Progressing into the Olympic Lifts

Progressing into the Olympic Lifts

The Olympic lifts (snatch and clean and jerk) are fundamental movements in most S&C programs, but can be difficult to learn. Read on to learn why these demanding lifts are worth the patience, as well as specific movement progressions to help athletes perfect their technique as they progress into Olympic lifting.

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High-Bar vs. Low-Bar Squats: Which is Better for Athletes?

High-Bar vs. Low-Bar Squats: Which is Better for Athletes?

Most athletes on a legitimate strength & conditioning program WILL be squatting. But when it comes to bar placement during the squat, there are two schools of thought: high-bar (favored by Olympic-style weightlifters), and low-bar (often favored by powerlifters). BOTH are effective at developing strength and power, but which one is better for athletes? 

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Tools of the Trade: The Barbell

Tools of the Trade: The Barbell

The barbell is arguably the single most important tool you can have in your weight room. Any serious strength and conditioning facility will be outfitted with a surplus of good Olympic bars. Some gyms have different bars for men and women (of different weights, lengths, and thicknesses) but the standard 45-lb bar is suitable to for both men's and women's programming. Barbells set the foundation for any program that focuses on developing speed, strength, and power.

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