Wednesday's wholesome snack of humble pie

I trained twice yesterday and enjoyed myself despite the lacklustre performance. I trained with Zag, Cathal and Alex again. I did a nice enjoyable morning session where I did my prehabs, my joint warm up, the power plate, some bar work and I power Snatched up to 70 for 3 singles. I felt great and was looking forward to the second session where I would see what happened.

I made the mistake of having a massive lunch which left me feeling sluggish. For whatever other reasons, I was not lifting in the zone and when 80kg felt heavy in the Snatch, I knew today would not be my day. I did 90, then missed 97 and then got it and I missed 101 twice. I should have stopped at 90 and worked on some technical matters or moved on, but I got stubborn. After seeing Byrdy Snatch 101 I was determined to get it even though my Snatch felt awful and different to how I normally lifted. On Birdy's advice, I went back to 60kg again and did some Power Snatches up to singles with 70, 80, 90 and then a Snatch with 95 which was rough, but better than my previous attempts. I left it there. If it is not happenning, accept and move on. Maybe next time I can move on earlier.

I then went onto some Front Squat and Jerks and worked up to singles with 100, 110 and 120. They felt easy, but like the Snatch, not in the groove. I left them there and then did three triples in the Front Squat with 130 to tie me over nicely. I finished off the session with more flexibility work with Alex and Cathal, focusing on the partner stretches and forced flexibility. We also did some soft tissue work on problem areas; mine being my glute meds and around that area and Byrdy's being his adductors. Have a look at the video and pay special attention to the first and last clips...

Tuesday's totality: get the groove back; adapt, progress and evolve!

I had five days off training for the first time since I started weightlifting 18 months ago. I did not stretch, or train in any shape or form; the only things I did were: eat lots of great food; have lots of epsom salt baths; sleep a lot and generally just be happy with my family. Although I felt stiff and lacking fluidity with my lifting today, I felt rested and fresh. Job done over Christmas I suppose.

Cathal Byrd and Peter Stewart were training in Hercs today with myself and the usual crew. It was nice having the lads to compete with and the different atmosphere was welcome. I arrived late after getting crucified in traffic, so I forgoed my usual warm up with the prehab and flexibility and just had ten minutes with the bar to warm myself up accordingly. Both Pete and Cathal Snatched 105kg so I knew I would have to get that--don't you just thrive on the competitive spirit also? I did three doubles with 50, one with 70 and then did singles with 80, 90, 100 and I missed 105 first time around, but I got it the second time. My lifting felt rusty and lacking in any small amount of finesse that I possess on occasion. 100 and 105 felt sloppy so I left it there with the Snatch. My strength felt fine, but today was to get me into to the groove so that I can go hell for leather in London where myself and a few of the lads will be training in the first week in January.

I then moved onto the Clean and Jerk and worked up to singles with 110, 120 and 130. Again, the weights were muscled up and I felt stiff technically and physically. I left it there, content for the day. This is to be expected after taking 5 days off to sleep as much as humanly possibe, I suppose. I finished off the session with four triples in the Back Squat with 150kg that felt far heavier than they should have. I have a lot of squatting to do. My 165/180 squat figures are nowhere near I need them to be for the lifts I want to be getting in the next six months. It is great to have such a glaring weakness to work on, though. Speaking of weaknesses, myself, Cathal and Harry spent 45 minutes at least stretching with Alex again--her technique is really starting to improve!-- and the days off did not help with the flexibility work! I felt the better for it afterwards though. We focused mainly on the hip flexors, the glute meds, the hips in general and the hamstrings. Painful, but beautiful.

Alex and Emmett have agreed to co-author a guest article on their methods for improving flexibility which should be great and I am looking forward to posting it. That is all for today. I am training tomorrow and I will do some flexibility on New Year's eve and then take a day off before heading to London for five days of sweet sweet maximal lifting just for the fun of it. Bring it on!

A Christmas cracker--a report from Las Vegas: training in Average Broz, by Cathal Byrd

Our favourite son from Cork--or is it Limerick? Even he does not know anymore--trained with John Broz and here is his report. You may or may not have seen my report of training over there. There is another video in this post also. I hope everyone has had a great Christmas and trains smarter and harder over the new Year.

I recently spent a few days holidaying in Las Vegas. Even though the main purpose of this trip was to holiday, I still thought that I should take the opportunity to train in John Broz's weightlifting club as it's always great to train in a new environment, especially in the company of a coach of the calibre of John as well as some of his top athletes. Two 94kg lifters, Taylor and Rob, both Snatched a routine 120kg while both having injured backs. Fighting through the pain or what? I spent four days in total in Vegas, the third day being my session at 'Average Broz', so needless to say I was pretty fatigued from the travel and the general mayhem of Vegas by the time I started my warm-up.
The following is what I did at the training session:

Snatch 80/1x3, 90/1x3
Power Snatch 60/3x2, 80/1x2
Snatch 90/1, 95/1, 100/1
Clean and Jerk 110/1x3
Power Clean+Front Squat+Power Jerk 100/1+1+1x3
Front Squat 110/1, 130/1x3

I was genuinely exhausted during this session so I was delighted to have made 90% (100kg) in the snatch. What was pretty humbling though was that while I was making a not-so-routine 100kg snatch, 105+ junior lifter Pat Mendes was loading the bar to 190kg for an attempt at a new snatch personal best...

Pat was the first of the 'Average Broz' that I met at the gym. He's a big guy, weighing around 130kg at 19 years of age. After some brief introductions and a pretty quick tour of the modestly-sized gym (two lifting platforms, one set of jerk blocks, a few squat stands and a few sets of dumbbells...in my opinion all that a weightlifter needs, nothing fancy, but more than enough for the hard-working weightlifter) we got talking about weightlfting and I asked Pat how his training has been going. He was very upbeat and positive, even though he said he has had some injury problems with his wrist and a very similar knee injury to my own. He then casually mentioned that he was going to snatch 190kg today, to which I humbly replied 'good'. Pat's mental attitiude is fantastic, he realises that to succeed in a sport like weightlifting one has to shed all ego and bulls**t and train hard day after day. Injuries and bad days will come and go, that's a given as an athlete. Giving in to these injuries and bad days however are just not acceptable.

Pat and I began our snatch sessions at the same time and I made sure to keep an eye on him as I thought that I could learn a thing or two. My session was just a run-out to keep me ticking over while on holiday, but Pat was in it for the real thing. A few sets with 50kg, then 100kg for a few doubles, 130kg for a few doubles, 150kg, 170kg, 180kg, 185kg which equalled his personal best. Then 190kg...five times Pat tried this, each time losing the bar out in front. The first attempt was especially close. Pat was clearly annoyed that he could not make 190kg today, he has been attempting this milestone for a couple of months now. It will come though, of that I have no doubt. With 185kg as a 105+ junior, he is already at a top class international level. I'm sure as he moves to the senior ranks he will quickly become a 200kg+ snatcher, with more to come also. Obviously Pat is physically a great athlete, very strong, powerful and with good technique. With a 320kg-edit: now 350kg-- back squat he has the potential to be one of the best super-heavyweights of all time. But for me it is his mental attitude and application to his training that will take him to the level both he and his coach John Broz know he can reach.

During my session I spoke with John Broz about my own weightlifting and training in general. Like Pat I found that John posseses fantastic mental strength. He seems to be a tough but very fair and understanding coach, traits that can only make for top quality athletes. I especially liked his no-nonsense and straightforward training ethos...if an athlete has weak legs, squat. If the pull is weak, incorporate more pulls in training. But the most compelling piece of advice John gave was to build a strong mind, or the 'mind of a champion'. Afterall if the mind is weak, the body has no hope of becoming strong.

You have probably already seen my interview with John, but it is worth watching again because he talks about what Cathal discusses above:

Wednesday’s wrap up for the Christmas break

Training was great fun on Wednesday. I knew that I would have to keep it light and I enjoyed myself anyway. I will now rest until training on the 29th, 30th and then take two days off before I go to London to train for five days with Zag, Paudie Roche and Cathal Byrd. My session finished with another hour of flexibility work and I could feel the benefits in my lifting. Emmett showed myself and Zag a way of releasing some tension in the lower back that leads into the hip flexors and I found this very helpful with keeping my back locked throughout the pull in the Snatch. Here was my workout:

Snatch—1x2@50, 50, 50 1x1@70, 80, 90, 100
Clean and Jerk—1x2@70, 70 1x1@80, 90, 100
Power Clean and as many Jerks as possible with 100kg—I did this a few months ago and I got seven Jerks. This was as tired as I have ever been practicing the sport of weightlifting. In my first set, I Power Cleaned 100 and got 5 Jerks. I knew I was being soft on myself and letting the fatigue mask my ambitions, so I rested five minutes and had another bash. I got the rest of the crew to encourage me and keep me going until I got my 8 reps. It was at around the fourth rep that I realised how tiring this was on the legs. I struggled to get the bar under control for my last rep, but I got my eight reps. My lungs were screaming at me and my legs felt like jelly. That was the end of my light squatting at the end.

We stretched at the end for an hour. It was intensely painful, but I felt great afterwards again. We worked primarily on the hip flexors and groin area and some soft tissue work for my glute meds. Alex and Emmett showed us a few acrobatic feats to cap things off for a fine session. As always, please give any constructive criticism that you think can help. Have a great Christmas everyone!

Monday's marital breakdown

Monday was strange because I did not have the best lifting session, but then I did an hour of stretching with Alex and Emmett showing myself, Harry and Zag the quickest ways to getting flexible and it made my training day. I felt much better afterwards and completely re-energised after a session where intelligence got run over by stubborn ignorance.

Starting off with the Snatch, I was feeling quite fast and I was enjoying my lifting. Wayne was there for a while and helped myself and Zag with our Snatch and we both found this very helpful. I worked up to singles with 80 and 85 and then put 100 on the bar thinking it was 90. Halfway through the pull I thought to myself, this feels heavy! I missed it behind on the way up, but I really should have gotten it. I went back down to 95 and then 90 and left there. I only intended on going up to 90 or 95 because I was tired, but I was happy with how my catch felt. My back decided to ignore the straight lock I have been working on, but you can't get it right every day.

I went on to the Jerk off the rack and worked up to singles with 120, 125 and then I missed 130 three times and finally got it on the fourth attempt. I was Jerking it forward last night and like the Snatch, my technique was off slightly. I was getting stubborn and instead of taking my foot off the gas and leaving it at 110 or 120, I ploughed on ahead, learning nothing and just irritating myself all the more. But, if you don't make mistakes, how can you learn?

I continued in the same vein with my Front Squats and worked up to a single with 150 and missed the second rep. I dropped back to 130 for a double and left it there. I was fatigued and annoyed at my lack of self control, but the flexibility work really cleared my mind and perspective, so thank yo Alex and Emmett!

Have a look at the video below. Zag barely misses a 130 Jerk and hits 125 nicely for Jerk pr off the rack--he has Cleaned and Jerked 128 though. Tomorrow I am going to post a report written by Cathal Byrd about his visit to John Broz's gym while visiting Las Vegas.

Saturday's slicing pain when getting stretched by Alex

I had another enjoyable training session today but I had to do a proper session because Harry was there. I worked on the things that are currently most important to me with my lifting:

1. Getting a flat back in my pull.
2. Improving my flexibility.
3. Getting my squat numbers up--This took a back seat over the last month because I wanted to have all available energy for the classical lifts.

I worked up to 90 in the Snatch for four singles and I focused on keeping my back flat. I simply need to remember to actively pull or curl the bar with my back the bar as well as pressing through the platform with the feet/heels. I also worked on getting more comfortable in the catch and stayed at the bottom for a few seconds each time to get more used to being there. Hopefully this can translate to me being more able to save lifts that are out of place. We'll see.

I worked on the Jerk from the rack, but my mojo was starting to go pretty rapidly so I stopped at 110. I am getting better at listening to my instinct, because I knew at the start of training when I was lifting 50kg that I was not that full of beans. Harry made me squat after and I'm glad he did. I did five triples with 140 which is usually very light, but felt damn heavy on the day.

As you will see in the video below, Cillian got a 5 kg pb in the Snatch and it did not look close to a limit lift. Alex is really improving with her natch and Laura has made a few subtle but effective changes in her technique also. Alex helped me stretch afterwards again, and it was very painful, but very worthwhile. It complimented the yoga session I did this morning beautifully and I can really feel my flexibility improving. My first set of overhead squats always feel relatively loose and I am gradually getting my feet wider in spacing.



As a bonus feature, here is a great video showing you how to make a foam roller that is actually better than the ones you can buy:

Thursday's tango moments

I had not trained since Saturday's competition which is a rarity for me. I was looking forward to training tonight and was determined to have an equally rare "free" fun session where I could do what I want. Another lifter Alex trained with us tonight and she is a professional acrobat. She guided myself and Zag through through stretching at the end and I have never been through anything like it. It was so intense, I was feeling emotional. I kid you not. Anyway, more on that later, here is what I did:

I chose to forsake my usual prehab and flexibility and went straight into bar work.

Clean grip Snatches--1x2@50, 50, 50 1x1~70, 90, 100--I missed 100 twice and then got it. I then missed 105 twice, but I enjoyed going for it anyway. I have only ever done these once before and they were fun.

Clean and straight into Jerk--With these I cleaned the weight and Jerked straight out of the Clean recovery. It was fun and it meant that you had to put everything into the drive in the Jerk, particularly with the heavier weights.
1x1@50, 50, 70, 100, 110, 120, 130--I just missed the Jerk but I got it second time lucky. These were great fun also and they were a slightly different movement which actually put more reliance on skill than strength.

I did some light Front Squats and worked up to a double with 110 and a single with 130. My legs were actually quite tired from the previous exercise. Alex then stretched myself and Zag out in only two stretches, but they felt like they went on forever. It was the 7 stretch and the regular hip flexor stretch. She did slight variations on a traditional pnf model, but it was as intense a stretch as ever I have felt. I was happy to hobble out in the end.

I made a quick video of some of the lifts from tonight, so as always, please feel free to offer some constructive criticism.

Saturday's second chance at a 260kg total

It was the Hercules' Club Championships today and I was determined to enjoy the day irregardless of what state I was in. I did a Power Up session at half eight in the morning with Zag and this definitely helped iron out a few of the morning creases. My joints were doing a lot of early morning cracking, but they were the better for it. I had a great breakfast of porridge with a chopped up pear and I still weighed in at 93.3kg. Either I have been losing weight or the epsom salt baths I have been loving all week are a great weigh-in strategy. Either way I was relatively surprised because my scales from home were telling me a similar story.

Zag Snatched an easy 98kg for a 1kg competition pb and Clean and Jerked 128 for a 3 kg pb. He would have been good for more, but his body hates him right now because of all the training he has subjected himself to. Amy and Shannon are two ladies that train with him and they lifted really well in only their third competition and with a minority of their training devoted to weightlifting.

In my Snatch warm up, despite the earlier session, I was not feeling amazing. I worked up to my last warm ups of 90 and 100, neither of which felt particularly great.
Competition lifts:
1x1@105--This was not as sweet as can be, but it only matters where you end up thankfully.
1x1@111--This was a better lift, but I felt that there was definitely more speed for me to utilise. I knew my co-ordination was not at its best when my feet were not moving at all in my lifts.
1x1@115--I got this for a 1kg pb and it was probably my best Snatch of the day. It was nowhere near as fast, smooth or fluid as my 114 last week, but I will take them where I get them.

My warm up in the Clean and Jerk was also not feeling too sweet, but I just got on with it. I worked up to singles with 100, 110, 120 and 127 in the warm up.
1x1@134--This was a shocking lift and I was actually lucky to get it. My Jerk was very shoddy and I knew that if I wanted to hit 145, I was going to have get under the bar a lot quicker.
1x1@140--This was better and although a little out front, far faster and more secure.
1x1@145--This was a lack-lustre Clean followed by my best Jerk of the day and I would rather have it that way than the opposite like last week! I was following myself in all my lifts so I was pretty tired at this stage and felt completely spent for around 10 minutes afterwards.

All in all, I was happy with my first 260 total for a 296 sinclair. I feel like there is a weight off my shoulders as this was a total I have craved for the last four months. Like always though, there is that nagging and persistent voice whispering how 120/150 is what I really want....And it is right. But that is for next year which will give me a new opportunity to push myself beyond where I have ever been before mentally, physically, technically and emotionally. Have a look at the video below and let me know if you have any constructive criticism:



I also just saw a video that Brendan Flanagan compiled from the competition and his actually has more lifters than mine. Here is it:

Tuesday and Thursday's tottering

I had very light sessions on both Tuesday and Thursday, with the focus being on flexibility and speed in the lifts. The yoga sessions I have been doing lately are really starting to help my flexibility in the receiving position in the Snatch and my overhead squats and I have noticed it in particular over the last week and a half. Similarly, when I cut out most of the starches from my diet, I began to notice a strong change after two months or so. My flexibility still has a long way to go, but it is nice to see a gradual improvement.

On both Tuesday and Thursday, I did quite a bit with the bar and used the pnf principle with the overhead squat, which really helps me get deeper into the bottom position. On Tuesday, I worked up to two doubles in the Power Snatch with 70 and a few Power Cleans with 90. This evening I worked up to two singles with 80 in the Snatch and two singles with 100 in the Clean and Jerk. I was getting irritated with my Jerk, which caused me to tighten up in the shoulder girdle; this in turn affected my technique negatively. All this means is that I need to relax more and trust my technique. The more I relax in my shoulder girdle, the more I transfer my power and the better the bar trajectory.

There is an unofficial club competition in Hercs on Saturday and I will lift in it and simply enjoy myself and see how I feel on the day. If I feel up to it, I will go for it. If not, I will just enjoy myself anyway. In the video below is one of Zag's guys who is 17 and just Cleaned 100 for the first time weighing in or around 105kg. Geoff is another guy who trains with Zag and he has been doing a lot of corrective work to sort out imbalances, and training well in general. He decided to deadlift tonight and he got two nice pb's. He has a lot of raw power there and is training hard so that he can transfer it more efficiently.

Saturday's Snipers

I just got back from a yoga class and I realised in the middle of the session just how tired I am from the weekend. It was a great experience overall and I am really glad that I went over. Myself and the rest of the lads had some great lifting and fun on the trip over to London for the Greater London Open on Saturday. Kevin D'Arcy hit a fantastic 130 Snatch and it looked like there was more in the tank. Cathal Byrd ground out a 138 Clean and Jerk that looked unsaveable and won the 77kg weight class. Nathaniel Callaghan hit 103/122 and barely missed a 107 Snatch. Eamonn Flanagan and Wayne Healy really helped all the lifters with their coaching and Wayne in particular helped me.

We stayed beside the competition venue in the Crystal Palace National Sport's centre. Cathal was first up for the weigh in and also to compete, so I joined him and did a light morning power up session around half nine or so which I felt immeasurably better afterward. I did a basic warm up, Power Snatched up to 70 for three singles and Power Cleaned up to 90 for a double and left it at that.

There were 16 people in in the 94kg weight class and in then end I came 6th. Kevin won it and Nat came 9th. Here is what I did:

Warm up--I felt great after the long wait and morning warm up. I felt really happy to be there and enjoyed everything about the competition. Wayne had me do Power Snatch+Full Snatch in the warm up because he later told me I was swinging the bar a lot and this combination removed most of the swing.

Power+Full Snatch--1x2@50, 50, 50, 70, 80
Snatch--1x1@90, 90, 100

Competition lifts:
Snatch
1x1@105--This was very strange. I started the lift and for some reason, dropped the bar straight away. Because I did not raise it above the knee and I had a little less than ten seconds left, I Snatched it very easily for a shaky success. I was simply not focusing enough and Wayne was more than happy to express this.
1x1@111--This was far better and an easy lift.
1x1@114--This was my best Snatch by far because I was focused and aggressive, but still nice and relaxed. This was a 3kg competition pb and a 1.5kg pb from what I got in July.

Clean and Jerk--I was feeling a little off coming into these: my stomach was feeling off from the caffeine and sugar and my legs were not feeling as strong as I wanted. I had a quick warm up:
1x1@70, 70, 70, 100, 115, 125
Competition lifts
1x1@136--I actually had to wait a log time between all my attempts and my first lift was easy, but not as secure as I would have liked.
1x1@141--This was my longest wait of around ten minutes or a little more and my clean was light, but ugly. I missed the Jerk when all I needed was a little more drive.
1x1@146--I wanted to go for the 260 total. I cleaned it and just missed the Jerk. It was a far better lift than the 141, but what can you do. I simply did not have it on the day. That little bit of drive in the Jerk was just not there.

After the competition I was wrecked, but happy with my Snatch pb and my Clean pb. I was close to my goal of 260kg, but I know I can get it next time I go for it. I learned a lot over there. The new environment was demanding and the sheer amount of lifts taking place was staggering. There was two platforms with lifters competing simultaneously, so focus and concentration was needed. It was a far cry from domestic Irish competitions and the experience will do me the world of good. Unfortunately, I have no videos of any of my Snatches, but below are the videos I have: Cathal's lifts and my Clean and Jerks. Thanks again to Wayne who really helped me out and all the English lifters that were so obliging.

Wednesday's wanted: 260kg total

This was my last session before my competition in London this Saturday and although I was tired, I enjoyed it. I did my Z Health joint warm up, my glute prehab and a small bit of bar work and got stuck into the session. Here is what I did:

Power Snatch--1x2@40, 40, 40, 60 1x1@80, 90

Snatch--1x1@95, 100, 105, 107--I actually missed this as you will see in the video below. I don't really mind because on Saturday, with 2 days rest, I will be far fresher and I will have my zip back. I was tired and I still Snatched up to 95% fairly comfortably. The plan is to open up with 108kg and take it from there in London, but I will not hesitate to bring my opener down if things are not going as smoothly as I want them to. I ended up leaving the Clean and Jerk tonight because I was tired and this is the exercise that takes the most out of me.

Front Squat--1x2@60, 80, 110 1x1@130, 145, 155--I left it there because my last squat was by far my best and I want to save my power and energy for the platform on Saturday. It makes no difference what I get in the training hall. I am naturally a far better lifter on competition day than in training and I really do love lifting when the pressure is on and no excuses can be made. Let's see if I can live up to these strong words on Saturday. My pb's are currently 111/143 and I will come home with more than that.

Monday's maintenance

I had a short training session today. I enjoyed it, but I was tired from a busy weekend and I was also keeping one eye on Saturday so I cut the session short. Zag tried to train but his cns hates him right now and is showing its disdain accordingly. Here is what I did:

5 minutes on the power plate, some pre hab and some bar work

Power Snatch--1x2@40, 40, 40, 60 1x1@70, 80, 90, 94--I pressed out the last rep because I did not finish my pull properly as you will see in the video. Otherwise, they
felt fine so I was happy to move on. My back lock has felt particularly good since Saturday and this is comforting to say the least.

Clean and Jerks--1x1@60, 60, 60, 80, 100, 110--I left it there because I was feeling like I needed to sleep. Usually it is my nervous system kicking my ass, but this was a simple lack of 8 hours a night over the weekend, so I left it there. I will train up to openers on Wednesday with very little volume and have a final flexibility/ very light technique session on Thursday and that should be me ready for Saturday's comp. Have a look at the video and let me know if you have any pointers:

Saturday's start in the morning

Myself and Zag had to train earlier than usual this morning so we had a 30 minute power up session at 09.30; a 45 minute break; Snatch to max for the day/morning; a 15 minute break and then a 25 minute Clean and Jerk session after. It was freezing this morning-- almost more so in the gym!-- and considering how early it was compared to when I usually train and that I was pretty fatigued from the week in general, I was happy with how training went. Here is what I did:

A multi joint warm up followed by glute and scap pre hab and bar work.
Power Snatch--1x2@40, 40, 40, 60, 70

45 minutes later:

Bar work for 5 minutes
Snatch--1x2@50, 50 1x1@70, 80, 90, 95, 100--I missed this by swinging it out front. I then got it, then got 105 and I should have left it there because I knew that was my limit this morning. I had a half hearted attempt at 108.5 and left it there.

15 minutes later:

Clean and Jerk--1x1@70, 70, 70, 100, 112, 122, 132--I got the clean but the bar in the rack position was all over the place so I dropped it. I got the Clean and Jerk of 132 two minutes later and left it at that.

Zag got 95/110 and like me, found the time and weather conditions tough to deal with. But as long as we are getting over 90% early on a Saturday morning, I am happy. Bring on London; I can't wait! The last part of the video is particularly interesting by the way...

Thursday's treaty with Zag

I ended up training quite late this evening for a variety of reasons, but it also ended up being an enjoyable and effective session. Zag represented my lifting conscience and I listened to him tonight. It was important not to go overboard tonight and remember that what really matters is Saturday week in London. Here is what I did tonight:

A 10 minute joint warm up and five minute glute and hip pre hab followed by a hsort amount of bar work.

Power Snatch: 1x2@50, 50, 60 1x1@70, 80, 90, 95, 95, 97--The last few were around parallel. The last three Snatches are in the video below so have a look and let me know of any comments you have. I visualised what I wanted in regards to my back lock and me catching it nice and early and this seemed to help.

Power Clean and Power Jerk--For some reason I wanted to do this tonight, so I went with it. I would rarely perform these movements, so I wanted to see if I could beat my best Power Clean and Power Jerk which was 125. I have Cleaned and Power Jerked 130 before but tonight I Power Cleaned 127 and Power Jerked it with a press out. I did two doubles with 70 and then singles with 90, 100, 110, 120 and 127. They felt fast and I really enjoyed them. Zag wisely stopped me there.

Front Squat--Again Zag led from the front and got me to do doubles with 110, 120, 130 and then an really nice and easy single with 145 that felt great.

Have a look at the video below and leave any constructive criticism you see fit:

Tuesday's trajectory

I had time to do a little power up session and I also used it to work out the stiffness and soreness from the previous day's training. Here is what I did in the first session:

10 minutes on the power plate doing muscle activation and stretching, followed by bar work and overhead squats.
Snatch--1x2@40, 40, 40, 60 1x1@70, 80, 90
Clean and Jerk--1x1@60, 60, 60, 80, 100

I left it there and although my legs were feeling pretty tired, I felt the better for the session. Here is what I did later that evening:

Snatch--1x2@50, 50, 70 1x1@80, 90, 100, 105, I then missed 107 twice. I was actually happy because I have never made the jump from 90 to 100 before and I made it in this session which is good new for my competition warm ups. Again, the 107's were just too slow, but I did not let it bother me.

Clean and Jerk--1x1@70, 70, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140--I had never made the jump from 130 to 140 before, but I was not feeling like I had much gas in the tank so I made the jump and I was happy to get it. I went through the motions to attempt 145 but I was not in the right state of mind for it.

I was pretty wrecked by this stage so Zag made the executive decision for me to abandon my squats. I was happy to go along with the call and finished off on that note. I have a light session on Thursday and on Saturday I will go up to openers. Have a look at the video below and let me know what you think:

Monday's mottled cleans

I had a great session tonight in the Hercs and it was really nice training with Harry, Gill, Laura and Karen again. I was not feeling quite as dandy as last week, but I ended up lifting relatively well. I actually trained on Saturday morning for around 50 minutes but it was a non-session where I Snatched up to 90 and Front Squatted 155 for a single. I was rushed and it was early which which meant that my session was a no go from the start. Today, however, was better. I had a nice warm up using the vibration plate machine which I find helpful in activating muscle, ligaments and tendons and the first set if overhead squats always feels great when I use this machine, weird as it is. Here is what I did:

Power Snatch--1x3@40 1x2@40, 60 1x1@70, 80, 90, 93, 95--The last rep was caught below parallel, but it felt fast and in the groove. I tried going back to the narrower Snatch grip that I used when I first started lifting and this felt far more comfortable and it also felt easier to lock in the back. I will experiment with this for a few days and see how it feels.

Clean doubles--1x2@60, 60, 90, 110, 120, 127, 132--This was an improvement on last weeks pb with 130 and even though my lifting was nowhere near as smooth, I still got them. Looking at the video shows me I have more extension and when I am fresher my catch should be timed better.

Front Squat--1x2@130, 140, 150 1x1@160--It took me around five seconds to get through the sticking point with the last lift, but it got there eventually. I finished my session with more flexibility using the vibration plate machine and I felt pretty good afterwards.

Have a look at the video below and let me know if you have any constructive criticism.

Friday's freewheeling

I had a good session on Friday night. I was not feeling fresh or particularly energetic, but I enjoyed it none the less. When I finished my warm up I did the counter movement jump test and I got 49.4cm which far better than my previous best of 47.6. I consistently jumped 47's and 48's in my 5 or 6 jumps and I was pleasantly surprised to get the pb. After this I did the following:

Snatch Pulls to warm up: 1x2@60, 60, 70, 80

Snatch--1x2@40, 50, 60 1x1@70, 80, 87.5, 92.5, 97.5, 100, I then missed 102.5 three times due to a lack of finish. I had very little speed and it was weird that I got the cmj pb.

Front Squat + Jerk--1+1@70, 70, 100, 115, 120, 125, 130--I had to fight hard to lock out and the weight forced me under more than usual, but I was happy to get it.

Front Squat--1x1@135, 145, 155--I did these few singles to finish off the workout.

I enjoyed my workout and did around 45 minutes of yoga, but I was very fatigued by the end of it. Have a look at these videos of the super heavyweights lifting in the 1999 world championships.

Wednesday's whistling workout

Myself and Zag only had 50 minutes to train tonight and it had to be pretty late in the evening. My legs were pretty fatigued after yesterday's training, so I would not have done much more anyway. Zag had new 5 rep squat pb with 150kg and it looked like he could have done 155kg. I only Snatched doubles and Front Squatted for a few singles.

I did a few Snatch Pulls to warm up

Snatch doubles--1x2@50, 50, 70, 70, 80, 90, 90, 95--I missed the second rep twice, but I did not beat myself up. It simply was not there and I just lacked the finishing of the pull.

Front Squat--1x2@ 100 1x1@130, 150

Short and sweet, but enjoyable. I will train tomorrow and work on my technique with lighter weights and then train on Saturday; I will judge the intensity on how I feel on the day.

Tuesday's titilatingly close Clean and Jerk pb attempt

Training went well again tonight. I should have warmed up my stiff back a little more which would have helped me in the Snatch, but otherwise I did well. Here is what I did:

My usual twenty minute warm up of the joints, the relevant muscles and activating the glutes and hips.

Snatch--1x2@50, 50, 70 1x1@80, 90, 95, 100, 105--I left it there because I was not able to keep my back locked properly. My hips felt pretty loose so I was able to catch the 105 you will see in the video below. I will warm up the area with more care tomorrow.

Clean and Jerk--1x2@70, 70 1x1@100, 115, 125, 130, 135, 140--I missed the Clean on the first attempt because I was not fast enough in the pull or the catch. I then got 140 for a straightforward Clean and Jerk and went for 145 which would have been a new pb. I pulled myself under it, but when I adjusted at the bottom, my elbows dropped and stopped my squatting the bar up with any power. It was a very close miss that I put down to timing and the bar possible being slightly out front. I will get this very very soon and I know I have more in the tank for the London Open.

Back Squat--1x2@130, 150, 160--Short and sharp, I left it there.

Have a look at the video and let me know if you have any pointers.

Monday's mighty Clean doubles

I had a nice session tonight in which I had two pb's. Firstly in the Counter movement jump, I got 47.6 which was 2 cm better than my previous best. I did this after a nice joint warm up and pre hab with bar work and some dynamic flexibility to boot. Zag jumped for a new pb also and got 49cm. Here is what I did for today's session.

Power Snatch--1x2@40, 40, 60 1x1@70, 80, 90 for 3 singles. They felt fine and my back was a little stiff from the weekend which did not help my starting position. My speed felt ok after the weekend though.

Clean doubles--1x2@60, 60, 90, 100, 110, 115, 120, 125, 130--This was a new pb as my previous best was 128 and I did that in June. My Cleans felt smooth this evening and although they were not particularly fast, they felt in the groove.

Front Squat--1x2@ 130, 140, 150--3 sets that were short and sweet. My legs were tired from the weekend and the Cleans.

I finished off with around ten minutes of flexibilty. Last week I had 3 yoga session and I definitely felt far looser and more mobile because of it. The more I work on my flexibility, I think my catching position will gradually start to widen which will allow me get my hips through more. This will help particularly in the Snatch. I have decided to focus on certain elements of my lifting without judging them and to go along with how they feel, rather than giving myself instructions, commands and the full meal ticket. I am re-reading The Inner Game of Tennis for the third time and it had changed my perceptions on how I can learn optimally. I do not play tennis but the principles that the book teaches are applicable in any field or endevour. I shall write a proper article on how the book relates to weightlifting in the near future.

There is a new lifter training with myself and Zag called Nicky who has far more potential than either of us. Have a look at his positioning in the video below. He has the speed, power, flexibility and determination to go a long way in the sport if he chooses to do so.

Saturday's steady progression

It was a three hour drive up past Belfast to get to Jordanstown, for the Northern Ireland Open and it proved to be worth the drive. The competition was well organised and the atmosphere was great as always. Sami got a lovely 125 Clean and Jerk which you will see in the video below and Cathal Snatched an easy 106 and got another easy 134 in the Jerk. Neither lifter tapered for this competition and Sami has been training between five and six days a week with around 8 sessions or so for the last three weeks. This training volume affected his Snatch which relies on more delicate timing and subtle technique. Cathal is on the road to rehabbing his battered right knee and treated this as a training session only. I lifted well, and got a pb in the Snatch and the Clean and Jerk, but I did not get quite what I want. Here is how it went:

I weighed in at 92.8kg which is very light for me. I had a big bowl of porridge that morning and a light dinner the night before but little fluids. With the long drive my upper back was feeling tight, but otherwise I felt ready to go. Here is how I warmed up:

Snatch--1x2@50, 50, 70 1x1@80, 80, 90, 90, 97, 102--In the warm up room Cathal was helping me out and kept reminding me to finsh my pull and this really helped. Here were my competition lifts:

1x1@106--This was easy and I should have opened up on my planned 107/108.
1x1@111--This was a new competition pb and it felt pretty sweet and was a far better lift than the 110's I got in Glasgow and Cork.
1x1@113--I pressed out with my left elbow in the bottom of the catch and I just needed a slightly faster and more aggressive turnover. If I was to miss a weight, I am glad I committed to it and gave it a real go.

Clean and Jerk--1x2@70, 70 1x1@95, 112, 122, 132

1x1@138--I Cleaned this really easily and I was too relaxed with the Jerk and ended up pressing it out. More urgency was needed.
1x1@140--This was a fast and solid lift that I was really happy with. It was infinitely more controlled than when I lifted it in previous competitions.
1x1@143--I actually over pulled the Clean, which caused me to go back on my heels in the catch, but I stood up with it easily. My Jerk felt solid, but a little far behind which meant I had to step back immediately to re-adjust. I had planned on doing 138-143-145 but my opener scuppered this. I went up to 140 and I knew I could make the lift with more pep in my step and then I went for 143 in a compromise. I will leave 145 for London.

I wanted 113/145 and I came out with 111/143. I was content with the 3kg increase in my total, but I know I can and will lift more in London in three weeks. I am already eagerly anticipating that competition! Have a look at the vidoe below and leave any constructive criticism that can help.

Understanding plyometric training and its application to weightlifting: a guest article

Here is a guest article from the one and only Dr Eamonn Flanagan. He has generously agreed to host some of his ideas on the blog, so here is his bio and I hopes everyone enjoys the article and thinks about how/if it can be applied to our training. I have taken the liberty of providing some videos to support Eamonn's ideas, all of which he suggested of course! Here is a link to his other guest article on the use of creatine for weightlifters.

Eamonn Flanagan is a strength and conditioning coach with the Scottish Rugby Union. He has formally worked with Munster Rugby and in hurling,athletics, rowing and AIL rugby. He is an 85/94kg lifter and represents the University of Limerick Weightlifting Club.

Plyometrics is the term now applied to exercises that have their roots in Eastern Europe where they were first known simply as “jump training” (Chu, 1998). They are exercises involving rapid, explosive movements for the development of athletic power. Examples of plyometrics include depth jumps, hurdle jumps and bounding. Plyometric training has been shown to have a number of beneficial effects for athletes. These primarily include the development of an athlete’s power production. Plyometrics can increase the speed at which athletes can develop force and injury prevention for athletes in sports where there is a high degree of jumping, landing and side-stepping movements. Plyometrics have been shown to be highly effective in ACL injury prevention programs for athletes in sports such as volleyball, basketball and soccer (Hewett, 1996).

The training adaptation to plyometrics takes place at a neural level (Markovic, 2005). Plyometric training does not increase muscle size. It increases the efficiency and speed of muscular contraction by training the body to activate more muscle fibers with better timing during these explosive exercises. It trains the muscles to use the stretch shortening cycle (SSC) more efficiently.

The stretch shortening cycle (SSC) is the basis of plyometric exercises. The SSC is a natural type of muscle function in which muscle is stretched immediately before in is contracted (flexed). This eccentric/concentric coupling produces a more powerful contraction than that which would result from a purely concentric action alone (Komi, 1992). For example, crouch down to a half squat position. Hold this position for one second and then jump as high as possible (without going down any further). This is a purely concentric jump, it can be difficult to get good jump height with such a jumping technique.



Now try a regular vertical jump in which you can crouch down and jump up very rapidly. This is an eccentric/concentric jump. You are sure to jump higher and develop more force, more rapidly in such a jump.


This eccentric/concentric coupling of the SSC is the natural form of muscle function, and it is evident in everyday activities, such as running, throwing and jumping.

There are a number of biomechanical mechanisms that contribute to the SSC. More about these involved mechanisms can be read in this article

All stretch shortening cycles are not created equally. The type of stretch shortening cycle can be described as fast or slow (Schmidtbleicher, 1992). Different biomechanical mechanisms are used in these different stretch shortening cycles. As a result, training in the fast SSC will not improve slow SSC performance, and vice versa.

The fast SSC is characterized by very short ground contact phases, quick eccentric/concentric (“up/down”) movements and limited range of motion at the knee hips, knees, and ankles. A typical example would be depth jumps. Other examples are fast, repeated hops over hurdles or repeated standing long jumps with short ground contact phases.

The slow SSC involves longer ground contact or contraction times, larger ranges of motion at the knee, hips and ankles and slower overall movement of the working muscles. An example would be maximal effort vertical jumps or box jumps. Other examples would be single standing long jumps and single hurdle jumps.

To understanding the application of plyometrics into a training program it helps to have an understanding of the force velocity curve. The force velocity curve dictates that humans can produce their highest levels of total force at very slow velocities and in activities of very high velocity, low total forces are produced. For example, a maximal effort back squat will generally be performed at a low velocity, but one will generate a very high level of total force. In sprinting, with each foot contact, a low total force is produced but the movement speed is very high velocity. The weightlifting movements, most likely, lie somewhere in between these extremes as moderate force, moderate velocity movements – cleans lying a little more toward maximal strength and snatches lying a little more toward maximal speed.


Plyometrics' position on the force velocity curve can be seen also. They are quick powerful movements. Many sport scientists and strength and conditioning coaches suggest that for optimal athletic development one must train across the force velocity spectrum. In powerlifting the conjugate system of Westside training also works from a similar principle with maximal high level loads lifted in the same training block as dynamic, high velocity lower loads. In most weightlifting programs this principle is also included: front and back squats are high force, low velocity. Heavy pulls are next down the curve. Then the weightlifting movements themselves.

Plyometrics could then be used to train faster force production abilities. By training across the whole force-velocity spectrum, the athlete is less likely to be inhibited by a deficiency in any one particular aspect of his performance be it speed, speed-strength or maximal strength. Plyometrics are a highly suitable way for weightlifters to train speed strength. Exercises such as box jumps, vertical jumps, depth jumps and hurdle jumps are all biomechanically similar to the weightlifting movements. They are bilateral (double legged), they use the same major muscles and joints, have similar range of motion at the active joints and similar timings of muscular activation. Uni-lateral (single leg) plyometrics such as bounding and hopping drills are probably not as biomechanically well matched to the weightlifting movements. Dreschler (1996) states that plyometrics can help to decrease the time it takes for a lifter to reach maximum force and improve their power output. But, he cautions that the modality of training is unlikely to produce any dramatic improvements in weightlifting performance.

There are a couple of other specific applications of plyometrics which could be useful in a weightlifting context. The first of those involve very young lifters or very novice lifters. With such lifters, they may not be technically proficient enough to perform cleans and snatches with enough weight to illicit a good training effect. If this is the case then from a force-velocity perspective, their training could be very lopsided toward maximal strength at low velocities. By incorporating simple plyometric exercises such as box jumps, hurdle jumps and standing long jumps the young or developing athletes can get a degree of speed-strength development in their training and also learn control and coordination of their bodies. Here is a video demonstrating this principle with Scottish coach Charlie Hamilton having his young lifters perform dynamic jumps onto plates:



Another very useful application of plyometrics is when weightlifters are suffering from upper extremity injuries such as wrist injuries. Here the weightlifter should still be able to squat heavy and develop their maximal strength capabilities. They are unlikely to be able to perform any cleans, jerks or snatches however. So plyometrics can be used extensively to keep their training volumes up and to develop their speed-strength capabilities while injured.

Lifters should use a variety of slow and fast plyometrics. The slow plyometrics such as vertical jumps and box jumps are good to use first as it is easier with these slower movements to teach good jumping and landing mechanics. Once athletes have mastered good jumping and landing mechanics they could begin to incorporate low-level fast plyometrics like repeated jumps over low hurdles. The degree of difficulty of these fast plyometric exercises could be slowly increased over time. One should exercise caution with fast plyometrics however. They are more intense than slow plyometrics and the strain they place on the nervous system is likely to be higher.

Dreschler (1998) comments on the placement of plyometrics into the weightlifter’s periodized training plan. It should be limited to one or two periods of several weeks per year. This could be one or two 4-6 week blocks of plyometrics in general preparation phases of training. The amount and intensity of the jump training should be carefully limited in the phases. Dreschler (1998) also suggests that once a weightlifter has learned the plyometric movements and begun to express fast force production well and effectively that quite a low amount practice (or the mere practice of the weightlifting lifts themselves) should be enough to retain the benefits of plyometric training. This could be as simple as the lifter performing 3 or 4 sets of 3 in the box jump at the beginning of a training session in his general preparation phase.

Overall, plyometrics offer a simple and effective way to promote fast force production and to train speed-strength capabilities of athletes. Their inclusion is probably most suitable for young or novice athletes and those with upper body injuries which limit their actual weightlifting movements. The benefit of plyometrics may be less for adult, mature lifters but they could still be used to train across the force-velocity spectrum and benefits (or maintenance) of fast force production can be achieved with a low volume of plyometrics.

Wednesday's whupping

I had a really enjoyable session tonight; it was very short and sharp. I arrived at the gym determined to get my final warm up lifts for Saturday and I got them and felt good doing so. Here is what I did:

A short pre-hab warm up with some bar work and flexibilty.

Snatch--1x2@50, 50, 70 1x1@80, 90, 97, 100, 103 x,103--I missed this, but got it a few minutes later. Quite simply, I did not finish my pull or accelerate with any real urgency. Tommy made the point that I was iniating my pull too early and not staying over the bar enough, so I focused on that and the lifts felt far stronger afterwards. He also berated me for being over-analytical with my technique and to just get on with it and lift! Tommy knows what he is talking about so I will keep it as simple as I can over the next few weeks.

Clean and Jerk--1x1@70, 70, 100, 110, 120, 130--I kept it as short and sweet as I could and my lifts felt accurate and smooth; but like my Snatches, they were a little slow and without the pop that I know I will have with two rest days before Saturday's competition. Have a look at the videos below and let me know and constructive comments you may have.

I decided not to squat in order to save my legs and energy and I left the gym feeling far better than when I arrived. Zag trained well despite a very very long day in work. He also lifted up to his final warm up reps and he going into Saturday in great knick.

Monday's marshalling of the cumulative fatigue

I had an enjoyable day's training today and I finally got that triple in the Front Squat with 150kg which I have not gotten since early on in the Summer. Again, it was a split session and I deviated from my usual Monday workout as I am competing on Saturday. Here is what I did:

Early afternoon:
A short warm up involving bodyweight movements and pre habs.
Front Squats--2x5@60 1x3@100, 120, 130, 140, 150
15 minutes partner flexibilty with Zag focusing on the hip flexors, groin, hamstrings and internal and external hip rotators.

Evening:
Warm up followed by the counter jump movement test on the computerised mat. I got 45.5 and Zag got 48.3, with our hands on our hips.

Power Snatch--1x3@40, 50 1x2@60, 70 1x1@80, 85, 90--I was happy with these: they were fast and locked in. Perhaps I could have finished my pull a bit more, but have a look at the video below and see if you can spot anything that needs to be changed.

Power Clean and Jerk--1x1@70, 70, 90, 100, 110, 115--I left it there as I did not have too much more in the tank.

I enjoyed training today and I think I may have turned a corner on the fatigue front--assuming I look after myself over the next few days and sleep really well. I will lift up to my last warm ups on Wednesday with as little volume and as big jumps that I can make. If things do not feel hunky dory, I will nip it in the bud and save it for Saturday.

Saturday's standard fare

I had a busy morning and week in general, so when a double espresso only makes you feel normal, you know it is not going to be a standout session. I still enjoyed it and was happy with getting 100/125 in this state. Here is what I did:

I took my time warming up and I did the following:

Clean grip Snatches--I just did these for fun. I did double with 40 twice, then 50 and singles with 60, 70 and 80. I left it there because I did not want to burn up what energy I had.

Snatch--1x2@40, 50, 60, 70 1x1@80, 90, 95--I missed this, then got it, missed 98 and then got. Both misses were due to not finishing the pull coupled with a cumbersome catch. I finished off with a sloppy single with 100 and left it there.

Clean and Jerk--1x1@60, 60, 80, 100, 110, 120, 125--These were ok. I needed to stay over the bar a bit more in the cleans and punch the Jerks out quicker, but I was happy enough.

Back Squats--1x2@110, 120, 130, 140--They were nice and light and I only did them to keep up the routine of squatting so they will go up eventually.

Have a look at the video and see what you see. I see a tired lifter lacking his co-ordination and I am looking forward to getting it back next week for the competition in Ulster. I am not really tapering too much for this one as the London open on Decemeber 5th is my real focus.

Friday's frightfully inspired sessions

I split my session into two today and in the early afternoon I did my squats and pulls and in the evening I did my Snatches and Front Squat and Jerks. It went well considering it was a Friday. Aside form my tired legs not getting the triple with 150 in the Front Squat that I wanted, I was happy with with how the day went from a technique and strength view point. Here is what I did:

Afternoon:
Front Squat--1x5@60, 90 1x3@110, 120, 130, 140, 150--I only got a double in this and then a single. Next week, I will get a triple with this!

Snatch Pulls--1x3@60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 105, 110--I really tried to get my hips and shoulders to come up together and to stay over the bar while transfering the weight from my toes to my heels and back to my toes again. They felt good again today and transfered mostly into my Snatches later that day.

Evening:
Snatch--3x3@40 1x2@50, 50, 60, 70 1x1@80, 85, 85, 90 x, 90, 95 for three singles. I missed one rep with 90 because I did not finish my pull and I found that was the case for many of my Snatches tonight. I was making sure my first pull was accurate and it felt better, but not perfect of course. Have a look at the video and tell me if you see anything.

2 Front Squats and 1 Jerk--This is always tough after squatting earlier in the day but I was happy enough with how it went. I did this combination lift for singles with 60, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 125--I just missed the Jerk as you will see in the video below and I had ru out of time to give it another go, but I will get it next time.

I train tomorrow and I will see how I am feeling after working in the morning. Next week I compete in Belfast so I need to get as fresh as I can in a week so that I can lift bigger weights than I ever have before!

Wednesday's waiting game

I had a late session this evening. I had a quick but thorough warm up and I went straight into:

Snatch doubles--1x2@40, 40, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90--I missed the second rep twice, but then I got both for three doubles with 90. Once I finished my pull and got my back locked it was fine. I find that when I get tired, my back lock and flexibility get steadily worse and the only way I can get them ok, is to focus completely on them.

Snatch Pulls--1x2@90,90, 100, 100--These were not feeling right so I went right back down to basics with 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 100, 100 for three doubles and these last few sets actually felt like they should feel. I focused on getting my lower back locked and curling the weight up with my back while pushing off my legs and staying over the bar. Have a look at the video below and tell what you think. My hips and shoulders come up together on the second set, but not the first.

I left it at that because it was relatively late and I was pretty wrecked. I am looking forward to freshening up for the competition in Belfast on Saturday week.

Tuesday's tightness in the hip flexors

I did my squats in the early afternoon and I finished up my session this afternoon. I was still pretty tired, but the squats definitely helped gear up my system for the afternoon session. Before the session I did the counter movement jump test again and I got 43.8 and Zag got 47.8 which is ok considering his legs are about to fall off and we had both already squatted that day. Here is what I did:

Front Squats--1x5@50, 50 1x3@100, 120, 130, 140 1x2@150, 150, 150--I only got one rep in the last set. My legs were tired!

This afternoon:

Power Snatch--1x2@40, 40, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 85, 85, 85--My Snatches were pretty ropy as well as being slow. The effects of fatigue I am afraid, I just have to accept it.

Clean and Jerk--1x2@60, 60, 60 1x1@80, 90, 100, 110, 115, 120, 125--I missed the Clean and a few minutes later I nailed both the Clean and the Jerk. These lifts were very hard today and I had to give it 100% to make them. I was happy to make them.

I finished off with 10 minutes of flexibility and I had a yoga session that night. My hips have been extremely tight since Saturday and yoga was just what was needed. I have to stretch the hip and back area out every night in order to improve my flexibility so that it shows in the lifts themselves. Have a look at the video and leave any appropriate comments.

Monday's magnum

I was pretty tired during training today and looking back, I set my sights too high. I needed to be a little more realistic considering my training volume last week as well as maxing out on Saturday's second session. That's alright though, this is supposed to be a learning process after all. Here is what I did tonight:

A fifteen minute warm up. I was very stiff and warming up took more effort than usual.

Reverse Pulls--1x2@40, 50, 60, 70, 82 1x1@92--I did these as part of the warm up which also worked on pulling skill and back lock.

Snatch--Because I was so stiff, it was hard to get locked into position.
1x3@40, 40 1x2@60 1x1@80, 90, 95--This was awful so I went back to 90 again for a swinging miss behind and then a decent, but slow Snatch. I left it there.

Snatch Pulls--1x2@90, 100, 105, 110, 115

Cleans--1x2@60, 60, 90, 100, 110 for three doubles. These had to be ground out, but each set got a little better.

Back Squats--1x2@110, 120, 130, 140--I was all done in by then so I left it there for a quick stretch.

Have a look at the video below of some of the lifting today from Zag and I:

Saturday's sparklers in UL

Paudie Roche, Sean O Sullivan and Reverend Murphington joined myself, Zag and Cathal for a morning power up and technique session and a max effort session afterwards. It turned out to be an enjoyable day's training and there was a great buzz with everyone egging eachother on.

In the morning, I warmed up with lots of flexibility and bar work. The joints and muscles were complaining, but that was to be expected. I Snatched up to 85kg for a few singles, and they felt very rough. After this I did some Jerk skill with 60kg for ten minutes or so and left it there. The session lasted between 60 and 75 minutes.

Around two and a half to three hours later, we started our second session. Cathal is still rehabing a knee injury so he Snatched up to 95 and did at least ten singles with 90 and some Clean Pulls. Sean Snatched 95 for three singles and Clean and Jerked 125 for three easy singles again. He is returning to heavier training and is being trumped up as UL's third lifter in their quest for a fourth consecutive club title. Murph was also rehabing a knee injury so contented himself with Power Clean and Jerks and Clean Pulls. Paudie Snatched a new pb of 70kg and Clean and Jerked a new pb of 92.5kg for two singles and followed that with an easy looking Clean of 95kg. Zag Snatched 100kg for the second time, narrowly missing with 102.5kg. All this despite his massive training volume this week and work schedule. He followed this with a 155kg pr Front Squat and a 120 Power Clean after failing with 160 twice!

Here is what I did:

Snatch--3x3@40 1x2@60, 70 1x1@80, 90, 97.5, 102.5, 102.5 and then I missed 105 twice. Like Friday, there was no speed in my pull or catch, so I just had to accept it and move on.

Clean and Jerk-- 2x3@50 1x1@90, 110, 117.5, 122.5, 127.5, 132.5, 137.5, 142.5--I got this for a new pb and I was happy with how it went. Byrdie said he would take charge of the loading, so I just lifted what he told me and it was nice having no choice in the matter. This was also a different way of progressing in weight than normal for me. Halfway through my lifts, Murph said I needed to relax more when I am about to Jerk and his outrageous miming of Byrdie in the same position provided me with just the mental and visual que that was needed. Strange but true and helpful. In the Clean I focused on staying over the bar and keeping the arms relaxed.

Power Clean--I was going to Front Squat, but Byrdie said it would be a goo time to get a Power Clean pb so I went with the flow. It was 125kg, so Cathal put 117.5, 122.5 and then 127.5kg, all of which I nailed with a new pb in tow. Good man Byrdie. He smugly remarked he has the great makings of a coach and I had to grudgingly assent.

All in all, it was a great weekend's lifting. We all had a laugh and pushed each other every time. Friday and Saturday were my fifth and sixth days' training and I still got a pressed out 145 Jerk from the rack, and the following day a Clean and Jerk pb and a Power Clean pb. Have a look at the video below and leave and contructive criticism deemed necessary.

Friday's fortunes

Myself and Zag got down to Limerick for around 5 in the evening so we trained an hour later and the change of scene was invigorating. Neither of us was fresh or fast in our lifting, but we enjoyed the session anyway. Here is what we did:

Snatch--2x3@40 1x2@60, 70 1x1@90, 95 miss due to not finishing the pull. I then got it, and Snatched 100 for three singles. They were not fast in the slightest, but they felt close and upon looking at the video below, I stayed over the bar better then before.

Snatch Pulls--1x2@100, 105, 110, 115--My bacl lock was not as pristine as I wanted, but it was ok. My pull trajectory was ok and I needed to get my knees out of the way quicker which I think would help me keep my back locked.

Jerk from the rack--Because I am training tomorrow I left out the squats with this movement. I started off with two triples with 60 and then on an absurd competitive streak with Byrdie, we jumped straight to 120 to see if we could get it. We did and it turned out to be my best Jerk of the day because I had to put so much into it. I then nailed 120 again, got 130, 140 and missed 145. I then got 145 with an outrageous press out, but I still got it up there. It was out front and like my jerks yesterday, they lacked control. I still enjoyed it though. Byrdie nailed 150 and 155kg and Zag nailed 120 and just missed 125kg.

We finished off with some flexibility and contrast showers with a sauna and steam room which helped us feel all the fresher for tomorrow. Leave any comments that you see fit and which can be helpful.

Thursday's time depleted session

Today's session was a bit frantic due to me having the time management skills of deranged orangutang rife with rabies. I was supposed to follow Snatch doubles with Jerk behind the neck, Power Cleans and Clean Deadlifts, but I had to scrap the last two. Here is what I did:

Snatch--1x2@40, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 95, 80, 90--I got a nice double with 95 and in general the Snatch felt pretty good today.

Jerk behind the neck--1x2@80, 80, 100, 120 1x1@130, 140, 150, 155--I missed 155kg out front twice which was annoying. As you will see in the video below, over the last week I have been Jerking out front. Tommy said it might be because my back leg is too stiff, as in I am not getting under the bar enough. That felt like the reason to me as I was not dipping forward. This is a little habit I have developed over the last two weeks, so I will nip it in the bud now, cut back in weight and sort it out.

Have a look at the video--the Snatch double is actually with 90, not the reported 80 in the video-- and let me know if you see anything. I will be training in Limerick tomorrow and Saturday, so I am really looking forward to that.

Wednesday's walkway

I had a good session today and I made sure to eat properly beforehand. I was determined to control the volume more today after going a bit over the top yesterday. The Snatches felt a bit heavier than they should have and the Clean and Jerks were not quite as fluid as I would have liked, but otherwise all was well and I felt like i progressed from yesterday. Here is what I did:

Power Snatch--3x3@40 1x2@50, 60, 60 1x1@70, 70, 80, 85, 90 for three singles.
Again I focused on trying to stay over the bar and to keep the back locked throughout the pull. I am getting slightly better with both, but it can be frustrating when you can feel yourself pulling back when you want to extend up.

Clean and Jerk--1x1@70, 70, 90, 100, 110, 120, 125, 130--My best single was with 125. in this rep the Clean was far smoother and I did not let the bar crash down on me as you can see on the video below. My Jerks were a bit out in front and Tommy was reminding me to Jerk off my heels rather than my toes.

Front Squat--1x2@120, 130, 140, 150, 155--I missed the second rep on both the first and second set of 155kg. I just could not get through the sticking point. Next time...( picture Monty Byrnes drumming his fingers....)

Press--Zag was doing these so I gave it a quick bash because I have not done the movement since the summer. I did singles with 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, and 80 to finish it off. I really should be able to get a bodyweight press with 95kg. Should I spend time trying to get it? No thanks.

Have a look at the video and leave any pointers you have.

Tuesday's tactical naivety

I had a tiring, but enjoyable session with Sami and Wayne Healy today. We were supposed to have a half hour break in the middle, but we were all running a little late so I did everything in a row. Looking back, I made two errors today:
1. I did not eat enough before training. This affected my energy levels and hindered the latter half of my workout.
2. I did too many reps in the Snatch. Even though they were not heavy, when you are focusing on technical aspects the lifts seem to be more tiring. 10 or 12 singles with 90 is more tiring than a single with 90, 95, and 100 for three singles.

Here is what I did:

A good warm up with pre hab, flexibility and bar work.

Snatch--3x3@40 1x2@60, 60, 70, 80, 80 11x1@90
I was focusing on extending up again, but they were not flowing as well as I wanted them to. Although I did not miss any of the lifts, they were not as pristine as I would have wanted.

Snatch Pull--1x2@90, 100,105, 105, 90, 90, 90--Wayne adjusted my starting position slightly by tilting my hips back slightly and he explained that I should be feeling the tension in the glute med area and that the rest of the body should be relatively relaxed. He kept stressing that weightlifting is all about from mid thigh to the belly button in terms of where the second pull should take place and where the body ahould be tense.

Cleans--1x2@60, 60, 80, 90, 100, 110, 115, 115, 115--I only remembered to rise up with shoulders and upper back with the hips after Wayne pointed out I was not doing it. I need to make this automatic with both the Clean and the Snatch. It makes everything much smoother and less tiring.

Back Squats--1x2@120, 140, 150--I was pretty tired doing these, so I left it there. I finished up with 5 minutes of flexibility and I had a yoga class later that evening. I have been stretching my hips more over the last two weeks and I have definitely gotten looser in the area; the yoga helps of course and it is also very enjoyable in its own right.

Have a look at this video and think how we can apply it to weightlifting:

Monday's meaningful session

I had a great session tonight. I have a week's holidays, so I will be training quite a bit over the next few days. However, I have to be careful so that I pace myself and do not burn myself out; I also need to remember to use this time to improve my technique with lighter weights, not simply lifting heavier weights with the same flaws so that I do not improve. I will leave most of my strength work to my squats and pulls. My technique must improve when practising both the classical lifts and also the supplemental assistance exercises.

After a nice warm up, myself and Zag did the counter movement jump test again. Last week I got 42.5cm and this week I got 45.7cm. Zag got 48cm. I just dipped lower, but I also need to get the hang of bring my toes up when I jump to get that extra time in the air. It is just good fun and also a way to see how fresh we are at the time.

I started off performing an exercise recommended to me by Charlie Hamilton and Morgan Ask, a Swedish weightlifter who has helped me out with my technique. It is a nice exercise to warm up with and it is also good to reinforce technical pointers such as staying over the bar and keeping the back locked. It starts off with a Snatch deadlift, then two reverse pulls. I worked up from 60 for a few sets to 70, 80, 90 and 100. The last two sets are on the video below, so let me whether you think I am doing them right and also if you think they will be beneficial.

Snatch--1x3@60, 60, 60 1x2@70 1x1@80, 90 for six singles. Like Saturday, i focused on staying over the bar and extending up. They felt ok, but once I got a faster finish with the pull--Thank you for the point Dr Flanagan--they felt much better. Although tempted, I kept it at 80% so I could work on my technical pointers. One of Charlie Hamilton's technical pointers was to use the shrug at the end of the pull to guide the bar into the correct path while pulling yourself under the bar. I need to start incorporating this agani I think.

After these, I did around 20 minutes of flexibility which I thouroughly enjoyed. As this was an extra session on top of my program, I kept it light and technical with lots of flexibility. Have a look at the video below and let me know of any constructive criticism.

Saturday’s sensibilities

In today’s workout I was determined to work on my technical deficiencies. Last night I watched all the Tommy Kono lectures and I thought they were fantastic. Several people have been telling me I need to stay over the bar and I have been thinking about it lately, but more so over the last few weeks. Then I hit on the Kono lectures just when I needed them, and the principles expounded were exactly those I had to relearn.

That was definitely my epiphany today. The basics I spent so long learning were put on the back burner so that I could work on the minutiae. The basics are the following: you lock your back; stay over the bar, and extend up. Once you do these basics—they are easier said than done—then the bar stays close to your body and centre of gravity and thus your catch is made easier. Elementary skills they may be, but I lost my focus on them. Now I have to relearn them, and the only way I can do this is to leave my ego firmly at the door and start light. Very light. I really would advocate you watching all of the Kono videos because there are several cracking tips in them.

Here is what I did today:
Snatch –1x3@40, 40, 40 1x2@60, 60, 70, 80, 85 for five doubles. I really focused on staying over the bar throughout the first and second pull. Each set got better and although I have not yet mastered it, the bar felt closer and easier to catch once I finished the pull. The more I stay over the bar, the easier the turnover will be with relaxed wrists.

Clean and Jerk—1x1@60, 60, 80, 90, 100, 110, 115, 120 for four singles. Here I worked on staying over the bar again and extending UP. When I brought my elbows through quickly, my racking position was far better in the catch and also in the Jerk.

Front Squat—1x2@120, 130, 140, 150—The last rep of this was a real grinder, but I got it. I need to get my squatting numbers back up again!

Another tip that really helped from Tommy Kono’s lecture was filling the chest with air to solidify the back. I knew this before and I thought I did it. Today, I put more effort into the breath before the pull and I took in as much breath as possible. I felt it helped and the back arch is definitely one of the areas I need to progress on. Have a look at the video below and leave any constructive criticism. Feedback and criticism are really helpful.

Friday's flattened momentum

I had a great sleep last night, ate really well and was looking forward to lifting today. But....it turned out to be a bum note. Fatigue had built up and I could not get around it. I could sense from the frustration building up in the warm up with the bar that it was not going to be a session to wax lyrically about. Never mind. I am still looking forward to tomorrow's session. Here is what I did today:

Snatch--1x3@40, 40, 50 1x2@60, 70 1x1@80, 90, 95--I missed this because my left foot slipped on the platform--powerlifters use talcum powder for their suits and it makes the platform slippy. I then got it barely on the return run. As Sami said, my pull was fine, but my catch was really slow. I left it at that, but looking back, I should have drilled with lighter weights. I let my frustration get the better of me I am afraid.

2 Front Squats and 1 Jerk--1x2@70, 70, 90, 110, 120--I missed 120 twice, and again, I was just lacking in the sharpness department. I also went a bit too high in my jumps in weight. I finished off with 10 minutes of flexibiliy and left it there. Hopefully tomorrow's session will be better.

I will finish the post with a different video of Tommy Kono lecturing on weightlifting technique, the first one being a gem for you coaches out there:





Parts three and four are available if you click on the video itself which will bring you to the Youtube site where you will see the links to the further videos on the right.

Thursday's topped up sense of well being

I felt better again today. Yesterday I used the foam roller to get rid of some of the tension around my hips. I focused on the IT bands, the hamstrings, the quads, the calves and the spine. I followed that with using the massage stick to work over my adductors and I followed this with a 5 minute relaxing groin stretch. I felt better for it today and a lot freer around the hip area.

I did my Back Squats in a seperate 40 minute workout early in the afternoon. In between my warm up sets I did my glute pre hab and one set of wall slides for my scaps and another bit of hip flexibility at the end. I then did the following:
1x5@80 1x3@100 1x2@130, 140, 150, 160, 165, 165--Here I missed the second rep with 165 on both sets. Missing reps aside, I felt pretty good during the brief session.

Later that day in the Hercs, I did the folowing after a nice warm up with overhead squats, glute and scap prehab and some flexibility:

Snatch doubles--1x2@40, 40, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 95, 95--I missed the second rep in the next two sets which was annoying. I was not finishing my pull and as Tommy told me, get your hips more involved. I then did another double with 95 and it was much better. I was not focusing enough on the second rep and because it was a matter of focus, I had to get the double. If it was physical fatigue, I would have left it. I then followed this with an easy single with 100, just because I wanted to lift it.

Jerk behind neck--1x2@80, 100, 120, 130, 130--The second rep on the first set with 130 was in front because I dipped in front because of a lack of focus, butI still ground it out. My second and last set was far more accurate and faster also.

Power Clean doubles--1x2@60, 80, 90, 100, 110--I left it at this because I could feel the fatigue creeping in and it was a struggle to Power Clean 110 twice.

All in all I was hapy with the day's training. I did not really push it other than with the squat failures, but I thought I had them. Never mind. I have a light session tomorrow and then another session on Saturday. Have a look at the video and let me know what you think:

Tuesday's transcience

I felt like a drunken post Christmas eve Santa Claus all day, but I came out of the gym in far better shape than I went in. I felt pretty rough all day and I was not as motivated and optimistic as usual. It is great having Zag to train with again because he helped me clear my mind and just get on with it. We had some fun with the counter movement jump electronic test at the start of our warm up. Zag got 45.8 and I got 42.5. Neither score is much good, but we were both feeling pretty ropy, and it was just for some fun.

I had a good warm up with lots of pre hab and Overhead Squats with the bar. I tried to sort out what Harry was pointing out last night, which was that I was not staying over the bar and that was causing me to hit the bruised area above my groin. I took it light and slow at first, but I worked up to three singles with 80 in the Power Snatch and they felt slow, but smoother than before.

I then went on to the Clean and Jerk where I tried to relax my wrists in the Jerk. They felt more secure and smooth with this slight change. I worked up to singles with 110 and two with 15kg, both are in the video below, so let me know what you think. In the Clean, I tried to get my feet out in the catch and I succeeded a bit. I followed these with Front Squat triples up to 140kg and I left it at that.

I tried to keep the volume down because I was tired and I ended up having a decent session that I enjoyed, unlike last night where I felt like throwing all my toys out of the pram. I have a yoga session tonight which I am looking forward to so off I go.



Here is a Snatch from Pat Mendes, the 19 year old I trained with in Vegas. It is scary because in this video he Snatches 182.5 and he has just gotten 185 in training also. He has been lifting for 18 months and he weighs in at 135kg, 10 kg heavier than when I trained with him.

Monday's monstrosity

Tonight, I had the co-ordination of this guy who just wanted one more beer:


I had a good warm up for around 20 minutes and I was feeling pretty good in general. When I started Snatching, they felt slow,but ok in general. Then came the paralysis by analysis and then came the wrong pulling trajectory and this hit the nearly recovered bruised scooping point. I got up to a single with 95kg and I left it there. Everything felt wrong and when I started to Snatch Pull, I left them also. Although I did not react like this kid, I really wanted to. Harry reacted like the father. Watch till the end, because Gillian was the amused sister recording the event.


I then changed over to Power Clean/Squat Clean combo and I worked up to three doubles with 106kg. The only way I could lift them was if I thought of nothing at all and just lifted straight away. I followed these inordinantly hard lifts with three doubles of 140 in the Back Squat for some nice and easy squats to finish off one hell of a workout.

Friday's fountain of youth

I decided to train today instead of yesterday because I was pretty run down. Today was supposed to be a light session and I enjoyed it. There was a good atmosphere in the gym and Gillian and Karen are lifting well. Harry even did some Power Clean triples for a laugh.

I worked up to 80kg for Power Snatch doubles, focusing on extending up and letting the elbows break over the bar with a nice and snappy turnover. It felt nice lifting off the ground in the Snatch which I have not done since Cork.

I then did a few Power Cleans and Jerks and worked up to a Power Clean with 100 followed by 7 Jerks in a row. I wanted to see if i could beet 9 Jerks with 100 in Scotland, but I did that from the rack. I power Cleaned it this time. Have a look at the video:



I finished off with three triples with 130kg in the Back Squat and some band work for my mid traps and rhomboids. Well done to Sami and Cathal in Poland. You both did us all proud. Next week I will be back to training normally and I can get on with getting ready for the Northern Ireland Open.

Wednesday's weeping willows

I was pretty tired going into today's session, so I decided to have a good warm up and to focus on one movement. I got my glute and hip pre-hab done and I also got in three sets of 20 in the wall slides for my scapular health. A good few sets of Overhead Squats followed and I was nice and loose, particularly after my yoga session last night.

My scooping point is still slightly sore, so I focused on Snatch Pulls, trying to get my hips nice and low and locked and then rise them up to initiate the pull.
1x2@40, 40, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100
1x1@110, 115, 120, 125

I made a video of some of the heavier lifts. My starting position felt ok and I went heavier than I should have, but I just wanted to see what the weights felt like to be honest. Let me know what you think after watching the video. Also, a big shout out to Cathal Byrd who is lifting tomorrow in the 69kg class in the European under 23's, with Sami Dowling lifting on the Friday in the 85's. Good luck to both because they have trained very hard and have put in their dues.



To leave things on a brighter note and to cheer the lads over in Poland, here are some more classic comedy moments:

Monday's monkey business

I had a nice light session today as this week is light week. Which is nice. I worked on my first pull in the Snatch and wildly exaggerated and over compensated staying over the bar which got me staying wayyyyyyy too far over with my hips in the air. This week I will drill my first pull in the Snatch with light weights. A lot. I am going to give it a lot of my training time and I will enjoy doing so. I worked off a three or four inch block with some Snatch pulls today, but I tihnk it was a bit high to start with.

I also did Power Clean + Squat Clean up to 100 for four doubles. I worked on keeping the arms relaxed, or as Tommy told me earlier, "athletically tense". I am hoping this will stop me pulling with the arms while allowing me to get under the bar quicker.

After these, I Back Squatted up to 140 for three doubles, did around twenty minutes of stretching and band work for my scapular health and called it a day. I will leave you with some vintage comedy: