The USA Weightlifting Podcast

The Exaggeration Method

13 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today we are talking about how you can exaggerate your key positions in different ways to help increase mobility, comfort, and strength within those p...

Overhead Positioning

22 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we are breaking down how we suggest to hold and support the bar overhead with your upper body. This includes what we consider supporti...

Foot Stability

02 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this recording we consider foot stability and how it might affect your lifting. Tune in to hear how you can assess and address any potential lackin...

The Zen of Weightlifting

07 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today we talk about the calm, presence, and focus you should have for optimal lifting and performance. Tune in for our perspectives and suggestions on...

The Pull Under

26 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we are discussing an exercise we are calling a “pull under”, which can be performed with the clean or the snatch grip, and is one ...

Cleans & Snatches Sittin in a Tree...

25 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this recording we are considering how combining cleans and snatches together in the same set as a complex might help overcome faults that are isola...

Get Swole 2

14 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today we are circling back around to considering the benefits of Bodybuilding towards your Olympic lifting potential, as well as your health and longe...

The Finish

27 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today we are giving terms and defining the portion of the lift where the greatest speed is in need, which includes your body reaching its highest poin...

The Power Clean

15 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we are considering the importance of the power clean when it comes to your potential in the clean, and your overall Olympic lifting ab...

Navigating Knee Pain

12 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this recording we are talking through our experiences with the common occurrence of knee pain, and give some suggestions on how you can consider na...

Most Common Mobility Issue

29 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today we are discussing what we feel is the most common mobility issue present in the community, how you can assess and gauge where you might be in th...

New Year, No Fear

10 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today we are bringing in the New Year with a conversation about how we should all be reflecting on where we were, what we were working on, and what we...

Holiday Training

20 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we are talking through some suggestions to help us all navigate our training and health through the Holidays to finish out the year t...

Greatest Hits: A Weightlifting History Lesson w/Artie Drechsler

09 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week we are digging deep into the vault and re-releasing an episode we originally recorded in July of 2018 with an absolute GOAT of our sport, Ar...

The No-Contact Drill

21 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today, following a little detoured conversation about some of our current superstars American athletes, we discuss how not contacting your body with t...

The Clerk

05 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

n this recording, we are talking about the unconventional exercise called the “Clerk”. At first glance, this can look like someone just performing...

Proper Program Percentages

17 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today we are excited to cover a suggestion from another listener; what to do when an athlete is using old or improper maxes to take percentages off of...

The Hookgrip and the Front Rack

03 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we are debating on whether or not lifters should hold onto their hookgrip within the reception of the clean, as well as considering th...

Overthinking

17 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this recording, we are fulfilling a listener’s request to discuss overthinking. Specifically, how it can negatively affect an athlete’s lifting...

Olympic Stuff

26 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today, Cheryl is telling us about her experience as an NBC commentator for the Olympics, as well as gives some general observations and tells us a few...

Effective Squat Programs

14 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we are delving into what is the base of any weightlifting training plan; squat programs. There are many to choose from of course, but...

When to Cue-When to Drill

29 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this recording we are talking about when it is most appropriate to give a cue, when it is most appropriate to use a drill, and when and how both mi...

Jumping To The Side

13 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we are considering the occurrence of jumping to one side or the other when a lifter receives their snatches and cleans. Is this somet...

Observing Nationals Week

28 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

his week we are recapping and giving our thoughts on Nationals week, which took place recently through mid-June, from a commentator’s perspective. I...

Weightlifting Mishaps and Adaptabilty

12 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this recording we are giving some examples of scenarios that may unexpectedly pop up in competition that athletes and coaches will need to adapt to...

Warming Up with Complexes

23 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week we are talking about complexes, which are combinations of different variations of a snatch, a clean, or a jerk. Tune in to hear why you migh...

Training Partner or No

09 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we are considering the benefits of having a training partner or training with a group, as well as some benefits to training completely...

Observing the Olympic Lifts

28 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s recording we talk about how it is easy, especially for a newcomer, to look at a lift and just see general speed or strength, or a made or...

Qualifying For The Olympics

15 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we’re excited to announce that the 2024 Olympic Team has been named! Along with stating exactly who you can expect to see on this pr...

It's Supposed To Feel Heavy

09 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s recording we are considering how difficult weightlifting is in general on an individual basis. Is it harder for some athletes than others...

How Do YOU "Stack" Up?

18 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we are talking about the imperativeness of being able to stack your body and the bar in your key support positions. If this straight l...

Jumping Forward within the Olympic Lifts

10 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today we are explaining why we feel that if you are jumping forward ANY AMOUNT when you receive your snatches or cleans, you are not moving as efficie...

Slow Down to Speed Up

22 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we are trying to inspire you to check your speed. Are you taking your time enough in the set up? Are you initiating the movement at a ...

Keeping Youth in the Game

15 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we are discussing the involvement of school-aged kids in our sport, how one could partake in that type of recruitment, and how to insp...

When Should I Compete?

01 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today we’re answering one of the most common questions that we get from athletes as coaches, which is, “when should I compete?” With this, they ...

Setting Goals in 2024

12 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this first episode of the new year, we are talking about the act of setting goals, specifically in the year of 2024. We consider the basics of sett...

The "Scoop"

29 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we are discussing the portion of the snatch and clean that begins when the bar is at the level of the knees, and ends once the bar rea...

The Jerk: To Push, Power, Split, or Squat?

16 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today we are once again talking about the jerk. Specifically, we compare the styles of the split jerk, the power jerk, the push jerk, and the squat je...

Get Swole

01 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we are considering the benefit of Bodybuilding, in the sense of isolating different areas of the body with specific exercises and rep ...

Split Position

16 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In our recording today we are fulfilling a listener request to cover the split position. We discuss and give each of our own suggestions on how to fin...

Accessorize

04 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we are discussing a few of our favorite accessory exercises as examples of how important it is to include accessory exercises in gener...

The Goldilocks Phenomenon

20 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In our recording today we are talking about the phenomenon of missing a snatch behind on your first attempt, then missing it in front on your second a...

Clean Up Your Grip

05 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we are dissecting the front rack position. We consider how your grip width lends to it being less or more effective, and also confirm ...

Got Extension?

23 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we are defining and giving specific characteristics to the extension position within the snatch, clean, and even the jerk. As a previe...

Understanding "Excuses"

14 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we are talking about the struggles that most all of us will have at some point in competition, or training, and the factors involved t...

The Frog Stance

31 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we are joined by Coach Edward Baker of Voodoo Weightlifting to talk about the Frog Stance. The Frog Stance can be used in the set up o...

Competition vs Training PR's: What's the Difference?"

17 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we discuss how competitions PR’s differ from training PR’s, and also how they relate. Listen in to hear our perspectives on how yo...

Record Breaking As We Age

03 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today we are considering how realistic it is for masters athletes to bread personal records? Should a coach ever tell them it is not likely if such a ...

The Early Arm Bend

20 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we discuss the early arm bend, and whether or not it is wrong, ok, or it depends. Tune in to hear our opinions and recommendations on ...

Should You Jump Back in the Snatch & Clean?

29 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today we are considering whether or not it is ok to jump back when you receive your snatches and cleans? Many athletes consistently jump back only an ...

Dizzy Cleans

14 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today we are talking about that uneasy sensation that comes with lack of oxygen or energy, that most of us have felt after a heavy clean. Maybe you se...

Thoughts on Lifting Heavy

31 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today we are attempting to explore the consideration of what it feels like to snatch and clean and jerk heavy. Ultimately each athlete will have their...

Lifting to the Knees

22 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today we are zoning in on the lift off of the snatch and clean, which is the segment between your start position where the weights on the ground, up t...

No Such Thing As A Bad Training Day

11 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today we are considering the idea of there being no such thing as a bad training day. Of course we all have days where we are more tired than others, ...

Weightlifting Pet Peeves: Don't Forget the Grind

24 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today we are bringing you another episode in our weightlifting pet peeves series, and with this one we are talking about those that might be over-prio...

The Hip Snatch - What, Why, and How

06 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we are covering the “hip snatch”, which is also known as the “high hang snatch”. Specifically, we will discuss how to appropr...

Timing is Everything

27 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today we are considering ways that you can improve your overall coordination as an athlete, and optimize your timing with the Olympic lifts. Coordinat...

"Pull" Like You Mean It

09 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we are talking about the how and why of snatch pulls and clean pulls. “Pulls” are essentially an assistant exercise to the snatch ...

Remembering Legendary Coach, John Coffee

23 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today we are joined by Edward Baker of Voodoo Weightlifting to talk about the life and passing of Coach John Coffee.A pioneer in the sport of weightli...

Creating and Maintaining Back Tension and Position

12 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today we are discussing how to create back tension and the correct angle in your start position, and how to maintain both from the floor to the knee. ...

The Why & How of Elevating Your Heels w/Shane Rothlisberger of Versalifts

27 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today we’re talking with Shane Rothlisberger of Versalifts about how elevating your heels can improve your lifting. This of course happens when we w...

Overcoming Distraction

20 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we’re talking about distractions and how if we let them, they can have varying extents of control over our training and competitions...

Lessons Learned from 2022

30 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

As 2022 comes to a close, we’re taking this time to reminisce on the few key lessons we’ve learned over the past 12 months. It’s been an honor t...

Understanding Deload w/Hannah Tatro of TrueCoach

22 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This episode will help you better understand deload weeks and how to read your body throughout to optimize your training.We are joined by Hannah Tatro...

Weightlifting Pet Peeves: Excessive Strap Use

09 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Weightlifting straps are a great accessory for weightlifters when it comes to lifting heavier weights, or even training for hypertrophy – but you sh...

Paralysis by Analysis: Over-Analyzing Your Lifting Videos

30 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the USA Weightlifting Podcast, Coach Danny Camargo joins the crew to talk about analyzing your lifting videos. Recording and analyzing yo...

Quick Tip: Take the Slack Out

18 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the USA Weightlifting Podcast we’re taking a quick dive into what it means to take the “slack out of the bar”. In this episode we’...

Assess and Address Your Mobility with WODProof

04 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

WodProof is the leading community driven mobile app for athletes looking to record workouts, review training, and compete with athletes all over the w...

Lifting from the Blocks

21 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the USA Weightlifting Podcast, we are joined by Coach Danny Camargo. In this episode we are taking on a special listener request, on how ...

Fueling Your Lifts w/Bernie Wooster of Vitargo

07 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Vitargo is a revolutionary life source of energy used by Olympians and elite athletes. In today’s episode we’re joined by Vitargo CEO, Bernie Woos...

Hand Care w/Chris Vagnaud of CaliCure

23 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Calicure is a hand file that allows you to safely remove your calluses without removing too much while preventing ripping and tearing of your hands to...

Coaching Etiquette w/Coach Camargo: Part 3

09 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome back to part 3 of our Coaching Etiquette series with Coach Danny Camargo. In this episode we’ll be covering the topic of content creation fr...

Coaching Etiquette w/Coach Camargo: Part 2

02 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Coach Danny Camargo joins the USA Weightlifting Podcast once again for part 2 of the Coaching Etiquette series. This week we’re continuing the conve...

Coaching Etiquette w/Coach Camargo: Part 1

25 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Joining the USA Weightlifting Podcast this week is none other than Danny Camargo. Danny is a Senior International Weightlifting Coach with USAW and de...

The No Foot Snatch - What, Why, and How

12 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the USA Weightlifting Podcast we’re diving into another assistance lift, the no-foot-snatch, also known as, the no-jump-snatch. The no-...

The Frankenstein Squat - What, Why, and How

27 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the USA Weightlifting Podcast Cheryl and Chad are breaking down a modified version of the Front Squat – the Frankenstein Squat AKA the ...

Hall of Fame Member Jackie Black and our Youth Team

14 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today we’re joined for the first time by Jackie Berube-Black. Jackie, was an Academic All-American gymnast at the University of Wisconsin – La Cro...

A Story of PRIDE

25 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In honor of pride month, we’re excited to introduce gym owner, Kurt Roderick. Kurt is the owner and head coach of Murder of Crows Barbell Club, an a...

Body Diversity in Weightlifting w/Kinda Fit Kinda Fat

21 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Joining the USA Weightlifting Podcast, we have Dean, Monica, and Meena from one of the coolest apparel companies out there, Kinda Fit Kinda Fat, LLC. ...

2022 Junior Worlds Recap w/Mike Gattone

25 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

For this week’s episode we are joined once again by USA Weightlifting’s Senior Director of Sports Performance, Coach Mike Gattone. Coach Gattone t...

Weightlifting Pet Peeves: Ego Lifting

12 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today we are back with our THIRD episode in the ongoing series of pet peeves in weightlifting. We obtained this specific annoyance from an Instagram p...

The Final Phil-in

28 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today as we’re talking to Phil Andrews for the last time as our CEO. As many of you may already know, Phil will be stepping away and moving on to ot...

Quick Tip: Cheryl's #1 for the Clean

14 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We have yet another Quick Tip for you today, this time for the clean. Whereas with our last quick tip on the snatch we talked about confirming the beg...

Quick Tip: Cheryl's #1 for the Snatch

30 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We have another Quick Tip for you today, and with it we are aiming to bring your extreme attention to the start position, as well as the first inch of...

2022 North American Open Series 1 Recap

17 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the USA Weightlifting Podcast we are joined by USAW’s very own Pedro Meloni and JP Nicoletta to recap the recent 2022 NAO Series 1 and ...

High Performance Update: 2022 Quarter 1

02 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the USA Weightlifting Podcast we’re joined by Sr. Director of Sports Performance, Mike Gattone, and National Teams Director, Lorene Hal...

Oscar Chaplin III - Remembering A Champion

16 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In honor of Oscar Chaplin III we are rereleasing this episode that we did with him almost 4 years ago now. The 2-Time Olympian passed away recently on...

Weightlifting Stereotypes with Avery Owens

02 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Avery Owens is a multiple time international medallist for Team USA and is heading into her final year as a junior. In today’s episode she shares so...

The Quarterly Phil-in: January 2022

20 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome back for another quarterly Phil-in episode on the USA Weightlifting Podcast. This week USAW CEO, Phil Andrews joins us again for some general ...

2021 North American Open Finals Recap

14 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the USA Weightlifting Podcast we’re joined by the Director of Events and Sponsorships, Pedro Meloni and the Director of Coaching Educat...

Better Focus and a Calmer Mind w/Max Newlon

09 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Max Newlon is the CEO and President of FocusCalm, an EEG headband and app designed to help you reduce stress, control your mindset, and improve your o...

Quick Tip: How To Supercharge Your Jerk

01 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the USA Weightlifting Podcast we’re shifting our awareness to your breathing. In today’s episode we’re sharing some quick and easil...

2021 in Review & AO Finals w/Pedro Meloni

24 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Pedro Meloni is the USAW Director of Events and Sponsorships. In today’s episode we’ll be discussing the upcoming North American Open Series Final...

Embracing a Bad Training Cycle w/Coach Camargo

17 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Coach Danny Camargo is joining the USA Weightlifting Podcast this week to discuss both good and bad training cycles and how they can affect your compe...

Quick Tip: Owning Your Finish Positions

10 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We have another Quick Tip for you today that you can easily apply to your training. We want you to HOLD in your standing with weight overhead completi...

Leading The Team w/Steve Galvan

04 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Steve Galvan is a USAW Level 2 national coach and lead instructor as well as the recent 2021 Youth World Championships team lead in Saudi Arabia. In t...

Building Bridges & Volunteering w/Sally Van de Water

28 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Sally Van de Water is one of the most frequently heard MC’s in Olympic Weightlifting. In today’s episode Sally gives us a run down of all the diff...

Quick Tip: Pause in Your "Pull"

20 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Today is about a quick and simple tip that you can easily apply to your training and within whatever program you are currently on. By pausing at a pos...

Adding To Your Program

13 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the USA Weightlifting Podcast we’re talking about programming. More specifically we’re diving into the best way to add supplementary ...

Van Life with Olympian Harrison Maurus

29 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We’re excited to host Harrison Maurus for his third appearance on the USA Weightlifting Podcast. In today’s episode Harrison talks us through his ...