The snatch is a common movement seen in Olympic weightlifting, CrossFit, sports performance training, and fitness. Depending on the coaching background, the term snatch, squat snatch, full snatch, and ... Continue Reading
4 Times You Might Want to Use Partial Reps
Some rules are made to be broken: Like only eat tacos on Tuesday (we’re here for #TacoThursday) and don’t wear white before Labor Day (go ahead and put on those white lifters). Here’s another rule it can ... Continue Reading
4 Signs You Need a New Pair of Weightlifting Shoes
By now, we think we’ve made a pretty good case for why you should invest in a pair of weightlifting shoes. When compared to your plain old Chuck Taylors (which, to be fair, are pretty great for ... Continue Reading
Rep Ranges for Strength, Hypertrophy, and Cutting
In this article we will discuss the key repetition ranges for gaining strength, muscle hypertrophy (general and for strength and power-based athletes), and for cutting phases (aesthetics and/or for sport ... Continue Reading
What Is Hypertrophy? – Definition
In this article we will discuss muscle hypertrophy, a scientific term used to describe the physiological process of new muscle tissue development. Muscle hypertrophy is a key training process for every ... Continue Reading
Barbell Cycling Strategies
In this article we will discuss barbell cycling, a method of moving a barbell with precision, speed, and efficiency during high skilled movements like the snatch, clean, and jerk (as well as a few other ... Continue Reading
How to Start Olympic Weightlifting After 50
Any kind of strength training is fantastic for overall health, but one of the great things about Olympic weightlifting is that it builds more than just strength and power. To successfully execute the lifts ... Continue Reading
3 Benefits of Reverse Hyperextensions
In an earlier article we discussed the reverse hyperextension and provided a thorough exercise guide for strength, power, and fitness athletes and coaches. In the reverse hyperextension exercise guide we ... Continue Reading
Reverse Hyperextension at Home/Without Machine
Reverse hyperextensions are an effective accessory exercise to develop the glutes and hamstrings. Sometimes, however, access to a reverse hyperextension machine is not feasible (training from home, ... Continue Reading
Harrison Maurus Becomes Youngest American to Clean & Jerk 200kg
Last night in Spokane, Washington, 17-year-old American weightlifter Harrison Maurus etched his name in the history books at the USA Weightlifting 2018 National Junior Championships. On Maurus' second ... Continue Reading
Is Kratom a Performance-Enhancing Drug?
Kratom is an unusual target in the War on Drugs. A relative newcomer to the American market, kratom hovers in the space between plant-based medicine and prescription drug, and while it’s usually used as a ... Continue Reading
Why the Belt Squat Could Be Your Secret to Strength Gains
There’s a certain simplicity in a lot of basic barbell movements. Squatting is a natural human movement, so rack some weight on your back and make the muscles that perform the squat get stronger. Picking ... Continue Reading
4 Underrated Accessory Exercises for Weightlifters
There's no shortage of coaches who are convinced that weightlifters only ever need to perform a handful of exercises to become the best athlete possible, but what about the more unusual accessory movements ... Continue Reading
7 Reasons You’re Not Getting Stronger (and How to Fix Them)
How often do you feel like your progress is slowing, or should be moving faster than it is? In a majority of the cases, you're probably improving in the gym at a fine pace, but then again, maybe you're ... Continue Reading
5 Benefits of Half Squat
In an earlier article we discussed the benefits of and muscles worked in the half squat, a slightly controversial exercise in strength and power sports. Additionally, we then compared the half squat vs ... Continue Reading
How to Choose the Perfect Knee Sleeve
Knee sleeves are useful pieces of supportive strength equipment for a variety of reasons. First, they can help keep the knee joint warm, which is a plus for those using longer rest periods. Second, they ... Continue Reading
5 Benefits of Deficit Deadlifts
With so many deadlift and pulling (snatch and clean pull) variations to choose from, it can often be overwhelming which one to choose based on your needs, weaknesses, and individual goals. The deficit ... Continue Reading
Focus on Weightlifting Technique: Chad Vaughn Breaks Down the Clean Deadlift
"Clean Dead Lift" does not just indicate clean grip and then you can deadlift however you want or feel you are the strongest at picking up weight from the floor (perhaps with back angle close to parallel ... Continue Reading
5 Benefits of the Hang Clean
Hang cleans are more than just a clean and jerk variation seen in functional fitness competitions or barbell WODs. They are a vital part to the development and enhancement of the Olympic weightlifting ... Continue Reading
3 Tips for Pulling Under the Bar in Olympic Weightlifting
It’s not uncommon, especially in beginning lifters or lifters transferring to weightlifting after competing in other sports, to have difficulty getting under the bar while completing full snatches and ... Continue Reading
Do-Win Weightlifting Shoe Review
The Do-Win Shoe is relatively well-known in the sport of weightlifting and originally rose to popularity in the 90s. The Do-Win Weightlifting Shoe originally started as the Pendlay Do-Win, but is now ... Continue Reading
5 Benefits of the Overhead Press
It is often impressive to see a lifter pressing huge weights overhead (with good form), and should be a place of pride. The overhead press is a foundational compound movement that is great for ... Continue Reading
Snatch Grip 101 – Hook Grip, Proper Width, and More
The snatch is a highly technical movement that can be affected by the slightest of errors in the set up, pull, transitions, recovery, and timing. Often overlooked is the first, and very critical phase of ... Continue Reading
5 Benefits of the Romanian Deadlift
In an earlier article we discussed the origins, purpose, and execution of the Romanian deadlift, a powerful strengthening movement geared for nearly every strength, power, fitness, and sport ... Continue Reading