If you’ve ever walked into a gym and felt like the barbell section wasn’t for you, this might be the class that changes everything. Graft House in Hull is running a women-only beginner barbell class designed to help women build confidence, strength, and proper technique — all in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Our Louise recently took part in one of the sessions and found it’s the perfect introduction to Olympic lifting for complete beginners. There’s no pressure, no ego, and no need for prior experience — just a chance to learn how to lift safely and effectively from the ground up. Even if you’ve used a barbell before, it’s a brilliant opportunity to slow things down, focus on form, and master those iconic lifts properly.
Each class includes mobility and strength work to help you move better and prevent injury, and the pace is deliberately kept slower so you can build skills and confidence without feeling rushed. Sessions are led by Francesca, a competitive weightlifter who knows exactly what it’s like to start from scratch. She’s passionate about creating a positive space where women support each other and make progress together — both literally and figuratively.
Classes run every Wednesday from 6pm to 7pm at Graft House Gym, and your first session is completely free. After that, you can grab a one-month trial for £30 with access to all of the gym’s classes, or simply drop in for £7.50 per session.
If you’re looking for a fun, supportive way to get stronger, fitter, and more confident with a barbell, this is a great place to start.
Find out more about Graft House Gym here: https://hullwhatson.com/places/graft-house-gym/.
