional cable machines and dumbbells.

If you guys are tired of training out of commercial gyms that yell at you for deadlifting too loud and using chalk, come check us out! We love our chalk and loud deadlifts! If your interested in making us your dedicated home gym we offer flexible membership options that give you access to our facility 7 days a week during flexible operating hours (6am-11pm)

Shoot us an email at bandofbarbells@gmail.com or check out our website bandofbarbells.com for more information