Los Angeles' Weightlifting Gym
We’ve recently started teaching weightlifting to kids, ages 6-13. After posting an image of some mini-barbells we purchased, we received several inquiries re: “Where did you get these?”
In our research so far, there are at least 3 companies that make mini-barbells for young kids. Here are the ones we’re aware of:
[Read more…]
On April 29, 2018, we are hosting a non-sanctioned weightlifting meet for those who want to experience a competition setting without all the trappings (and expenses) of an official USAW meet. Great for first-timers as well as anyone who wants practice in a fun, relaxed competition setting!
[Read more…]
All prior sessions SOLD OUT. So we’re doing it again in February, March, and April: Fix Your Technique Sunday!
We’ll be open the following Sundays in 2018 for custom coaching.
• February 18
• March 18
• April 15
• Future dates TBD
Come fix your Olympic lift technique. Not a class but personal custom coaching.
NPR came by the gym late last year. Check it out:
We get asked occasionally about the use of bands and chains with the Snatch and Clean and Jerk. While we’ve posted our thoughts on social media and in prior interviews, here’s a summary for blog readers:
Bands and chains may be effective tools for improving force production in power lifts but we discourage their use for the snatch and clean & jerk. The accommodating resistance alters the speed, acceleration, timing, and coordination of the Olympic lifts in a negative way.
In training for weightlifting, we seek to pattern motor qualities in a way that mirrors competition as closely as possible. These qualities include, among others, speed, acceleration, timing, and coordination. We develop these qualities in training by practicing the lifts the same way we’d like to perform them in competition. Use of accommodating resistance alters the way we express these qualities in training and therefore will alter our ability to properly express these qualities in competition.
At a practical level, use of accommodating resistance during the snatch and clean and jerk will alter the speed, timing and mechanics of the transition and change of direction, and will affect the motor patterns associated with receiving the bar.
Because accommodating resistance disrupts important qualities of the lifts, we don’t use or recommend bands and chains for the snatch and clean and jerk. If we need to improve force production, we have other methods that don’t carry the same drawbacks.
SHARE THIS on Facebook.