Accessory exercises are a vital component of Olympic Weightlifting. While the snatch and clean & jerk are the stars of the show, these highly technical lifts demand much more than brute strength or skillful execution. They require a robust foundation of strength, stability, and balance—all of which can be developed through accessory exercises. In my […]
Read More →Strength is the cornerstone of athletic performance, and for the functional fitness athlete, it’s the foundation that supports every movement from heavy Olympic lifts to gymnastic feats. But when we talk about strength, we often overlook one of its most crucial aspects: explosive strength. This dynamic component is what helps you accelerate through a heavy […]
Read More →The front squat is one of the most effective lifts for building strength, power, and mobility. Its emphasis on an upright torso, core engagement, and quad dominance makes it a staple for athletes and lifters alike. Not to mention, it plays a critical role in key lifts like the squat clean. But to truly unlock […]
Read More →What if I told you the bench press could improve movements like your overhead press and handstand push-ups, all while building stronger, healthier shoulders? For many, the bench press is seen as a purely chest-focused lift, but it has some serious crossover benefits for overhead strength, joint stability, and muscular endurance. Whether you’re looking to […]
Read More →Welcome to part 4 of our 5-part series on improving the snatch and clean and jerk. In the first 3 parts we covered the importance of the pull, the push press and back squat, and bodybuilding accessory work (part 1, part 2, part 3). Today, we’ll be discussing the importance of progressive overload. Progressive overload is a fundamental training principle that involves gradually increasing […]
Read More →As athletes age, their bodies undergo changes that require a more tailored approach to training. CrossFit masters athletes, especially those typically over the age of 40, often find that traditional training programs no longer meet their needs. It’s a rather intuitive fact, isn’t it? A 20-year-old you shouldn’t train the same as a 40-year-old you. […]
Read More →Welcome to part 3 of our 5-part series on improving the snatch and clean + jerk. In parts 1 and 2, we covered the importance of pulls, squats, and the push press. Today, we’ll discuss an often underutilized training component in Olympic Weightlifting: Bodybuilding. Now, when most people think about Olympic Weightlifting, they think about […]
Read More →The functional athlete’s training is flush with movements, drills, and endless variations that help keep workouts exciting and athletes constantly adapting to new stimuli. There are, of course, the usual suspects that show up in workouts more often than not, such as thrusters, pull-ups, and kettlebell swings. However, accessory exercises also play a crucial, yet […]
Read More →In part 1 of this 5-part series on developing the snatch and clean + jerk, we discussed the importance of incorporating pulls into your training. You can find that full post here. In part 2, we’ll be discussing the importance of getting stronger in the squat and push press. Let’s get to it… Key #2: […]
Read More →Key #1: Lots of Pulls The snatch and clean + jerk are a true test of an athlete’s strength, power, coordination, and dedication to the craft of lifting. If you want to improve these lifts, you need more than just “lifting heavy.” You need a training plan that develops technique, builds strength in the right […]
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