Olympic weightlifting club and strength training in Hoxton

Welcome to Classical Barbell

Established in 2024 by Daphne Harvey, Classical Barbell is based in Hoxton, in Hackney, East London. We offer classes and personal training in Olympic weightlifting and strength training for all levels including complete beginners, and some women-only sessions.

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What We Offer

What’s the difference between Olympic weightlifting and strength training?

Olympic weightlifting is a sport and focuses on two lifts: the snatch and the clean & jerk. They’re fast movements requiring a lot of mobility.  

Strength training covers just about everything else you can do with a barbell, including squats, deadlifts, presses, rows and lunges.

Recent News

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Classical Barbell attend MWLC Masters Competition
Classical Barbell attend MWLC Masters Competition
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Introducing Classical Barbell’s new coach, James Richens
Introducing Classical Barbell’s new coach, James Richens
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Congratulations to our 5 lifters who brought home gold medals from the Southern Masters
Congratulations to our 5 lifters who brought home gold medals from the Southern Masters
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Reviews

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“Everyone is supportive, and it’s calm, friendly and motivating” - Amelia
“Everyone is supportive, and it’s calm, friendly and motivating” - Amelia
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“A great atmosphere for training - I can't recommend it enough” - Sean
“A great atmosphere for training - I can't recommend it enough” - Sean
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“Daphne is simply amazing whether you are a beginner or you are looking to improve” - L
“Daphne is simply amazing whether you are a beginner or you are looking to improve” - L
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“Train seriously in an environment where no-one takes themselves too seriously” - bringmemyfix
“Train seriously in an environment where no-one takes themselves too seriously” - bringmemyfix
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In The Press

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Press: Beginner strength training tips for runners
Press: Beginner strength training tips for runners
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Press: Why every runner can benefit from strength training
Press: Why every runner can benefit from strength training
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Press: We have lift off, The Sunday Times Magazine
Press: We have lift off, The Sunday Times Magazine
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Press: Iron Maidens, FT Weekend
Press: Iron Maidens, FT Weekend
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Follow Us

The Ladies who Lunge at the Saturday morning class enjoying their regular post-training coffee ❤️ There’s never been a better time to join our friendly community, as we have new classes starting from this Saturday! Here’s our expanded s
Tracking your lifts is essential, but doing it on your phone during a workout may lead to accidental scrolling. So we now offer dedicated gym logbooks! A5 size, in Classical Barbell green (of course!), with interior pages specifically designed for
We’d like to introduce our new coach, @james_ae_richens ! James has been training with Head Coach Daphne at Classical Barbell since before its inception. He fell in love with weightlifting so hard he only went and trained to be a weightlifting
Team Classical Barbell enjoyed a lovely day out competing at @mems_weightlifting today. Such a well-organised, friendly event, and all our athletes - @bringmemyfix @james_le_grimpeur @liamtwhite @nbwl37 - comported themselves with grace, maintaining
It’s been a good month for Classical Barbell athlete @james_le_grimpeur : silver at the British Masters at the weekend, and gold at @colchester_weightlifting a couple of weeks earlier!
Held a little competition for the club’s weightlifting members on Saturday. It was relaxed and low-pressure but everyone still lifted their hearts out in a warm, supportive environment. Well done to all!