3 Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting CrossFit

How to do double unders. The end. Double unders aside, there are three things that, looking back, would have been very helpful to have known when I first started out on my five year adventure into the world of competitive fitness.

Strength training, Sports and CompetitionKelly WildJuly 29, 2020crossfit, crossfitter, crossfit advice, crossfit injury, competitive fitness, the barbell wod, barbell wod, kelly wild, timberwolf crossfit, crossfit gamesComment

Be Somebody Podcast: The Dave Spitz Interview

Dave Spitz (the Godfather of California Strength) makes his first of many appearances on the Be Somebody Podcast to talk shop with Wes Kitts.

Dave holds recognition as one of the few USA Weightlifting Senior International Coaches in the country and is a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist. He’s been at the helm of California Strength serving as CEO, President and weightlifting coach.

In this interview, the guys go over the current status of the 2021 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan as well as their Olympic preparation, and announce California Strength's plan for the 2020 American Open in December.

Community Content, Olympic WeightliftingWes KittsJuly 27, 2020dave spitz, david spitz, be somebody podcast, wes kitts, 2021 Olympic Games, Tokyo Olympics, ca, cal strength, california strength, weightliftingComment

5 [Evidence-Based] Ways To Boost Your Immune System

Now, more than ever, it is especially important for us to find ways to help support our immune system. Below are some well known, and maybe not-so-well known strategies for boosting immune system function. Whats great is that these strategies all have actual research evidence supporting the claims and they can easily be implemented into your daily life!

IPAR, Nutrition and SupplementsGuest UserJuly 8, 2020immune system, immunity, sleep, cortisol, sleep hygiene, vitamin D, adaptive immunity, vitamin c, garlic, exercise, anti-inflammatory food Comment

How Creatine Will Boost Your Athletic Performance

Did you know that Creatine is one of the most researched and evidence-backed legal supplements available to athletes? Numerous studies have demonstrated the safety of long-term use and it has been shown to increase muscle mass and strength, as well as enhance recovery.

Nutrition and Supplements, Strength training, IPARGuest UserJune 1, 2020creatine, creatine monohydrate, supplements, supplementation, cytosport creatine, weightlifting, athleticsComment

3 Exercises To Strengthen And Protect Your Knees

Strengthening the knee and surrounding structures is so important to your lower body health and function! Targeting the muscles and other structures around the knee can help to reduce the risk of injury and pain at the hips, knees, ankles and even feet. Try these three exercises so you can continue running, lifting, football or whatever way you like to move, for many years to come!

IPAR, Strength training, Mobility and FlexibilityGuest UserMay 20, 2020bulletproof knees, knee strengthening exercises, knee stability, knee injury, prevent knee injury, knee sprain, acl, acl injury, mcl injury, Knee AnatomyComment

50+ Workouts You Can Do At Home

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and stay at home order, we have released two home workout programs that are designed training with minimal access to equipment. All exercises can be scaled to bodyweight only. Included are more than 50 workouts that you can do to increase strength, fitness and stamina from the comfort of home!

Strength training, Mobility and FlexibilityScott EsparzaMay 19, 2020home workouts, workout at home, how to workout at home, workouts you can do at home, workouts I can do at home, covid19, stay at home 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

The Best Rotator Cuff Stretches You Aren't Doing

Rotator cuff injuries commonly occur in people who repeatedly perform overhead movements, whether it is for work (such as carpenters, painters, mechanics) or athletes (Olympic weightlifting, CrossFit and tennis, for example). Improper technique with repetitive movements can put excessive stress on tendons. These injuries often lead to tendinitis in one or multiple rotator cuff muscles. Avoid a trip to the doctor by using four physical therapy exercises that improve the flexibility and strength of the shoulder musculature!

Mobility and Flexibility, Olympic Weightlifting, Strength trainingKelly WildMarch 30, 2020rotator cuff, rotator cuff injury, rotator cuff tear, rotator cuff pain, rotator cuff muscles, exercises for rotator cuff, rotator cuff exercises, rotator cuff stretches, physical therapy exercisesComment

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