The USA Weightlifting Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Dizzy Cleans Jun 14, 2023

Show notes

Today we are talking about that uneasy sensation that comes with lack of oxygen or energy, that most of us have felt after a heavy clean. Maybe you see spots or darkness begins to close in, and you’re not quite sure whether to try and save your lift or just dump the weight forward. If this is a regular occurrence for you, it’s worth considering possible roots to the issue, as well as trying out any of our suggestions within this recording. Enjoy the show!

Thoughts on Lifting Heavy May 31, 2023

Show notes

Today we are attempting to explore the consideration of what it feels like to snatch and clean and jerk heavy. Ultimately each athlete will have their own perception on the concept and what it feels like to them, so through the thoughts that we both share, we hope to inspire you to first think about what it feels like to you. Additionally, is there anything you can take from what we’re saying that can perhaps help you shift your perspective to something more beneficial to your lifting? Enjoy the show!

Lifting to the Knees May 22, 2023

Show notes

Today we are zoning in on the lift off of the snatch and clean, which is the segment between your start position where the weights on the ground, up to the bar reaching the level of above the knees. Tune in to hear our perspectives on this critical piece of your lifting, and our suggestions on how to see it and execute it with the action of squatting in mind. Enjoy the show!

No Such Thing As A Bad Training Day May 11, 2023

Show notes

Today we are considering the idea of there being no such thing as a bad training day. Of course we all have days where we are more tired than others, weights feel heavier than usual, we are having a harder time focusing, or we just can’t seem to make our lifts. But, does that mean we have to fall into those circumstances and allow all the negativity that comes with labeling a day, or training session as “bad”? Absolutely not! Tune in to to hear our perspectives and stories on the matter, and a few considerations and tips you can use to turn your so called bad sessions into good ones when needed. Enjoy the show!

Weightlifting Pet Peeves: Don't Forget the Grind Apr 24, 2023

Show notes

Today we are bringing you another episode in our weightlifting pet peeves series, and with this one we are talking about those that might be over-prioritizing prep work or any other aspect of the process that de-emphasizes or belittles the core working portion of your training. In other words, the sets, reps, and time with the key loaded barbell movements that you have actually set your highest goals with. It might be worth examining what you are currently spending your energy on and if perhaps you can find better balance through re-prioritizing the grind. Enjoy the show!

The Hip Snatch - What, Why, and How Apr 06, 2023

Show notes

In this episode, we are covering the “hip snatch”, which is also known as the “high hang snatch”. Specifically, we will discuss how to appropriately snatch from the hip in general, as well as on an individual bases, to get the best transfer into your regular snatch and to help increase your overall Olympic lifting ability. Enjoy the show!

Timing is Everything Mar 27, 2023

Show notes

Today we are considering ways that you can improve your overall coordination as an athlete, and optimize your timing with the Olympic lifts. Coordination being the way all of your muscles through your body are working together, and the amounts each are contributing, to perform certain actions within the movement at the optimal times. If you are having trouble with your timing within your Olympic lifts, or being able to make certain changes to your technique, it might be an issue with your coordination that needs to be addressed on a base level. Tune in to hear our perspectives on these critical components of your lifting. enjoy the show!

"Pull" Like You Mean It Mar 09, 2023

Show notes

In this episode we are talking about the how and why of snatch pulls and clean pulls. “Pulls” are essentially an assistant exercise to the snatch and clean that work on varying portions of those lifts, anywhere from the floor up through full extension of the body. The lifter might execute a shrug of the shoulders and extension of the ankles to come up on the toes to mimic full extension; and pulling action with the arms can be added. Needless to say, there are many different variations of a “pull” and it’s important to understand how much you should be mimicking the regular snatch and clean, or even modifying them or exaggerating certain actions to help make changes and gain strength on an individual basis. Tune in to hear our perspectives and recommendations on these exercises. Enjoy the show!

Remembering Legendary Coach, John Coffee Feb 23, 2023

Show notes

Today we are joined by Edward Baker of Voodoo Weightlifting to talk about the life and passing of Coach John Coffee.
A pioneer in the sport of weightlifting, John Coffee died on Jan. 22, 2023, at the age of 76. Coffee dedicated more than a half-century to advancing Olympic-style lifting, running the storied Coffee’s Gym from 1980 to 2017 out of Marietta, Georgia. The USA Weightlifting Hall of Fame member is credited with helping develop competitive weightlifting for women in the United States, with his efforts being noticed and admired around the globe as well. The 19-time women’s team champion at the USA Weightlifting National Championships, Coffee’s Gym trained the athletes responsible for 36 of the first 65 medals won by U.S. women at the IWF World Championships. Coffee’s pupils included Olympian Robin Byrd Goad, the most decorated U.S. weightlifter in history with 20 world medals to her name, and fellow world medalists Colleene Colley, Sibby Flowers, and Carla Garrett.
Tune in to hear more about this true legend of our sport. Enjoy the show!

Creating and Maintaining Back Tension and Position Feb 12, 2023

Show notes

Today we are discussing how to create back tension and the correct angle in your start position, and how to maintain both from the floor to the knee. It is common to see athletes lose one or both of these through this range in the lift, and left uncorrected can leave kilos on the table. Keep in mind that some athletes let the hips rise purposefully and we’ll cover the why of this in this recording, as well as how to examine yourself to help determine any adjustments you might need to make. Enjoy the show!

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