Our Mission: Return The United States Back To Relevance In Weightlifting

Dave Spitz shares the story behind California Strength and his life’s work, to return the United States back to relevance in Olympic Weightlifting.

[Q&A] Jaden Washington: Cal Strength Junior Member or Captain America?

If Cal Strength were the Avengers, Jaden Washington would be Captain America. He’s polite, well-mannered, works hard, and always does the right thing. Jaden is representing Team USA at the IWF Junior World Championships in Tashkent, Uzbekistan this week and I thought it would be fitting to do a little Q&A with him.

Sports and CompetitionNicole LimJuly 9, 2018Jaden Washington, Cal Strength, Cal Strength Junior, Interview, Q&A, Captain America, Nicole Lim, Rob Blackwell, David Spitz, California Strength, Wes Kitts, CrossFit, Olympic Weightlifting, Clean & Jerk, Programming, Harrison MaurusComment

The PR Paradigm: What It Means To Trust The Process

While there are no perfect models to predict how and when athletes will rebound from physical or psychological adversity, if they remain in this sport long enough, the progression will inevitably be cyclical in nature. When telling an athlete to trust the process, it is easier to do so when there is visibility into the journey by those who have traveled the road before them.

David SpitzJune 11, 2018PR Paradigm, PR, Personal Record, Training, Competition, Weightlifting Competition, Olympic Weightlifting, Snatch, Clean and Jerk, Cal Strength Comment

Donovan Ford Shines At The American Open Series in Miami

Taking a look back at the American Open Series and Pan American Championships last month in Miami, Florida there were a number of notable performances across the board. One thing is ABUNDANTLY clear, weightlifting in the United States continues to improve across every weight class and gender.

American Donovan Ford, a veteran in the sport, put together a dominating performance winning the Snatch, Clean & Jerk and Total on his way to gold in the 105kg weight class.

We had a chance to catch up with Donovan to discuss his American Open performance and his training that led up to the meet.

Community Content, Olympic Weightlifting, Sports and CompetitionScott EsparzaAugust 8, 2017Donovan Ford, American Open, Miami, Cal Strength, Olympic Weightlifting, USA WeightliftingComment

Are You Taking Enough Mental Reps?

Think your weightlifting program is perfect? You've accounted for volume, intensity, exercise selection and have lined up your periodization to peak at the perfect time; but wait. Have you added mental reps into the equation? All your blood, sweat and tears could easily be for not if the mental side of training is forgotten. Don't worry, we have you covered!

Olympic Weightlifting, Sports and Competition, Strength trainingNicole LimJune 27, 2017Morghan King, Olympic Weightlifting, Hookgrip, California Strength, Mental, Training, Weightlifting, Programming, Clean & Jerk, Snatch Comment

Why Scapular Mobility Is Critical For Olympic Weightlifting

The scapula, or more commonly known as the shoulder blades, play a critically important role as the foundation for mobile shoulder joints. A great movement for increasing strength, stability and mobility of the scapula is Scapular Cat Cow. This exercise enables singular focus on the movement of the scapula alone which will make it easier for you to call upon it when needed.

Mobility and Flexibility, Olympic WeightliftingSandra ArechaederraFebruary 23, 2017Mobility, Scapular, Scap, Olympic Weightlifting, California Strength, Athletes, Stretch, Stretching, StretchesComment