http://californiastrength.com/ Recent Videos Video  In their first year of Olympic Lifting, Ian Anderson and Brent Hisaka qualified for their first National Meet and competed at the 2013 USAW Junior Nationals in the 85kg class. The Results Ian "Cheese Whiz" Anderson (85kg): Bronze Snatch, 4th overall (lost by bodyweight) 4 for 6, 4 PRs! Snatch - 115kg/254lbs C&J - 142kg/313lbs Brent "Fat Scott" Hisaka (85kg): 9th place overall, 6 for 6, 7 PRS!!! Snatch - 107kg/236lbs C&J - 130kg/287lbs Not bad for their 1st National Meet! Apologies for the video quality! The footage was taken with a phone and we couldn't get very close to the platform... You can use social media for the latest news and updates on content from California Strength! We'd appreciate if you'd: LIKE us on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/californiastrength FOLLOW us on Twitter - @calstrength FOLLOW us on Instagram - @cal_strength FOLLOW us on Pinterest - http://pinterest.com/calstrength/ and of course our website - http://californiastrength.com/]]> Wed, 20 Feb 2013 19:40:49 GMT http://californiastrength.com/funny-stuff/viewvideo/293/daily-training-highlights/cal-strength-at-the-2013-usaw-junior-nationals  In the 3rd and final segment of our Posterior Chain Video Series, Head Strength Coach Ernie Hernandez (MS, CSCS) discusses the big movements that we utilize for posterior chain training. This includes: - The Deadlift and its variations - Clean Grip, Snatch Grip, Sumo Grip - Pulling from a Deficit off boards, blocks, or plates - Box Squats (typically reserved for injuries and lifters with a limited range of motion) Part 1 - Bi-lateral Movements http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQMd94-7tvI Part 2 - Unilateral movements http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWMB6x4Iqso These aren't by any means ALL of the posterior chain movements that we use in our programs, but this series should give you plenty of basic movements that you can use to help correct weaknesses and imbalances in your posterior chain. Stay tuned at the end for some outtakes! You can use social media for the latest news and updates on content from California Strength! We'd appreciate if you'd: LIKE us on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/pages/California-Strength/323534492928 FOLLOW us on Twitter - @calstrength FOLLOW us on Instagram - @cal_strength FOLLOW us on Pinterest - http://pinterest.com/calstrength/ and of course our website - http://californiastrength.com/]]> Wed, 20 Feb 2013 19:40:10 GMT http://californiastrength.com/funny-stuff/viewvideo/292/cal-strength-exercises/posterior-chain-exercises-part-3-deadlift-variations-a-box-squats  On Day 3 of the BFS Cycle, the team continues to work on getting Braver Faster and Stronger. The workout starts with snatches from Position 1, focusing on eliminating the counter move (no hitting with the hips) and forcing them to pull themselves under the bar Faster. They follow that up with 1 clean + 2 jerks, having to steel themselves for that second jerk after lowering the bar down from the first. They finish the workout with 5x5 back squats. Highlights: - Ian Anderson and Shaheen Hashemian are less than a week out from competing at Junior Nationals and are practicing the full lifts as a tune-up for the competition. - Rob is still battling a bruised pelvic bone, but hits big numbers from the hang in both lifts, not terribly far from his full lift PRs. - Scott is working on switching from a bent-arm hip clean to a straight-arm clean off the thigh - Spencer attempts to get as many of his 25 squat reps in one go, and manages 12 reps with 190kg. You can use social media for the latest news and updates on content from California Strength! We'd appreciate if you'd: LIKE us on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/pages/California-Strength/323534492928 FOLLOW us on Twitter - @calstrength FOLLOW us on Instagram - @cal_strength FOLLOW us on Pinterest - http://pinterest.com/calstrength/ and of course our website - http://californiastrength.com/]]> Wed, 20 Feb 2013 19:39:31 GMT http://californiastrength.com/funny-stuff/viewvideo/291/daily-training-highlights/day-3-of-the-bfs-cycle  In the second workout of The BFS Cycle, the team continues to focus on increasing that courage and speed with the top portion of the lifts. With some heavy snatching off the blocks (singles and then doubles), the pull is shortened and forces them to get under the bar faster. They follow the snatches up with some light clean & jerks, triples in the back squat, and some ab work. Highlights: Rob Blackwell continues to snatch and clean from the hang due to a bruised pelvic bone, but is starting to approach his PR numbers for full snatch and clean. The BFS must be working... Scott Hisaka helps Nate Omen do a PR 119kg isometric plank Nick Moro (69kg) with a pretty impressive squat-jerk just one week into switching from split-jerking (note - my apologies to Nick for screwing up his name and weight class in previous videos!) You can use social media for the latest news and updates on content from California Strength! We'd appreciate if you'd: LIKE us on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/pages/California-Strength/323534492928 FOLLOW us on Twitter - @calstrength FOLLOW us on Instagram - @cal_strength FOLLOW us on Pinterest - http://pinterest.com/calstrength/ and of course our website - http://californiastrength.com/]]> Tue, 12 Feb 2013 19:37:55 GMT http://californiastrength.com/funny-stuff/viewvideo/290/daily-training-highlights/getting-braver-faster-stronger-the-bfs-cycle-day-2  Fresh off getting #Jacked&Tan in the last cycle, the team jumps into their new training cycle, The BFS Cycle - Braver Faster Stronger. This cycle will have the team starting at a relatively high intensity, with much smaller linear progression increases than the Jacked & Tan Cycle. This cycle is meant to put heavy bars in the team's hand from the very beginning, and we intend on improving their courage at the top portions of the lifts. The first workout has them cleaning from the high blocks and snatching from a deficit. The clean movement is propioceptively shortened by the blocks, forcing them to have to increase their speed into the hole to catch the bar and eliminating the momentum from the pull. The deficit on the snatch lengthens the movement pattern, making a more pronounced first pull and focusing on strength through the hamstrings to stay over the bar. This generates a hamstring stretch reflex to accelerate the bar above the knee into the power position. Are you ready to get Braver Faster Stronger?! note: Rob is lifting funny cause he has a bruised pelvic bone... You can use social media for the latest news and updates on content from California Strength! We'd appreciate if you'd: LIKE us on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/pages/California-Strength/323534492928 FOLLOW us on Twitter - @calstrength FOLLOW us on Instagram - @cal_strength FOLLOW us on Pinterest - http://pinterest.com/calstrength/ and of course our website - http://californiastrength.com/]]> Thu, 07 Feb 2013 05:05:45 GMT http://californiastrength.com/funny-stuff/viewvideo/289/daily-training-highlights/the-start-of-the-bfs-cycle-braver-faster-stronger  Over the weekend, things got hot at California Strength with three of the best female lifters in the country having a fun and furious training session. With Texas state record holder, Team Texas' Erin Garcia (75kg) visiting, and Midtown Barbell's Cecily Basques (69kg) making the drive down from Sacramento, Nicole Lim's (48kg) training partners were hotter and stronger than any others you'd find in the country! Enjoy the looks, the lifts and the laughs! #strongissexy #don'tyouwishyourgf #girlpower #twerkteam #likeaboss Nicole "Littlest" Lim (48kg) - 60kg Snatch, 75kg Clean & Jerk, 135 Total (298 lbs) Cecily Basques (69kg) - 81kg Snatch, 103kg Clean & Jerk, 184kg Total (406 lbs) Erin "Apache" Garcia (75kg) - 85kg Snatch, 100kg Clean & Jerk, 185kg Total (408 lbs) You can use social media for the latest news and updates on content from California Strength! We'd appreciate if you'd: LIKE us on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/pages/California-Strength/323534492928 FOLLOW us on Twitter - @calstrength FOLLOW us on Instagram - @cal_strength FOLLOW us on Pinterest - http://pinterest.com/calstrength/ and of course our website - http://californiastrength.com/]]> Thu, 07 Feb 2013 05:04:51 GMT http://californiastrength.com/funny-stuff/viewvideo/288/women-of-california-strength/my-training-partners-hotter-than-yours  Fresh off the Jacked & Tan Cycle and a strong showing at the PWA Championships, the team gets a week of light lifting to deload and recover before they jump into the next training cycle. The practice was supposed to be high pull + snatch, clean to front squats, and some split jerks. The team did that and then decided to have a little fun with a bro day, and things got a little out of control... Warning: content might not be suitable for children You can use social media for the latest news and updates on content from California Strength! We'd appreciate if you'd: LIKE us on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/pages/California-Strength/323534492928 FOLLOW us on Twitter - @calstrength FOLLOW us on Instagram - @cal_strength FOLLOW us on Pinterest - http://pinterest.com/calstrength/ and of course our website - http://californiastrength.com/]]> Thu, 07 Feb 2013 05:04:15 GMT http://californiastrength.com/funny-stuff/viewvideo/287/funny-stuff/weightlifters-gone-wild  In the middle of the last week of the Jacked & Tan cycle, the team steels themselves for some max front squats, followed by Power Snatches and Power Clean & Jerks, and a few last sets of heavy 4-rep back squats.]]> Thu, 07 Feb 2013 05:03:44 GMT http://californiastrength.com/funny-stuff/viewvideo/286/daily-training-highlights/front-squats-and-powers  It was a big weekend of competition for the Cal Strength Team, with Spencer Moorman going down South to the American Record Makers Meet, and the rest of the team taking the short drive into San Francisco for the PWA Championships. The results: Spencer - 155kg snatch, 185 c&j - 1st place overall, winning a $1000 Grand Prize for the top lifter PWA Championships: Rob - 130kg snatch, PR 166kg c&j - 1st place 94kg class Scott - 128kg snatch, PR 164kg c&j - 2nd place 94kg class Nate - PR 116 kg snatch, PR 143kg c&j - 3rd place 94kg class "Uncle" Charles - PR 109kg snatch, PR 133kg c&j - 4th place 94kg class Brent - 95kg snatch, PR 125kg c&j - Ian - 111kg snatch, 140kg c&j - 2nd place 85kg class Josh - 110kg snatch, PR 135kg c&j - 3rd place 85kg class Louie Arias III - 90kg snatch, 120kg c&j - 1st place 77kg class Shaheen - 95kg snatch, XXX c&j - 3rd place snatch 77kg class Andrew - 65kg snatch, 86kg c&j - 2nd place 62kg class Nicole - 50kg snatch, 73kg c&j - 1st place 48kg class Casey - 61kg snatch, 75kg c&j - 4th place 58kg class]]> Thu, 07 Feb 2013 05:03:05 GMT http://californiastrength.com/funny-stuff/viewvideo/285/daily-training-highlights/cal-strength-at-the-2013-pwa-championships  It's the final week of the Jacked & Tan cycle, and the team is looking forward to finishing it, but there are still a few brutal workouts left. Tonight's workout entails snatch triples off the blocks, followed by 5 sets of 6 back squats, with some dumbbell box squats thrown in for good measure. Scott and Spence decide to take the box jumps to a whole new level, using 100 lb dumbbells! Next up, PWA Championships!]]> Thu, 07 Feb 2013 05:02:32 GMT http://californiastrength.com/funny-stuff/viewvideo/284/daily-training-highlights/last-week-of-the-jacked-a-tan-cycle  Entering the final week of their Jacked & Tan cycle, the team is putting up some pretty ridiculous weights. Tonight's practice includes a few sets of clean triples off the blocks, followed by 4 sets of 8 reps on the back squat, but many of the lifters are working with what used to be maximal weights. The team is a little beat up and tired, but with PWA Championships coming up this weekend, and the end of the cycle as a light at the end of the tunnel, the guys are grinding through the workouts.]]> Thu, 07 Feb 2013 05:02:02 GMT http://californiastrength.com/funny-stuff/viewvideo/283/daily-training-highlights/clean-triples-off-the-blocks-and-8-rep-back-squats  In part 2 of our Posterior Chain Exercise series, we continue to highlight exercises that we utilize to improve lagging strength in the hamstrings, and in particular fix imbalances in this video. In Part 1, we discussed the various bilateral movements that we use. In this video, we discuss some of the unilateral movements that we recommend, including the Single-leg Romanian Deadlift (RDL), the Kneeling Hamstring Curl, the Death March, and the 5-cone Touch. California Strength Head Strength Coach, Ernie Hernandez, demonstrates the technique for each exercise, as well as some of the benefits and targeted muscles for each. Click here if you missed Part 1 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQMd94-7tvI For a more in-depth instruction of the Death March, check out this video that we posted previously on our channel with instruction by Glenn Pendlay, and demonstration by Jon North. Click here for the previous Death March video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2o_lal2jpQc Check back soon for Part 3, where we will discuss the big movements that we use to work on the posterior chain.]]> Thu, 07 Feb 2013 05:01:22 GMT http://californiastrength.com/funny-stuff/viewvideo/282/cal-strength-exercises/posterior-chain-exercises-part-2-unilateral-movements  In the 4th week of their Jacked & Tan cycle, the team is up 40kg on the starting weight of their front squat triples, and 20kg up on their snatch work, doing 1 full snatch followed by 2 hang snatches. There are a couple small local meets in the coming weeks, but the weights just keep on getting heavier!]]> Thu, 07 Feb 2013 05:00:52 GMT http://californiastrength.com/funny-stuff/viewvideo/281/daily-training-highlights/front-squat-triples-and-12-hang-snatches  Nearly 8 months out from the next big National Meet, the team has entered a new training cycle - the Jacked and Tan Cycle. The team is on a modified Russian Squat Program and is squatting just about every day, as well as adding in much more typical strength work than normal to help jack up their strength levels. Tonight's workout is more sets of 4 back squats, as well as as some swoll patrol using alternating dumbbell bench press and Pendlay rows. The team is 3 weeks into the linear progression program, and the weights are starting to get really heavy... You can use social media for the latest news and updates on content from California Strength! We'd appreciate if you'd: LIKE us on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/pages/California-Strength/323534492928 FOLLOW us on Twitter - @calstrength FOLLOW us on Instagram - @cal_strength FOLLOW us on Pinterest - http://pinterest.com/calstrength/ and of course our website - http://californiastrength.com/]]> Thu, 07 Feb 2013 05:00:10 GMT http://californiastrength.com/funny-stuff/viewvideo/280/daily-training-highlights/the-jacked-and-tan-cycle  A fun day of squat-racing at California Strength turns into pain and peril. Ian Anderson loses a slapbet betting on Nate Omen to beat Scott Hisaka, and pays for it. After the pain, Rob and Scott have a single-leg lift competition, both snatch and clean & jerk, and then Scott and Nate tandem-clean 240kg (529 lbs)! Note: Please do not try any of this at home. This is just the team fooling around and we do not program any of this into our training regimen. Happy New Years, 2013! You can use social media for the latest news and updates on content from California Strength! We'd appreciate if you'd: LIKE us on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/pages/California-Strength/323534492928 FOLLOW us on Twitter - @calstrength FOLLOW us on Instagram - @cal_strength FOLLOW us on Pinterest - http://pinterest.com/calstrength/ and of course our website - http://californiastrength.com/]]> Thu, 07 Feb 2013 04:59:34 GMT http://californiastrength.com/funny-stuff/viewvideo/279/daily-training-highlights/slapbet-and-240kg-tandem-clean  The Cal Strength Team celebrates the holidays with a little fun and Reindeer Games. The guys compete in one of our NFL Combine testing drills, seeing who can post the fastest time in the 5-10-5 shuttle (Scott and Rob tied for first with matching 4.41 sec times). The highlight of the day off is a little intra-team Tug-of-War between Team Rob and Team Spencer. Team Spencer (244kg): Spencer Moorman (105kg) Nate Omen (77kg) Andrew Jester (62kg) vs Team Rob (247kg): Rob Blackwell (85kg) Scott Hisaka (85kg) Shaheen Hashemian (77kg) Happy Holidays to all from the Cal Strength Team!]]> Thu, 07 Feb 2013 04:58:29 GMT http://californiastrength.com/funny-stuff/viewvideo/278/funny-stuff/reindeer-games  Days before Christmas, the team has 10 timed singles at 80% + 5kg in each of the snatch and clean & jerk as part of their linear progression program. With 30 seconds to complete the lift and 1:30 rest (2 for clean & jerk), the team is trying to stay sharp during the holidays with such a long period of time between competitions.]]> Thu, 07 Feb 2013 04:58:00 GMT http://californiastrength.com/funny-stuff/viewvideo/277/daily-training-highlights/timed-singles-for-christmas  In the first part of a 3-part series, California Strength Head Strength Coach, Ernie Hernandez (MS, CSCS), explains some of the bi-lateral exercises that we use with our athletes and weightlifters to work on the posterior chain. These exercises include the eccentric glut ham raise, lying leg curl, reverse hyper, and back extension. Part 2 will discuss uni-lateral movements, so stay tuned!]]> Thu, 07 Feb 2013 04:57:27 GMT http://californiastrength.com/funny-stuff/viewvideo/276/cal-strength-exercises/posterior-chain-exercises-part-1-bi-lateral-movements  With the American Open in the rear-view mirror, and 8 months to go until Nationals, the team turns to the next cycle of training with the intention of sending their strength levels through the roof. With a hybridized version of a Russian Squat program in the cards for the next 6 weeks, they start things off with some light sets of 6 and heavy sets of 3 and 5 in the back squat, and 1 rep max on the front squat. Bonus footage at the end of the team goofing around with some overhead pistol squats!]]> Thu, 07 Feb 2013 04:56:53 GMT http://californiastrength.com/funny-stuff/viewvideo/275/daily-training-highlights/lots-of-squats-at-california-strength  Known for his funny hair and t-shirts, antics, and motivational intensity during practice, Spencer Moorman is the big man on the Cal Strength Campus. The emotional leader of the team holds numerous Clean & Jerk records, including the PWA Junior Record (196kg), School-Age National Record (172kg), and the Junior National Record (204kg). Fresh off a 2nd place performance at his first National Meet as a 105kg lifter, at a ripe young age of 21 years old, Spencer has an immensely bright future.]]> Thu, 07 Feb 2013 04:56:20 GMT http://californiastrength.com/funny-stuff/viewvideo/274/funny-stuff/spencer-moorman-cal-strength-superman  During the week following their performance at the American Open, the Cal Strength Team gets rewarded with low-key training for the week. With some light hang snatches at 60% to stay sharp, the team is also given time to do some fun training and decides to answer the frequently asked question, "How much can you bench?" Bonus footage at the end of Nicole tinkering with her start position!]]> Thu, 07 Feb 2013 04:55:44 GMT http://californiastrength.com/funny-stuff/viewvideo/273/daily-training-highlights/the-week-off-after-the-american-open  The Cal Strength Team made the long road trip down to Palm Springs, CA for the American Open, one of the two National Meets this year, and brought home 3rd! We're proud of all of our lifters' efforts, and as one of the youngest teams at the event, we can't wait to see what the future holds! Andrew Jester - 62/81 - 5th place! *Casey - 60/77 *Nate - 103/134 - 10th place as the only Junior in his session! *Scott - 121/151 *Nicole - attempted 53/75 Rob - 130/comp PR 165 - 5th place! Danny - comp PR 128/153 - 4th place! Spencer - 147/weight class comp PR 192 - 2nd place at his first National Meet as a 105! Team - 3rd place! *denotes 1st National Meet Also, at the Outlaw Open (National Crossfit Meet at American Open): Danny Lehr - 16th Josh Phillips - 29th Casey Hutnick - 21st]]> Thu, 07 Feb 2013 04:55:15 GMT http://californiastrength.com/funny-stuff/viewvideo/272/daily-training-highlights/team-cal-strength-at-the-american-open  Head Strength Coach, Ernie Hernandez, discusses some of the tips we have for training with wrist injuries, including the various pull variations, and how to use straps to make squatting easier. We do want to stress that you should see a medical professional and get a proper diagnosis on the extent of the injury, and we don't encourage anyone to train through an injury before it is properly healed. However, if your doctor says that it is okay to continue to train, these are some techniques that might help you to stay active and keep strength levels up without further aggravating the injury.]]> Thu, 07 Feb 2013 04:54:43 GMT http://californiastrength.com/funny-stuff/viewvideo/271/cal-strength-exercises/tips-for-training-with-a-wrist-injury  With the team still tapering leading up the American Open, tonight's practice utilized snatching off the blocks. The team works up to some heavy singles before dropping to doubles. Snatching off the blocks can make practice really interesting!]]> Thu, 07 Feb 2013 04:54:10 GMT http://californiastrength.com/funny-stuff/viewvideo/270/daily-training-highlights/snatches-off-the-blocks  With less than two weeks left until the American Open, the team is in the middle of tapering right as Turkey Day hits. With the weights going down little by little as the week goes on, some of the team dresses up for the festivities,although we couldn't find any pilgrim costumes! With some heavy singles in the snatch, moderate doubles in the clean & jerk, and some light assistant work following the lifts, the team is pumped and ready to go for AOs.]]> Thu, 07 Feb 2013 04:53:38 GMT http://californiastrength.com/funny-stuff/viewvideo/269/daily-training-highlights/turkey-day-tapering  California Strength Head Strength Coach, Ernie Hernandez, talks about some exercises we use to improve shoulder stability and scapular mobility with our athletes. Exercises covered include band pull-aparts, the Sotts press, the YTW, and the kneeling kettlebell press. Demonstrations of each exercise are performed by Scott Hisaka.]]> Thu, 07 Feb 2013 04:52:22 GMT http://californiastrength.com/funny-stuff/viewvideo/268/cal-strength-exercises/shoulder-stability-a-scapular-mobility-exercises  With a few weeks left until the American Open, the team uses wave training in practice, doing two waves each of 80-85-90% in the snatch and clean & jerk. The focus right now is on tightening up technique and making one last push before tapering for the National Meet.]]> Thu, 07 Feb 2013 04:50:22 GMT http://californiastrength.com/funny-stuff/viewvideo/267/daily-training-highlights/wave-training-at-california-strength  With our typical cadre of Friday friends from out of town (Midtown Barbell, Sacramento, CA), Rob Blackwell, Nate Omen and Andrew Jester all set new PR totals in a fun-filled practice. Nicole Lim, Cecily Basques and Spencer Moorman all made valiant attempts at PRs of their own. Rob Blackwell (85kg) - 140kg snatch, PR 164 clean & jerk, 304kg total! Nate Omen (77kg) - 110kg snatch, PR 150kg clean & jerk, 260kg total Andrew Jester (56kg) - PR 68kg snatch, PR 90kg clean & jerk, 158kg total Guests: Cecily Basques (69kg) Mary Peck (63kg) Ariel Stephens (69kg) Jason Wacker (94kg)]]> Thu, 07 Feb 2013 04:49:49 GMT http://californiastrength.com/funny-stuff/viewvideo/266/daily-training-highlights/rob-nate-and-andrew-hit-pr-totals-w-a-full-house  The Cal Strength Team decides to suit up for Halloween while doing their timed lifts in practice. With 3 spooky sets each at 85 and 90% in both snatch and clean & jerk, the team has a little fun while throwing around these hauntingly heavy weights in preparation for the Golden West Open. (apologies in advance for the back and forth, shaky video action!)]]> Thu, 07 Feb 2013 04:49:12 GMT http://californiastrength.com/funny-stuff/viewvideo/265/daily-training-highlights/halloween-halterofilia-weightlifting  With one last local meet left to qualify for the American Open, the Cal Strength Team took a road trip up to Redding, CA for the Don Wilson Golden West Open. The team performed very well, setting several new competition PRs and PWA records. Nate Omen and Casey Hutnick qualified for the American Open, and Scott Hisaka was able to qualify for the A session. Ian Anderson made a PWA school-age record 140kg attempt that also would have qualified him for the American Open, and would've been a PR for him, but he barely missed the lift at the last second. Andrew Jester's two competition PRs made him the #1 ranked school-age 56kg lifter in the country. Nicole Lim smashed all three of her previous PWA records. Rob Blackwell's 298kg total was the highest total by any weightlifter in any weight class at the entire meet, and his 166kg clean & jerk attempt would've been a PR and given him new PWA records for clean & jerk and total. Andrew - 67/88 1st 56kg Nate - 110/137 1st 77kg, 1st in session by Sinclair Ian - 107/140xxx Casey - 55/77 Nicole - 58/75 1st 48kg, 3rd in session by Sinclair Scott - 130/152 2nd 85kg, 2nd in session by Sinclair Rob - 136/162 1st 85kg, 1st in session by Sinclair Charles - 105-130, 2nd in session by Sinclair]]> Thu, 07 Feb 2013 04:48:34 GMT http://californiastrength.com/funny-stuff/viewvideo/264/daily-training-highlights/the-cal-strength-team-at-the-golden-west-open  With new friend, Jake Pudenz, visiting from Iowa, and Spencer, Rob and Nicole away on vacation, the rest of the team steps up to the spotlight for some big lifts. Jake PRs in the snatch and barely misses two attempts at his clean & jerk PR, and Casey Hutnick, Nate Omen, Andrew Jester and Josh Phillips all follow his lead with PRs and big attempts of their own. Jake Pudenz (105kg) - PR 123kg Snatch, PR attempt 125kg Snatch, PR attempt 180kg C&J Casey Hutnick (58kg) - PR 77kg C&J, PR attempt 80kg C&J Nate Omen (77kg) - PR 141kg and 144kg C&J Andrew Jester (56kg) - PR attempt 68kg Snatch, PR 87kg C&J, PR attempt 90kg C&J Josh Phillips (94kg) - PR 116kg Snatch, PR attempt 141 kg C&J]]> Thu, 07 Feb 2013 04:48:01 GMT http://californiastrength.com/funny-stuff/viewvideo/263/daily-training-highlights/big-lifts-with-jake-pudenz  The team drops the weight down for their timed reps, working on increasing the speed under the bar and focusing on technique and precision. Meanwhile, Rob and Nicole compete in the Hawaii Open while on vacation, representing Cal Strength out in the Islands and taking their last break before gearing up for the home stretch to the American Open.]]> Thu, 07 Feb 2013 04:47:32 GMT http://californiastrength.com/funny-stuff/viewvideo/262/daily-training-highlights/timed-reps-and-the-hawaii-open  With Rob and Nicole on vacation in Hawaii, the team is joined by some of our friends from Midtown Barbell. Cecily Basques, Ariel Stephens and Mary Peck help make practice fun and intense, and Nate Omen, Andrew Jester and Spencer Moorman all come through with big PRs. Andrew Jester (56kg) - 67kg Snatch, 88kg Clean & jerk Nate Omen (77kg) - 115kg Snatch, a 7 kg PR!, 140kg Clean & jerk Spencer Moorman (105kg) - 191kg Clean & Jerk, a PR at his new weight class]]> Thu, 07 Feb 2013 04:46:56 GMT http://californiastrength.com/funny-stuff/viewvideo/261/daily-training-highlights/prs-with-friends  Despite much of the rest of the team struggling with inconsistencies during a rough day of practice, Spencer proves to be a model of consistency and sets the tone, demanding that the rest of the team step up and follow his lead.]]> Thu, 07 Feb 2013 04:46:17 GMT http://californiastrength.com/funny-stuff/viewvideo/260/daily-training-highlights/spencer-moorman-setting-the-tone  The Cal Strength Team decides to take a break from Fighting the War on Mediocrity, and Fight the War Against Breast Cancer instead. In tonight's practice, they take 3 singles at 85%, then 3 singles at 90% in both the snatch and clean & jerk. If they go 5 for 6 on their lifts, they get to do max attempts, and each kg over 90% results in a donation for The Breast Cancer Research Foundation at the following rates. Girls - 1 kg over 90% = $10 Guys - 1 kg over 90% = $5 With an aggregate total of 145 kg over 90% on made lifts, the team raised $890! The Breast Cancer Research Foundation is the only cancer organization given an A+ rating by CharityWatch, and over 90% of each dollar raised helps to fund research and awareness programs. For more information, visit: http://www.bcrfcure.org/ We encourage you to do your part and support the Fight Against Breast Cancer!]]> Mon, 22 Oct 2012 12:49:21 GMT http://californiastrength.com/funny-stuff/viewvideo/259/daily-training-highlights/cal-strength-fighting-the-war-on-breast-cancer  The California Strength Olympic Lifting Team heads into San Francisco to compete in the Columbus Day Open. With less than two months left until the American Open, a few of the guys need to bring their A game to qualify. The results: - Nicole "Littlest" Lim (48kg) - 55kg Snatch, 74kg Clean & Jerk, 129 Total (Set new PWA records for the Clean & Jerk and Total for the Women's 48kg class) - Andrew Jester (56kg) - 65kg Snatch, 82kg Clean & Jerk (PR), 147kg Total (the 147kg Total qualified him for the American Open as a Senior 56kg) - Ian Anderson (77kg) - 107kg Snatch, 132kg Clean & Jerk, 239kg Total - Nate Omen (77kg) - missed all 3 Snatch attempts, 138 Clean & Jerk - Josh Phillips (85kg) - 110kg Snatch, 130kg Clean & Jerk, 240kg Total - Charles Shipman (105kg) - 103kg Snatch, 132kg Clean & Jerk, 235kg Total - Danny Lehr (94kg) - 120kg Snatch, 157kg Clean & Jerk, 277kg Total]]> Tue, 16 Oct 2012 17:37:12 GMT http://californiastrength.com/funny-stuff/viewvideo/258/daily-training-highlights/california-strength-at-the-columbus-day-open  The team takes 5 singles at 85% and 90% in the snatch and clean & jerk. With the deadline to qualify for the American Open looming, Ian, Nate and Andrew are working hard to get where they need to be to qualify.]]> Tue, 16 Oct 2012 17:36:23 GMT http://californiastrength.com/funny-stuff/viewvideo/257/daily-training-highlights/singles-at-85-and-90  California Strength - we work hard, and we play hard. If you haven't already, please subscribe to our channel so you never miss out on any of the action, whether it be big lifts, team updates, educational videos or more shenanigans!]]> Tue, 16 Oct 2012 17:35:43 GMT http://californiastrength.com/funny-stuff/viewvideo/256/funny-stuff/cal-strength-shenanigans  In their first workout of the new training cycle, the team does 10 singles in both snatch and clean & jerk @ 85%. They have 2 minutes to rest between lifts, and 30 seconds to complete the lift once the timer says go. The 2 minute clock helps to simulate competition conditions, and by the end of practice the team is lifting under some pretty intense fatigue. Weights: (snatch, clean & jerk) Andrew - 56, 74 Nicole - 52 , 63 Shaheen - 76, 94 Ian - 94, 115 Rob - 121, 140 Spence - 130, 165]]> Tue, 16 Oct 2012 17:33:44 GMT http://californiastrength.com/funny-stuff/viewvideo/255/daily-training-highlights/10-timed-singles-at-85  Known for her "Littlest" stature, good looks, and adorable tantrums after misses, Nicole is quickly becoming one of the top female weightlifters in the country. With just under a year of Olympic Lifting experience under her belt she has already set Pacific Weightlifting Association Records in the snatch (56kg) and Total (126) for the Women's 48kg class, and currenty has personal bests of 61kg in the snatch, and 74kg in the clean & jerk. We are excited for her National debut as a member of the team, and are looking forward to what she can accomplish now that she has dedicated herself full time to Olympic Lifting. For more information on upcoming California Strength seminars, or to learn how to set one up at your gym, visit: http://californiastrength.com/store/seminars-and-clinics]]> Tue, 16 Oct 2012 17:33:16 GMT http://californiastrength.com/funny-stuff/viewvideo/254/olympic-weightlifting/nicole-lim-cal-strength-princess  See more educational exercise videos here: http://www.californiastrength.com/cal-strength-exercises/viewcategory/21/cal-strength-exercises Cal Strength's Rob Blackwell gives a short tutorial on how to set up and execute the two different variations of the Jerk Ladder. This is a great exercise for fixing forward drift and knee alignment problems with your jerk positioning, and also serves as a great core stabilization exercise as well.]]> Tue, 16 Oct 2012 17:32:41 GMT http://californiastrength.com/funny-stuff/viewvideo/253/cal-strength-exercises/jerk-ladder-tutorial  The Cal Strength Team competed at the United Barbell Open this weekend in Oakland, CA. The results were: Andrew Jester (56kg) - 3 for 6, 60kg snatch, 77kg c&j Nate Omen (77kg) - 1 for 6, 105kg snatch Scott Hisaka (85kg) - 3 for 6, 120kg snatch, 147kg c&j (finished 2nd in the 1st session) Rob Blackwell (85kg) - 3 for 6, 130kg snatch, 157kg c&j (finished 1st in the 1st session) Spencer Moorman (105kg) - 5 for 6, 150kg snatch, 180kg c&j (finished 2nd in the 2nd session Scott's total qualified him for the American Open, as did Spencer's total at his new 105kg weight class. Andrew is almost completely recovered from his elbow injury sustained a few weeks ago in practice, and has qualified for the school-age American Open, but will take another shot at qualifying as a Junior at the next local meet. Nate dropped 13kg over the last two weeks to make the 77kg weight class, and we anticipate that with some time to acclimate at his new weight class, will qualify for the American Open at the next local meet as well. Meanwhile, Coach Spitz and Nicole traveled to Montreal for one of our Cal Strength seminars, hosted at Crossfit de l'Ouest. Nicole hit a PR snatch of 61kg, and a PR c&j of 74kg in front of the seminar participants.]]> Tue, 16 Oct 2012 17:32:19 GMT http://californiastrength.com/funny-stuff/viewvideo/252/daily-training-highlights/team-cal-strength-at-the-ub-open  With most of the team away on vacation, Rob Blackwell and Nicole Lim decide to have a mini competition in practice - the first ever Battle of the Sexes at Cal Strength! Round 1 is snatches off the high boards, and Round 2 is cleans off the blocks. The winner is decided by highest % of max, and both competitors were fired up enough to hit PRs in both exercises. After a closely fought back-and-forth battle, Nicole Lim took both rounds for the win and some major bragging rights.]]> Tue, 16 Oct 2012 17:31:47 GMT http://californiastrength.com/funny-stuff/viewvideo/251/daily-training-highlights/the-cal-strength-battle-of-the-sexes  The team spruces up Friday practice by wearing singlets with visiting local favorite, D'Angelo Osorio. After 3 waves of increasingly heavier lifts, the team goes for some max attempts, with Nicole taking two close shots at PRs at 74 and 75kg in the clean & jerk.]]> Tue, 16 Oct 2012 17:31:09 GMT http://californiastrength.com/funny-stuff/viewvideo/250/daily-training-highlights/heavy-lifts-on-singlet-friday-with-dangelo-osorio  See more educational exercise videos here: http://www.californiastrength.com/cal-strength-exercises/viewcategory/21/cal-strength-exercises Rob Blackwell and Spencer Moorman answer some of the frequent questions we get regarding the hip cleaning technique that they use, including why they use the hip clean, what the proper technique is, and what the deal is with the arm bend. They also demonstrate the difference between a hip clean and a regular clean, as well as the proper vs improper way to do a hip clean.]]> Tue, 16 Oct 2012 17:30:23 GMT http://californiastrength.com/funny-stuff/viewvideo/249/cal-strength-exercises/hip-cleaning-101  In celebration of our 400th video, we decided to give you a behind the scenes look at our Love/Hate relationship with the weights. The long-awaited sequel to the original California Strength Train Hard video (www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pjbgFmcotQ). Thanks for watching, and hopefully another 400 videos to come!]]> Tue, 16 Oct 2012 17:28:59 GMT http://californiastrength.com/funny-stuff/viewvideo/248/daily-training-highlights/train-hard-2  For this week's Friday practice, the Cal Strength Olympic Lifting Team hosts its First Annual Hunger Games Competition. The honor of representing their districts falls to: District L - Nicole "Littlest" Lim (48kg) District S - Spencer Moorman (105kg) District R - Robert Blackwell (85kg) District N - Nate Omen (77kg?) District I - Ian Anderson (77kg?) The Games: Attempts at 75-80-85-80-85-90-85-90-95, + 2 attempts at each max attempt Rewards: $100 for most made attempts $50 for second $25 for third Let the games begin! (17 year-old Ian Anderson is crowned champion after hitting PRs in both snatch and clean & jerk, a 10kg total PR day!)]]> Tue, 16 Oct 2012 17:28:33 GMT http://californiastrength.com/funny-stuff/viewvideo/247/daily-training-highlights/the-1st-annual-cal-strength-hunger-games  The Cal Strength Olympic Lifting Team is feeling the need for speed! The Monday workout regimen is designed to work on their technique and speed transitioning under the bar. The team opens the practice with some work on the high boards. Starting from position 1 eliminates the pull, forcing them to transition under the bar and get into the receiving position faster. Hanging their toes off the boards forces them to stay on their heels throughout the lift. Next, the team works on cleans off the blocks, and finishes it up with 3 front squats and a jerk.]]> Tue, 16 Oct 2012 17:28:10 GMT http://californiastrength.com/funny-stuff/viewvideo/246/daily-training-highlights/the-need-for-speed  The Cal Strength Olympic Lifting Team is back at it again, making progress in the latest training cycle. Nicole tops last week with PRs of 58kg and 60kg in the snatch, and a PR 72kg clean & jerk. Andrew also builds on last week with another snatch PR of 66kg. Ian Anderson posts a new clean & jerk PR of 132 kg, and then makes a valiant attempt at 135kg. Nate Omen posts PRs in the snatch (107kg) and the clean & jerk (140kg), and nearly adds onto the clean PR with another follow-up. It's raining PRs around here!]]> Tue, 16 Oct 2012 17:27:46 GMT http://californiastrength.com/funny-stuff/viewvideo/245/daily-training-highlights/its-raining-prs-at-cal-strength  For their Wednesday workout, in a silly sign of solidarity in support of who knows what, the team decides to wear headbands to spice things up and get over the hump. Their workout consists of 3 singles at 75, 80 and 85%, in week 2 of the newest linear progression cycle - lots of volume, and lots of fun!]]> Tue, 16 Oct 2012 17:27:23 GMT http://californiastrength.com/funny-stuff/viewvideo/244/daily-training-highlights/headband-day-at-cal-strength