It is the opinion of well-known coaches in the U.S. that when it comes to training methodollogy, the U.S. largely develops weightlifters using the same training methods as the top weightlifting countries in the world. A closer examination of training programs from Eastern Europe and Asia reveal an emphasis on flexibility and a much wider range of exercises performed for beginner and novice lifters. The purpose of this article is to examine the training methods of China, and h

One can go deep down into many different rabbit holes in attempting to answer this question. I will address two main topics in answering this question. First, we must address the training methods of lifters who take drugs that we should emulate here in the U.S. and don’t. Second, address the training methods of said lifters that we should refrain from doing that will lead to injury if not on drugs. In addressing the first topic, let me pose a question. Where’s the fire? I hav

Weightlifting and Sprinting have a lot in common. Both activities rely on steady nerves and supreme focus. At the start of a 100 meter race the sprinter sees only the finish line. Once the starting gun goes off, the sprinter cannot afford to lose focus for an instant. One quick glance back to the right or left and the race can be lost. The same goes for any weightlifter in competition. The sprinter has less than 10 seconds to justify years of sacrifice and training. The weigh

In recent years, countless videos have surfaced on youtube and Instagram of weightlifters doing partial movements to improve structural integrity of joints and increase core density. Many questions about the applications and methods of using these exercises ranging from why, how and when these exercises are necessary. Here is a brief explanation of the principal. The Russian word "tenty" occurs when a muscle's strength is so challenged that tension within the muscle causes it

This is not intended to be a philosophical nor theological post. It simply is some advice to help lifters achieve goals and reach his or her potential in weightlifting. Truth, by its definition is exclusive of anything false. It is not open to subjective interpretation or debate. So, if you haven't considered the truth of who you are and why you pursue weightlifting, then it's time to do so. Why? Because too many lifters with exceptional talent never reach it because they all

This particular phase in weightlifting is crucial in order to position the bar efficiently so a lifter can generate enough vertical momentum to successfully snatch or clean. It is therefore important that a lifter learns how to shift gears quickly during this phase of the lift because this is where gravity will likely cause a very brief cessation of bar speed while the lifter positions the bar in relation to his or her body to begin the 3rd pull a.k.a. the thrust or explosion

In weightlifting as in any sport, you often find what works by discovering what doesn’t. In the quest to snatch your own body weight or make an Olympic Team, you have to always poke and prod, examining every detail. What I find interesting in reading articles about weightlifting is there are coaches who use the word “never” a lot when describing what not to do. “Your shoulders should never be behind the bar once the bar reaches the knees. You should never feel the tension on

A long time ago, St. Thomas of Aquinas stated we use language in 3 basic ways to convey meaning. Equivocally, univocally and analogically. The second way univocally is what we will focus on to understand these Russian terms. Let's begin with "padriff", which means to thrust/extend the legs when pulling. It does not mean to jump up. There are dozens of words in Russian that do mean to jump up. "Prygat" means to forcefully push oneself off the ground into the air. "Vskochit" m