Jim Schmitz
Olympic weightlifting coach in South San Francisco, California
| Hourly rate range | $85 to $150 an hour |
|---|---|
| Focus areas | |
| Works with | Athletes |
| Based in | South San Francisco, California, United States |
| Sessions | In person |
| Credentials | 3x US Olympic weightlifting coach (1980, 1988, 1992) |
| Practice | Jim Schmitz Olympic Weightlifting |
Jim Schmitz is an Olympic weightlifting coach in South San Francisco, California. He teaches lifters of all levels, from beginners to serious competitors. He coached the US Olympic weightlifting team three times, in 1980, 1988 and 1992. He has more than 50 years of competition and coaching experience. Lifters train at his gym with Eleiko bars and weights. He teaches the snatch, the clean and jerk, and general strength lifts.
What Jim helps with
Jim teaches the two Olympic lifts and the strength lifts that support them. He works with people who are new to the sport and with lifters who compete.
- Learning the snatch
- Learning the clean and jerk
- Building technique in a beginner friendly setting
- Improving speed, balance and coordination
- Building strength with squats, deadlifts and presses
- Training for weightlifting competition
- Lifting for fun at any level
Who Jim works with
Jim coaches athletes of all levels. Some are new to weightlifting and want to learn technique in a setting that welcomes beginners. Others are serious competitors. Some lift just for fun. He adjusts training to each person's needs and lifting style.
How Jim works
Lifters train at Jim's gym alongside a group of other lifters. Training covers the snatch and the clean and jerk, the two competition lifts. It also includes back squats, front squats, deadlifts, overhead squats, push presses and bench presses. Jim guides new lifters through the program from their first day. He works with each lifter during sessions, even on busy days.
Background and qualifications
Jim Schmitz coached the US Olympic weightlifting team at three Games, in 1980, 1988 and 1992. He has more than 50 years of experience in competition and coaching. Today he runs Jim Schmitz Olympic Weightlifting in South San Francisco. The gym uses Eleiko bars and weights and is easy to reach from highways 101 and 280.
Jim Schmitz pricing
Programs and services
- Monthly weightlifting training at the gym
- Online scheduling for sessions
Jim Schmitz reviews
The CoachVouch take
Jim is a three-time US Olympic weightlifting coach who still coaches lifters of all levels in his own gym.
Best for beginners and competitive lifters who want to learn the snatch and the clean and jerk from an Olympic coach.
Common questions
How much does Jim Schmitz charge?
Coaching with Jim runs $85 to $150 an hour. Request an intro for an exact quote.
What does Jim Schmitz help with?
Jim Schmitz helps with learning the snatch, learning the clean and jerk, building technique in a beginner friendly setting and improving speed, balance and coordination.
Does Jim Schmitz coach online?
Jim is based in South San Francisco, California, United States. Sessions are in person.
Is Jim Schmitz certified?
Jim Schmitz lists: 3x US Olympic weightlifting coach (1980, 1988, 1992).
What lifts does Jim Schmitz teach?
He teaches the snatch and the clean and jerk. He also teaches strength lifts like the back squat, front squat, deadlift, overhead squat, push press and bench press.
How do I contact Jim Schmitz?
Request an intro on this page. It's free, and we'll connect you with Jim and, if you want, 2 or 3 similar coaches to compare.
Similar coaches to compare
Tick "Compare" on any coach to add them to your intro request.
Gavin Maxwell
Gavin Maxwell is a calisthenics coach in Los Angeles who also trains clients online. He helps beginners and stuck lifters build skills like handstands, planche and front lever. Gavin is a professional calisthenics athlete with more than 10 years of experience. He won the WCO Battle of the Bars tournament and reached the American Ninja Warrior city finals. He pairs custom workout plans with nutrition coaching and weekly video calls.
Sal Di Stefano
Sal Di Stefano is a fitness coach and co-founder of Mind Pump Media in California. He helps men and women build muscle, lose fat and improve health. He co-hosts the Mind Pump podcast with Adam Schafer and Justin Andrews, where the trio breaks down fitness myths. Sal has worked as a trainer, coach and gym manager. Mind Pump also sells the MAPS line of online training programs and offers one-on-one online coaching.
Strong Made Simple
Strong Made Simple is a personal training practice in San Diego, California. It coaches clients in person in San Diego and online for people who live elsewhere. The team gives step by step exercise plans along with coaching. Many clients are San Diego State University students, and one is a professor. Online clients get monthly training plans built around their needs and schedule. A free consultation is the first step.
Adam Johnston
Adam Johnston is a strength coach who runs Savage Strength Coaching in Newcastle upon Tyne. He coaches strongman, Olympic weightlifting and strength and conditioning for people from beginner level to pro. He holds a Level 4 strength and conditioning qualification. He works with strongman and strongwoman athletes and other strength trainees. Clients can train with him in person or online. He also offers sports massage, which is uncommon for a strength coach.
Browse related
Last updated September 2026. Request a correction.