Author Archives: hoofgripwl

Aaron has been training for a few months. His parents came to me to help him with strength and explosive power. He plays multiple sports to include baseball and soccer. His typical training consists of either back or front squats, explosive lifts (Olympic lifts), some type of upper body strength, and once in a whileContinue reading “Aaron the King”

There is a clear relationship between rate of force development (RFD) and multiple components of physical performance like jumping, sprinting, throwing, and quick changes of direction. Not only is RFD an integral component in anaerobic and aerobic performance, it can also be used to differentiate athletic performance. Some tests, such as the broad jump, mayContinue reading “Olympic Weightlifting Trains Explosive Power”

One thing I will always appreciate about having been a penniless immigrant in America who had to learn English and assimilate into the culture was that I experienced firsthand what it’s like to be an underdog. I love underdogs. Americans love underdogs. Andrew entered his third Weightlifting Nationals. He competed in the 14-15 year-old, 67-kiloContinue reading “My Son Enters His 3rd Youth Weightlifting Nationals”

Back in late August 2022, Andrew hurt his knee when he landed on a trampoline in an unsafe manner. He did not do any weightlifting-type moves for at least 6 weeks until we got clearance from the doctor. A few weeks ago, the MRI thankfully confirmed that his knee was fine and the doctor gaveContinue reading “Bodybuilding Will Get You Stronger”

Andrew has been training since he was 9. I signed him up to enter his first meet in 2020, but the plan was cancelled due to Covid. He continued to train throughout 2021. January 2022, he entered his first meet. His total lift at that local meet qualified him for Youth Nationals in June 2022,Continue reading “Andrew at Youth National Weightlifting Championship”

Hard to believe Andrew has been weightlifting for 2 years. He started in November of 2019. He was barely 75-lbs. Just the other day we reviewed some of his lifts when he first started. We both laughed at how “cringey” he moved. But I knew he would do well in the sport. He was onlyContinue reading “A Little Boy’s 2-Year Weightlifting Journey”

WOW. It’s been a few years since my last upload. Andrew has come a long way.

A parent who is taking the role of a coach to teach a child who is taking the role of an athlete is oftentimes difficult.   Why? Because…. “Familiarity breeds contempt” -Proverb The more acquainted one becomes with a person, the more one knows about his or her shortcomings and, hence, the more difficult it isContinue reading “Coach-Athlete Dynamics Within A Father-Son Relationship”

There is no such thing as “too old” or “too young.” Age is just a number. For younger lifters, the most important consideration is the youth’s level of maturity. Weightlifting is a great sport. It’s a fun sport. But it also requires a high level of focus. Children are supposed to be just that –Continue reading “Weightlifting is for All Ages”