Dynamic vs. Static Start: Which Snatch Technique Is Right For YOU?

Should you use a Dynamic Start or a Static Start?

You may have the tendency to model your technique off of your favorite professional weightlifter but when it comes to YOUR technique, we need to use the start position that's best for your skill, experience and strength level.

In this video we break down the difference between the Dynamic and Static start and discuss the pros and cons of each technique.

Olympic WeightliftingDavid SpitzSeptember 8, 2020cal strength, cal strength weightlifting, static start, dynamic start, snatch, how to snatch, snatch technique, snatch start technique, start position, snatch start position, wes kitts, jake bakerComment

Weightlifting Cycle Breakdown: Panther, Power & Performance (3P Panther)

Our new weightlifting cycle "Panther, Power and Performance" starts today! This is a variation of our famous 3P Cycle and we've suped it up for 2020 as a tribute to the late, great Chadwick Boseman. A man who embodied our philosophy of working everyday with love and gratitude.

Olympic WeightliftingDavid SpitzAugust 31, 20203p panther, panther, panther power performance, 3p, cal strength, cal strength weightlifting, weightlifting, weightlifting programComment

[VIDEO] 9 Minute Guided Core Workout

Hitting a 9 minute core workout is hard enough but to do it alone is brutal. Hit play and get after it with us!

Strength trainingDavid SpitzAugust 19, 2020ab circuit, core circuit, ripped and ready program, ab exercises, core exercises, ab workout, core workout Comment

How To Assign Your Grip Width In The Clean

Assigning your grip width is the FIRST step you should take when learning how to Clean. Your grip width is ultimately going to dictate where the bar makes contact in your power position and what your front rack ultimately ends up looking like.

Olympic Weightlifting, Strength trainingDavid SpitzApril 11, 2020how to clean, grip width, how to power clean, how to squat clean, assign clean grip width, determine clean grip width, weightlifting, olympic weightlifting, weightlifting technique, wes kitts, hookgrip, liftright programComment

Prehab Guys Podcast: Dave Spitz talks Online Programming and Olympic Weightlifting

I thoroughly enjoyed my discussion with Michael Lau, who’s a part of the three headed monster that is The Prehab Guys! I started following their Instagram page back when they first started out and immediately knew they were special. These guys continue to put out invaluable information and are worth your attention whether you are a coach, athlete or someone who wants to gain a better understanding of your body.

Community Content, Olympic WeightliftingDavid SpitzJanuary 15, 2020The Prehab Guys, Prehab Guys, Prehab, Rehab, Online Programming, Weightlifting Program, Olympic Weightlifting Program, Podcast, The Prehab Guys Podcast, Prehab Audio ExperienceComment

Can Omega-3s (DHA) Really Protect My Brain From Concussions?

In the US alone, more than 3 million people sustain a traumatic brain injury every year. According to a recent study, concussion rates in high school football games have been on the rise. While this shouldn’t come as a surprise, we were surprised to learn that while Football had the highest rate of concussions (10.4 per 10,000 exposures), women’s soccer follows closely behind at a rate of 8.19 per 10,000 exposures.

When we work with athletes both at the junior high, high school and pro level; we forge bonds and care deeply about their well being. As far as anyone can tell, you are your brain (unfortunately it’s not something we can live without). As strength & conditioning coaches it is our responsibility to improve each athletes resiliency to injury and that includes protecting their brain.

Can omega-3 fatty acids, specifically DHA protect athletes from the negative effects of traumatic brain injuries like concussions? Read to find out!

Sports and Competition, Nutrition and SupplementsDavid SpitzNovember 21, 2019EPA, DHA, Omega-3, Fatty Acids, Inflammation, Concussion, CTE, adult brain injury, axonal injury, biomarkers, head trauma, traumatic brain injury Comment

Should I Give My Kids Omega-3 Supplements?

Why do I give my kids daily Omega-3 supplements? It seems like everyone is on board with the idea that fish oil is one of the few dietary supplements that conclusively work. Because of the extensive body of research, I have been prescribing high dosages of EPA and DHA for our athletes for the last decade with great results. Lately, I have received more questions on strategies I use to develop athletic qualities in my own children. Unsurprising to anyone that knows me well, I have a plan and yes, it includes daily supplementation of Omega-3.

Nutrition and SupplementsDavid SpitzOctober 23, 2019EPA, DHA, Fish Oil, Omega 3, Inflammation, Sensitivity Periods, Supplementation, Central Nervous System, Cognition, Childhood, Children's Health Comments

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.

How To Pick Your Openers and Competition Attempts

Snatch what you can, Clean & Jerk what you must. A simple idea that presents the fundamental strategy for how we select openers and competition attempts for our lifters. There’s a reason why California Strength lifters have one of the highest rates of success competition makes in the country! This is a must read if you want to maximize your performance at your next weightlifting competition! (Exact lifting percentages included)

Sports and Competition, Olympic WeightliftingDavid SpitzAugust 20, 2019Competition, Weightlifting, Dave Spitz, Cal Strength, California Strength, Snatch, Clean & Jerk, Openers, Competition Attempts, Coaching, USA Weightlifting, Bomb Out, American Open Comment

How To Pick Your Competition Weight Class In Olympic Weightlifting

Whether you’re brand new to Olympic weightlifting or are a seasoned veteran training for Nationals, if you have dreams of competing it is critical to know your competition weight class. The International Weightlifting Federation announced the highly anticipated change to the male and female weight classes and for Olympic weightlifters around the world, the decision to go up a weight class or down has been left in question.

In response to our athletes at California Strength being faced with the same question, we came up with a solution. We have analyzed six key parameters to provide you with the weight class category that is best for you. Take this quiz to receive your personalized and detailed Weight Class recommendation from USAW Senior International Coach Dave Spitz himself!

Sports and CompetitionDavid SpitzJuly 10, 2018IWF, International Weightlifting Federation, Weight Classes, Weight Loss, Cutting Weight, Bulk, Weight Gain, Competition, American Open, American Open Series, Weightlifting, Snatch, Clean & Jerk, American Open 3, QuizComment