Evidence Strong | Weightlifting Science

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

▶️ Watch the episodes on YouTube:

🖼️ Weightlifting research infographics:

🔹 https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-fry-a3a21137a/

✉️ Follow Andy Fry:

🔹 Fry Sports Performance LLC | Athletic Performance

💪 Follow Evidence Strong:

https://journal.iusca.org/index.php/Journal/article/view/404

All the content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical, nutritional, coaching, or financial advice, nor does it substitute for advice from your health care professional/provider. Any actions you will take, changes you will make to your nutrition, training or health care, are on your own responsibility and not mine.

Youth Weightlifting Norms: How to Tell If an Athlete Is Ahead or Behind — Zack Gillen

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 23:16:35 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/normative-values-150647943 🏋️‍♀️

If you’ve ever wondered how well your youth lifter is progressing, this interview is for you. Zack analysed data from the IWF Youth World Championships (2019–2023), examining percentile rankings, sex differences, and weight class differences. You can compare the snatch, clean & jerk, or total directly (in kg) or using scaled values.

Zack Gillen is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Kinesiology at Mississippi State University, where he directs the Resistance Exercise Performance Lab. His lab researches non-invasive assessments of musculoskeletal adaptations to training, with a primary emphasis on resistance training. He completed his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Exercise Physiology at Midwestern State University, and his PhD in Exercise Physiology & Nutrition at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. He has also competed in Olympic weightlifting and has several years of experience as a strength and conditioning coach at both the collegiate and youth levels.

Enjoy!

Original research paper(s):

Gillen Z. Percentile Rankings and Normalization of Performance for Youth International Weightlifting Federation World Championships Competitors. International Journal of Strength and Conditioning. 2025 Aug 15;5(1).

❤️ Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

▶️ Watch the episodes on YouTube:

🖼️ Weightlifting research infographics:

✉️ Follow Zack Gillen:

🔹 www.linkedin.com/in/zmgillen

🔹 https://www.instagram.com/zmgillen/

💪 Follow Evidence Strong:

Why Steroid Science Is More Complex Than You Think — with Luke Pelton

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 02:26:24 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/anabolic-and-150216092 🏋️‍♀️

How do anabolic androgenic steroids actually work? What do we know from human studies versus animal models? And do steroids alter gene expression in skeletal muscle?

In this episode, Luke Pelton breaks down the science behind anabolic androgenic steroids—separating evidence from speculation—without hype or exaggeration.

Dr. Pelton is an Assistant Professor of Exercise Science and Human Performance Lab Coordinator at Springfield College, where his teaching and research focus on neuromuscular physiology, reproductive endocrinology, and resistance training. His work bridges clinical research and applied performance, and he also serves as Head of Coaching Education at Strong for Life Co., an online strength-training platform.

Enjoy!

❤️ Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

▶️ Watch the episodes on YouTube:

🖼️ Weightlifting research infographics:

🔹 https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Luke-Pelton

✉️ Follow Luke Pelton:

🔹 https://www.instagram.com/dr_lukey_lifts/

🔹 https://springfield.edu/directory/luke-pelton

💪 Follow Evidence Strong:

https://journals.lww.com/nsca-jscr/fulltext/2026/01000/are_sex_differences_in_youth_weightlifting.8.aspx

Youth Weightlifting — What Really Drives Performance? With Bartosz Malak

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 22:13:00 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/performance-in-148171612 🏋️‍♀️

What does the performance of youth Olympic weightlifters depend on? And does this relationship differ between girls and boys? In this episode, Bartosz Malak and his team discuss findings from their study of young lifters across six weightlifting clubs in Poland.

Bartosz Malak is a weightlifting coach, neurobiologist, and entrepreneur. He currently works with LKS Budowlani-Kucera and the Polish Junior Weightlifting National Team, and is the head of the weightlifting coaching program at the Poznań University of Physical Education. He is also the founder of the Institute of Sport and Science.

Enjoy!

Original research paper(s):

Bartkowiak S, Kozieł S, Krzykała M, Karpowicz K, Konarski JM, Malak B. Are Sex Differences in Youth Weightlifting Performance Explained by Fat-Free Mass? A Controlled Analysis. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research. 2022 May 9:10-519.

❤️ Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

▶️ Watch the episodes on YouTube:

🖼️ Weightlifting research infographics:

🔹 https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Bartosz-Malak

✉️ Follow Bartosz Malak:

🔹 https://budowlani-kucera.pl

💪 Follow Evidence Strong:

https://research.imc.ac.at/en/publications/strength-training-in-the-third-trimester-of-pregnancy-a-qualitati/

Strength Training in Pregnancy: What’s Actually Safe? With Katja Ungersböck

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 08:19:10 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/strength-in-with-148168365 🏋️‍♀️

Research increasingly shows that exercise — including heavy lifting — can be beneficial during pregnancy. But how do health professionals view strength training for pregnancy in real-world practice? Katja interviewed five healthcare professionals to explore their perspectives and uncovered several important insights.

Katja Ungersböck completed her Bachelor’s degree in Physiotherapy at IMC Fachhochschule Krems, Austria. She currently works at Universitätsklinikum Hochegg, primarily with neurological patients, and has recently completed additional training in sports physiotherapy. Outside of work, she is passionate about physical activity, including gym training, climbing, hiking, and skiing.

Enjoy!

Original research paper(s):

Ungersböck, K., Lichtenwörther, J., & Miksch, T. (2024). Strength Training in the Third Trimester of Pregnancy: A Qualitative Survey of Health Care Experts. Poster session presented at ICS Congress 2024, Madrid, Spain.

❤️ Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

▶️ Watch the episodes on YouTube:

🖼️ Weightlifting research infographics:

✉️ Follow Katja Ungersboeck:

🔹 https://www.instagram.com/katjaungersboeck/

💪 Follow Evidence Strong:

https://www.proquest.com/openview/87071759fc7a052fd49a791d1fb33b97/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=18750&diss=y

Belt or no belt when squatting? With Yoshaun Hunter

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 10:04:46 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/belt-or-no-belt-148165933 🏋️‍♀️

In this interview, Yoshaun Hunter breaks down findings from his Master’s research comparing belted and unbelted back squats, using barbell velocity to understand how belts influence load, speed, and power. We discuss what the data means for coaches, when belt use makes sense in training, and when it may be unnecessary.

Yoshaun Hunter completed his Master’s degree in Kinesiology at Troy University. He is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (NSCA) and was born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica.

Enjoy!

Original research thesis:

Hunter YS. A Comparison Between Barbell Back Squat Velocity Belted vs Unbelted (Master’s thesis, Troy University).

❤️ Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

▶️ Watch the episodes on YouTube:

🖼️ Weightlifting research infographics:

✉️ Follow Yoshaun Hunter:

🔹 https://www.tiktok.com/@yolifting

🔹 https://www.instagram.com/yo.lifting/

💪 Follow Evidence Strong:

The Genetics Behind Sex Differences in Sport – with Shanie Landen

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 05:25:11 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/dsd-and-athletes-147365834 🏋️‍♀️

DSD (differences in sex development) athletes and transgender athletes are actually very different. Dr Shanie Landen explains why the two groups should not be discussed as one, how complicated the individual cases can be, and how well policies in sport reflect (or do not reflect) the biology.

Shanie has a PhD from Victoria University in Melbourne, Australia, where she investigated sex-specific epigenetic adaptations to endurance exercise training. She has authored 22 publications in the field of gene regulation. Shanie is interested in gene regulation mechanisms and the mechanisms by which exercise improves health and disease. She is researching how sex-biasing forces influence gene regulation and function.

Enjoy!

❤️ Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

▶️ Watch the episodes on YouTube:

🖼️ Weightlifting research infographics:

🔹 https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanie-landen-33421280

✉️ Follow Shanie Lander:

🔹 https://x.com/LandenShanie

💪 Follow Evidence Strong:

https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/17/9373

Training for the Olympics When the World Shut Down – with Shyam Chavda

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 00:48:58 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/coaching-through-147209495 🏋️‍♀️

Coaching a lifter towards the Olympics is hard. How much harder does it become when the lifter is part of a refugee team and must train through COVID?

Dr Shyam Chavda analyses the three years leading up to the Tokyo Olympics, including his plans for training and athlete monitoring, the changes made along the way, and the factors that influenced key decisions.

Shyam is the Programme Lead for the Strength & Conditioning Distance Education MSc at Middlesex University and the Lead Performance Scientist at British Weightlifting.

Original research paper(s):

Chavda S. The (Rocky) Road to the Olympic Games: A Longitudinal Case Study on the Preparation, Monitoring, and Training of an Elite Weightlifter. Applied Sciences. 2025 Aug 26;15(17):9373.

❤️ Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

▶️ Watch the episodes on YouTube:

🖼️ Weightlifting research infographics:

🔹 https://www.linkedin.com/in/shyam-chavda-6b4480a5

✉️ Follow Shyam Chavda:

🔹 https://twitter.com/shy_2tweet

🔹 https://www.instagram.com/coach_chavda

💪 Follow Evidence Strong:

Why You Get Strong Again Faster After the Break (Muscle Memory Explained). With Nate Serrano

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 01:51:15 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/is-muscle-memory-145811567 🏋️‍♀️

Is muscle memory scientifically proven? And if muscle memory is real, what is the underlying mechanism? Dr. Nate Serrano explores these questions, explaining the current state of research and where the science is heading next.

Dr. Nate Serrano holds a PhD in Biology from Arizona State University and is currently a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. His research focuses on the regulation of skeletal muscle, including muscle fiber types in relation to human performance, and the molecular regulation of muscle fibers and their role in metabolism.

Dr. Serrano was a Division I track athlete at Boise State University, where he completed his undergraduate degree in exercise science and got interested in research. He went on to complete a master’s degree in exercise science under the mentorship of Dr. Andy Galpin at California State University of Fullerton. Nate has over a decade of experience as a performance coach and competed in weightlifting for nearly ten years. He has since shifted his main hobby to rock climbing, but still lifts regularly.

Enjoy!

❤️ Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

▶️ Watch the episodes on YouTube:

🖼️ Weightlifting research infographics:

🔹 https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-serrano-0ab933a9

✉️ Follow Nate Serrano:

🔹 https://www.instagram.com/_nateserrano_

🔹 https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Nathan-Serrano

🔹 https://bsky.app/profile/dr-nateserrano.bsky.social

💪 Follow Evidence Strong:

What’s Really Happening in Olympic Weightlifting? Governance, Athletes & Media — with Brian Oliver

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 05:49:18 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/state-of-olympic-145657821 🏋️‍♀️

What if the best part of the sport is the stories of the athletes rather than the numbers on the board? In this Evidence Strong Show episode, Brian Oliver explains why highlighting athletes’ backgrounds and voices can change how we broadcast and watch weightlifting, what was really happening in Olympic weightlifting governance within the last decade, and how media in the sport are changing.

Brian Oliver is a seasoned journalist who spent 35 years in English newspapers, including serving as sports editor of The Observer. He worked at the London 2012 Olympics as weightlifting media manager and has freelanced since, focusing on weightlifting. He worked for the Insidethegames website during the sport's troubled times and now writes mostly for the IWF website, reporting on major competitions.

Enjoy!

❤️ Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

▶️ Watch the episodes on YouTube:

🖼️ Weightlifting research infographics:

🔹 https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-oliver-398b81b

✉️ Follow Brian Oliver:

🔹 https://x.com/brianroliver

💪 Follow Evidence Strong:

Why Heavy Lifting Is a Must for Healthy Bones as We Age – with Amy Harding

Wed, 24 Dec 2025 03:09:03 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/strength-and-amy-145491810 🏋️‍♀️

Can eight months of heavy, high-load training reverse bone loss in older adults? Dr Amy Harding explains an exercise program using 80–85% 1RM with high-impact loading, reporting 4.1% bone mass gains in older men with low bone mass. She discusses progression, safety, coaching support, and practical takeaways for coaches and clinicians.

Dr Amy Harding is a Research Fellow in the School of Allied Health, Sport and Social Work and a member of the Griffith University Bone Densitometry Research Laboratory. Her research focuses on musculoskeletal health and fracture prevention across the lifespan. She holds a Bachelor of Exercise Science (Hons) and a PhD, and currently coordinates the Australian-based Strength Training for Optimum Prevention of Fracture program, building on the LIFTMOR and LIFTMOR-M trials.

Enjoy!

Original research paper(s):

Harding AT et al. High-intensity resistance & impact training for bone health in older men (LIFTMOR-M). Osteoporosis Int. 2020;32(3):451–465. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00198-020-05583-x

Harding AT et al. High-intensity resistance vs machine training for bone geometry & strength (LIFTMOR-M). Bone. 2020;136:115362. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bone.2020.115362

Harding AT et al. Bone-targeted exercise strategies to reduce fracture risk (LIFTMOR-M). J Bone Miner Res. 2020;35(8):1404–1414. https://doi.org/10.1002/jbmr.4008

❤️ Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

▶️ Watch the episodes on YouTube:

🖼️ Weightlifting research infographics:

🔹 https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyhardinggriffith

✉️ Follow Dr Amy Harding:

🔹 https://x.com/Amy_T_Harding

🔹 https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Amy-Harding-6

💪 Follow Evidence Strong:

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s13293-023-00539-2

Why Male and Female Strength Differs (Genetics, Hormones, Muscle Fibres, and More) — Shanie Landen

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 01:22:46 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/how-and-why-and-145262357 🏋️‍♀️

Differences in sports performance are present between females and males. Why do these develop, how, and when exactly? Dr Shanie Landen explains what is known so far and what is currently being researched. The topics we cover include genetics, epigenetics, hormones, and muscle fibres and their influence on athletic performance.

Enjoy!

Some of the research papers mentioned in this interview:

Landen S, Jacques M, Hiam D, Alvarez-Romero J, Schittenhelm RB, Shah AD, Huang C, Steele JR, Harvey NR, Haupt LM, Griffiths LR. Sex differences in muscle protein expression and DNA methylation in response to exercise training. Biology of Sex Differences. 2023 Sep 5;14(1):56.

Amar D, Lindholm ME, Norrbom J, Wheeler MT, Rivas MA, Ashley EA. Time trajectories in the transcriptomic response to exercise-a meta-analysis. Nature Communications. 2021 Jun 9;12(1):3471.

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-021-23579-x

Testosterone in females in the conversation by Severine Lamon:

https://theconversation.com/do-naturally-high-testosterone-levels-equal-stronger-female-athletic-performance-not-necessarily-160009

❤️ Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

▶️ Watch the episodes on YouTube:

🖼️ Weightlifting research infographics:

🔹 https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanie-landen-33421280/

✉️ Follow Shanie Landen:

🔹 https://x.com/LandenShanie

💪 Follow Evidence Strong:

https://www.jssm.org/jssm-24-626.xml%3EFulltext

Behind-Neck Push Jerk for Explosive Power Training - with Mark Chiang

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 08:33:37 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/behind-neck-push-144125751 🏋️‍♀️

How and why does Dr. Mark Chiang recommend using the behind-the-neck push jerk? Mark discusses two of his recent studies and shares practical lessons for coaches and athletes.

Dr. Chieh-Ying Chiang, also known as Mark Chiang, is an accomplished sports scientist with extensive experience in strength and conditioning. He is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Sports Training Science-Combats at National Taiwan Sports University and also serves as the Director of the Master Strength and Conditioning Program.

Dr. Chiang’s research focuses on strength and power development in athletes, along with the use of sports science testing for performance enhancement and injury prevention. He has served as a consultant for the strength and conditioning division at the National Taiwan Sport Training Center and was the sports science manager for the 2024 Paris Olympic women’s boxing team. His other notable roles include serving as a sports science consultant for the 2021 Tokyo Olympic karate team and as a member of the sports science committee at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Dr. Chiang’s dedication to mentorship is also evident through his supervision of 30 master’s students and one doctoral student at National Taiwan Sport University.

Enjoy!

Original research paper(s):

Chiang YC, Chiang CY, Suchomel TJ. Differences in Mechanical Output between One Repetition Maximum and Body Mass-Based Load Determination in The Behind-Neck Push Jerk. Journal of Sports Science and Medicine. 2025 Sep 1;24(3):626-33.

Chiang YC, Lin HY, Chiang YC, Chang CC, Suchomel TJ, Shiang TY. An Investigation of Kinetic and Kinematic Characteristics in the Behind-the-Neck Push Jerk Across Loads.

[under review]

❤️ Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

▶️ Watch the episodes on YouTube:

🖼️ Weightlifting research infographics:

🔹 https://www.instagram.com/ntsu.sport.performance.team

✉️ Follow Mark Chiang:

🔹 https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Chieh-Ying-Chiang

💪 Follow Evidence Strong:

How Music Really Affects Lifting – with Michael Richards

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 08:15:59 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/influence-of-on-143817240 🏋️‍♀️

Is music helping or hindering your lifting? EdD Michael Richards discusses available research on music and lifting.

Michael has been a strength and conditioning coach since 2017, working with youth, middle/high school, D3 college, D1 college, and professional football. He has also been a weightlifting coach since 2019, starting with T3 Barbell in Avon, Ohio, and moving to the Attitude Nation with Jon North, and a weightlifter (2025 Masters Pan American Champion (30-35 age bracket) and best lifter). He has just finished his Doctorate of Education in Kinesiology and Exercise Science.

Enjoy!

❤️ Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

▶️ Watch the episodes on YouTube:

🖼️ Weightlifting research infographics:

🔹 https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4JBmnV47-ty6N0znmgeQdqe6xw-Y7IL1

✉️ Follow Michael Richards:

🔹 https://www.instagram.com/coachmike311

🔹 https://www.youtube.com/@MikesGarageGym

🔹 https://www.tiktok.com/@mikesgaragegym

🔹 https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-richards-edd-c-cscs-ep-c-a40603152/

💪 Follow Evidence Strong:

https://www.sydney.edu.au/medicine-health/our-research/research-centres/the-arena-project.html

Lifter's Heart Explained: Normal vs Risky Changes – with Jessica Orchard

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 02:11:48 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/lifters-heart-143612670 🏋️‍♀️

Dr Jessica Orchard is an Associate Professor and NHMRC Emerging Leadership Fellow at the School of Public Health, University of Sydney. She serves as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport Plus, Associate Editor at the British Journal of Sports Medicine, and a Cardiac Research Fellow at Cricket Australia. In 2023, she was selected for the World Heart Federation Emerging Leaders Program and received the NSW Ministerial Award for Rising Stars in Cardiovascular Research.

Her research aims to improve the quality of cardiac screening programs to prevent sudden cardiac death and catastrophic disability from stroke. She is Director and Principal Investigator of the Australasian Registry of ECGs of National Athletes (the ARENA Project), which provides a long-term data repository to improve understanding of athlete ECG interpretation, cardiac diagnoses, and cardiovascular outcomes in screened athletes. She is also interested in digital health and legal/ethical issues in cardiac screening.

The ARENA project website:

Great paper on the athlete’s heart:

https://www.jacc.org/doi/10.1016/j.jacc.2022.07.014

Enjoy!

❤️ Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

▶️ Watch the episodes on YouTube:

🖼️ Weightlifting research infographics:

🔹 https://www.sydney.edu.au/medicine-health/about/our-people/academic-staff/jessica-orchard.html

✉️ Follow Jessica Orchard:

🔹 https://x.com/jessicajorchard

🔹 https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicajorchard/

💪 Follow Evidence Strong:

Chinese Weightlifting Explained: How Athletes Are Recruited and Trained – with Steph Gregory

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 21:45:09 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/chinese-system-143002826 🏋️‍♀️

How are weightlifters in China developed and recruited? What does their day-to-day schedule look like? What support systems are in place for elite lifters? Dr. Stéphane Gregory breaks down training, rehabilitation, medical care, competition qualification, and more.

Dr. Stéphane Gregory is a Canadian chiropractor and strength and conditioning specialist with over 15 years of experience working in high-performance sport. He currently leads Sports Rehabilitation for Guangxi Province in China and consults for the Chinese Olympic Committee, supporting national teams in weightlifting, gymnastics, wrestling, and track & field. His expertise lies in managing rehabilitation, load, and performance continuity to help Olympic and world-level athletes maintain competitive readiness without interrupting their training.

Enjoy!

❤️ Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

▶️ Watch the episodes on YouTube:

🖼️ Weightlifting research infographics:

🔹 https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephane-gregory-62992135

✉️ Follow Steph Gregory:

🔹 https://www.instagram.com/drstephperformance

💪 Follow Evidence Strong:

What Drives People to Weightlift for Life – with Francois Gravelle

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 21:32:57 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/what-allows-to-141926230 🏋️‍♀️

Lifelong involvement in Olympic weightlifting, or any sport, is uncommon and deeply impressive. How is it that some athletes stay committed for decades? In this interview, Dr François Gravelle discusses his research into the psychological and social factors that motivate weightlifters to remain in the sport over the long term.

François Gravelle is a Professor in the School of Human Kinetics at the University of Ottawa and an Adjunct Professor at the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières. His work focuses on how individuals sustain active lifestyles across the lifespan, with a special emphasis on recreational and competitive Olympic-style weightlifters.

A lifelong advocate of sport and active living, François began as a competitive lifter in the late 1970s and has since served as a certified coach, a national coach-education leader, and an international referee recognized by the International Weightlifting Federation. Combining decades of hands-on experience with academic research, he offers a rare perspective on how sport, leisure, and leadership foster lifelong engagement and well-being.

Enjoy!

❤️ Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

▶️ Watch the episodes on YouTube:

🖼️ Weightlifting research infographics:

🔹 https://www.linkedin.com/in/francois-gravelle-79730640/

✉️ Follow Francois Gravelle:

🔹 https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Francois-Gravelle

🔹 https://www.uottawa.ca/faculty-health-sciences/human-kinetics/our-professors/francois-gravelle

💪 Follow Evidence Strong:

Weightlifting as Physical Education in High School – with Paul Coover

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 01:46:45 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/building-high-pe-140875638 🏋️‍♀️

Paul has built a weightlifting-based physical education program at the high school where he teaches. In this episode, he shares his three-year journey of developing the program from the ground up.

Paul Coover is a high school athletic director and physical education teacher in San Diego, California. He is also the founder and head coach of Grey Castle Strength and Conditioning. This USA Weightlifting-affiliated club operates out of a classroom converted into a fully equipped weight room. During his time at San Diego High, the weightlifting program was profiled by USAW as the region’s first comprehensive physical education department with a curriculum centered on the Olympic lifts.

Enjoy!

❤️ Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

▶️ Watch the episodes on YouTube:

🖼️ Weightlifting research infographics:

✉️ Follow Paul Coover:

🔹 https://www.instagram.com/coach_coover

🔹 https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-coover

🔹 https://x.com/paul_coover

💪 Follow Evidence Strong:

Why Weightlifters Black Out – with Sinead Roberts

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 10:02:48 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/what-why-and-how-141407470 🏋️‍♀️

A weightlifter’s blackout is a rare but potentially serious issue that can affect lifting performance. Despite its impact, there is a notable lack of specific research on the topic. Dr. Sinead Roberts shares her experience in successfully managing the condition among British weightlifters.

Sinead is an SENR-registered Performance Nutritionist with a background in cell metabolism and exercise physiology. She helps both recreational and elite athletes understand their physiology and nutritional needs to optimise training, recovery, and performance. Central to her philosophy is the belief that every body is different—and that individual needs evolve over time. What the body requires depends on factors such as sport, training cycle, load, age, sex, genetics, stress, and physiological state. Just as importantly, personal preferences and lifestyle matter too. Food is not only a tool to drive performance but also something to be enjoyed and shared.

Enjoy!

❤️ Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

▶️ Watch the episodes on YouTube:

🖼️ Weightlifting research infographics:

🔹 https://www.instagram.com/sinead.feedfuelperform

✉️ Follow Sinead Roberts:

🔹 https://www.feedfuelperform.com

💪 Follow Evidence Strong:

https://ideas.repec.org/a/pkp/josres/v12y2025i1p12-23id4235.html

Why Masters Weightlifters Age Differently – with Andrew Hatchett

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 22:43:04 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/body-of-masters-140705998 🏋️‍♀️

Who are Masters weightlifters — and how do they differ from an average adult? Dr. Andrew Hatchett shares findings from his study on Masters athletes who competed at the 2021 World Weightlifting Championships in Orlando, USA.

Dr Hatchett is Professor and Chair of Exercise and Sports Science at the University of South Carolina Aiken, where he teaches exercise physiology, biomechanics, and behavior change. He also directs student research in the Human Performance Lab and mentors future professionals in allied health and applied exercise science. Dr Hatchett earned his Ph.D. in Exercise Science from the University of Mississippi in 2008, specializing in exercise physiology and human behavior.

Enjoy!

Original research paper:

Hatchett A, Helms M, Grieve G, Hatchett I, Huebner M, Riemann B, Wolford D, Rodriguez A. Anthropomorphic profile of masters competitive Olympic weightlifters. Journal of Sports Research. 2025;12(1):12-23.

❤️ Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

▶️ Watch the episodes on YouTube:

🖼️ Weightlifting research infographics:

🔹 https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-hatchett-6b10626a

✉️ Follow Andrew Hatchett:

🔹 https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Andrew-Hatchett

🔹 https://www.usca.edu/research/undergraduate-research/hatchett-lab

💪 Follow Evidence Strong:

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/physiology/articles/10.3389/fphys.2019.01359/full

The Warm-Up That Boosts Your Max Lift – with Tony Blazevich

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 22:48:46 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/can-post-help-in-138795246 🏋️‍♀️

Can a warm-up actually multiply your power in minutes, or is PAP (post-activation potentiation) mostly hype? Tony Blazevich explains how temperature, hydration, and motor-control warm-up shape a real performance boost. He discusses what fundamentals drive the biggest improvements, and debunks a few myths.

Tony Blazevich, PhD, is a Professor of Biomechanics in the School of Medical and Health Sciences and the Director of the Centre for Exercise and Sports Science Research (CESSR). His research explores how musculo-tendinous and neural factors shape movement performance and how these systems adapt to training and detraining. Tony has worked with athletes at all levels, from development programs to Olympic Gold medallists, and currently works as a consultant at both domestic and international levels in Australia and Europe. An author of Sports Biomechanics: The Basics (3rd edition, Bloomsbury), Blazevich bridges biomechanics, neurophysiology, and practical coaching. He focuses on translating cutting-edge research into actionable coaching strategies for athletes, including weightlifters and sprinters.

Enjoy!

Original research paper:

Blazevich AJ, Babault N. Post-activation potentiation versus post-activation performance enhancement in humans: historical perspective, underlying mechanisms, and current issues. Frontiers in physiology. 2019 Nov 1;10:1359.

❤️ Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

▶️ Watch the episodes on YouTube:

🖼️ Weightlifting research infographics:

🔹 https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-blazevich-a4270513

✉️ Follow Tony Blazevich:

🔹 https://www.instagram.com/tonyblazevich

🔹 https://x.com/TonyBlazevich

🔹 www.tonyblazevich.com

💪 Follow Evidence Strong:

How Lifters Rehearse Success – with Tom Smalley

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 00:43:00 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/mental-imagery-136142372 🏋️‍♀️

How can a lifter rehearse a perfect lift without even touching the barbell? Tom Smalley breaks down a practical mental imagery framework built on two core types—cognitive and motivational—and shows coaches and athletes how to identify the goal, select imagery, and script with sensory detail. You'll learn a simple, repeatable process to stay calm, sharpen focus, and perform with confidence on meet day, whether for youth lifters or pros.

Tom Smalley is the Founder of Struggle into Strength Performance, LLC. He is a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) through the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP). He earned his Master’s degree in Exercise and Sports Science from Merrimack College and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Siena College. He has extensive experience working with athletes at youth, high school, collegiate, and professional levels, as well as with high school and college coaches and teams, helping them build confidence, focus, regulate emotions, improve communication, and develop leadership. In this episode, Tom shares a mental imagery approach tailored for Olympic weightlifting, including cognitive vs motivational imagery, a practical 3-step scripting process, and guidance to avoid common pitfalls.

Enjoy!

❤️ Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

▶️ Watch the episodes on YouTube:

🖼️ Weightlifting research infographics:

✉️ Follow Tom Smalley:

🔹 https://www.struggleintostrength.com

🔹 https://www.instagram.com/s2s_smalls

🔹 https://www.linkedin.com/in/s2sfof

💪 Follow Evidence Strong:

https://hrcak.srce.hr/clanak/481501

What Predicts Olympic Weightlifting Performance – with Florian Venus

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 08:47:51 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/influence-of-and-138179264 🏋️‍♀️

Which predictor matters most for Olympic weightlifting: explosive power or muscle size? Do you track long-term training load and its outcomes? Florian Venus breaks down the findings of his study looking at jumping performance, training experience, and muscle mass in relation to weightlifting performance.

Florian Venus is a Strength & Conditioning coach from Germany, and the founder of ALPHANITAS (Health & Performance App). He holds a BSc in Sports & Exercise Science and is pursuing a Masters in Sports Science in Salzburg. He competes in Olympic weightlifting and judo.

Enjoy!

Original research paper:

Venus F, Danner L, Buchecker M, Wagner H. The influence of power, muscle mass, and training experience on Olympic weightlifting performance. Kinesiology. 2025 Jun 30;57(1):143-9.

❤️ Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

▶️ Watch the episodes on YouTube:

🖼️ Weightlifting research infographics:

🔹 https://www.linkedin.com/in/florian-venus-29a793223

✉️ Follow Florian Venus:

🔹 https://www.instagram.com/florianvenus/

💪 Follow Evidence Strong:

https://www.mdpi.com/2411-5142/10/2/227

Overtraining vs Overreaching: Squat Protocol That Adds Kilos – with Lee Bell

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 22:30:12 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/overreaching-in-137765501 🏋️‍♀️

Coaches, how do you balance productive overreaching with fatigue risk in your athletes? Can a structured 5-day back-squat protocol really lift strength after a taper, or is overtraining a warning? Lee Bell breaks down functional vs nonfunctional overreaching, taper timing, and practical coaching moves you can apply this week to sharpen performance without burning athletes out. He ties findings from a pilot study to real-world coaching decisions and highlights the variability across athletes.

Lee Bell is a Senior Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Science at Sheffield Hallam University. His research and teaching focus on strength and hypertrophy programming strategies, with a PhD centered on overreaching and overtraining in strength sports. His work bridges theory and practice for strength-sport coaches and athletes alike.

Enjoy!

Original research paper:

Bell L, Ruddock A, Boriel J, Maden-Wilkinson T, Thompson SW, Wright KJ, Burke K, Rogerson D. Effects of a 5-Day Back Squat Overreaching Protocol on Strength Performance, Perceived Recovery and Wellness Responses: A Pilot Trial. Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology. 2025 Jun 13;10(2):227.

❤️ Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

▶️ Watch the episodes on YouTube:

🖼️ Weightlifting research infographics:

🔹 https://www.linkedin.com/in/lee-bell-b0aaba5a

✉️ Follow Lee Bell:

🔹 https://www.instagram.com/lee3ell

🔹 https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Lee-Bell

💪 Follow Evidence Strong:

https://digitalcommons.csp.edu/kinesiology_doctorate/35/

Why Skill-Based Lifting Beats Generic Strength Work – with Emily Neff

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 02:40:18 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/olympic-for-with-136970718 🏋️‍♀️

Coach, are you balancing power gains with ACL injury risk in adolescent female athletes? Emily Neff explains a simple, two-session-per-week system that boosted jump height by 129.7% in eight weeks and kept ground reaction forces steady. She details a phase-based progression rooted in motor learning and real-world coaching, not just percentages. Learn practical steps to implement an Olympic weightlifting-based program with your female athletes.

Emily Neff is the Owner and Program Director at Relentless Athletics, a female-focused strength and conditioning facility that has operated for 10 years, training adolescent athletes. She holds a Ph.D. in Kinesiology with a research focus on female athletes, Olympic weightlifting, performance, and ACL injury rates. Her work translates lab findings into practical coaching tools, emphasizing neuromuscular training and skill-based lifts to reduce injuries and boost power in young female athletes.

Enjoy!

Original thesis:

Neff E. Effect of Olympic Weightlifting Training on Power Output and Landing Forces in Adolescent Female Athletes: A Quasi-Experimental Study.

❤️ Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

▶️ Watch the episodes on YouTube:

🖼️ Weightlifting research infographics:

🔹 https://www.instagram.com/relentless_athletics_

✉️ Follow Emily Neff:

🔹 https://www.instagram.com/epappas.neff

🔹 https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-pappas-neff-ph-d-0250a129

💪 Follow Evidence Strong:

https://journals.uni-lj.si/kinsi/article/view/22144

Cortisol and Testosterone During Weightlifting Competition – with Ivan Perasovic

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 09:18:12 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/what-are-hormone-136140235 🏋️‍♀️

How do you balance arousal and calm to unlock peak lifts in a real Olympic weightlifting competition? What do cortisol, testosterone, and alpha-amylase tell us about how lifters cope under pressure? Can a coach use breathing and supportive cues to optimize performance for both male and female lifters? Ivan Perasovic shares practical findings from his real-competition study and translates them into coaching tactics you can apply today.

Ivan Perasovic is an experienced Strength and Conditioning Coach with a strong background in working with elite soccer and basketball players, both in team settings and through individualized programs. His expertise includes injury prevention, return-to-play rehabilitation, and long-term athletic development. He brings a structured, science-based approach to training, deeply rooted in his athletic background, which includes over 15 years of competitive experience in judo and Olympic weightlifting, where he earned national titles and represented Croatia at the international level. He is pursuing a PhD in Sports Science at the University of Split, focusing on physiological and psychological stress responses in elite athletes, aiming to bridge academic insight and practical application in high-performance sport environments.

Enjoy!

Original research paper:

Perasović I, Ivišić AK, Vrdoljak D, Foretić N, Pavlinović V, Perić M, Nikolovski Z. Biomarker dynamics during olympic weightlifting competition; gender differences study. Kinesiologia Slovenica: scientific journal on sport. 2025 May 12;31(1):52-68.

❤️ Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

▶️ Watch the episodes on YouTube:

🖼️ Weightlifting research infographics:

🔹 https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivan-perasovi%C4%87-531655109

✉️ Follow Ivan Perasovic:

🔹 https://www.instagram.com/ivan.perasovic

💪 Follow Evidence Strong:

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/17479541241266248

Which VBT Device Is Actually Accurate? With Francesco Travascio

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 03:28:34 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/which-velocity-136136173 🏋️‍♀️

Are you struggling to measure barbell velocity accurately? Do you know which velocity measurement devices hold up in real-world scenarios? What’s the actual error margin you should expect from these tools? In this episode, we discuss the critical findings on device accuracy and explore practical applications for coaches looking to optimize their training methods.

Francesco Travascio, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor at the University of Miami, where he also serves as the director of the Musculoskeletal Biomechanics Lab. He leads research efforts at the Max Biedermann Institute for Biomechanics at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach. Dr. Travascio's expertise lies in orthopaedics, sports medicine, and biomechanics, and he actively competes as a Masters Olympic weightlifting athlete.

Enjoy!

Original research paper:

Lemus SA, Volz M, Blasdale A, Beron-Vera F, Chen CB, Mann BJ, Travascio F. The accuracy of measuring velocity during weightlifting movements with five velocity-based training devices. International journal of sports science & coaching. 2024 Dec;19(6):2501-12.

❤️ Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

▶️ Watch the episodes on YouTube:

🖼️ Weightlifting research infographics:

🔹 https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Francesco-Travascio

✉️ Follow Francesco Travascio:

🔹 https://x.com/Biomech_UM

🔹 https://www.linkedin.com/in/francesco-travascio-022b036b

💪 Follow Evidence Strong:

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15502783.2025.2501063

Does Caffeine Actually Make You Jump Higher? With Zacharias Papadakis

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 04:46:31 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/caffeine-and-136064083 🏋️‍♀️

Are you maximizing your athletes' jump performance? How does caffeine really impact explosive power? Can the right dosage make a difference in training outcomes? In this episode, Dr. Zacharias Papadakis discusses the latest research on caffeine's effects on vertical jump height and what coaches need to know to apply these findings effectively in their training regimens. Discover practical insights that can elevate your coaching game!

Zacharias Papadakis is an Associate Professor of Exercise Physiology & Wellness and Director of the Human Performance Laboratory at Barry University in Miami, FL. He holds degrees from Aristotle University in Greece, Sheffield Hallam University in the UK, and Baylor University in Texas. As a Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine, he specializes in how lifestyle factors like exercise, sleep, and nutrition influence cardiometabolic health.

Enjoy!

Original research paper:

Papadakis Z, Panoutsakopoulos V, Schwarz A, Antonio J. Caffeine’s influence on vertical jump height: a real-life collegiate student-athlete approach. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 2025 Dec 31;22(1):2501063.

❤️ Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

▶️ Watch the episodes on YouTube:

🖼️ Weightlifting research infographics:

🔹 https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachariaspapadakisphd

✉️ Follow Zacharias Papadakis:

🔹 https://www.instagram.com/zpapadakis

🔹 https://x.com/zachpapadakis

🔹 https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Zacharias-Papadakis-2

💪 Follow Evidence Strong:

https://journals.humankinetics.com/view/journals/pes/aop/article-10.1123-pes.2024-0083/article-10.1123-pes.2024-0083.xml

Stronger or Just More Mature? The Surprising Truth About Youth Weightlifting – with Steph Morris

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 03:31:57 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/youth-lifter-136060802 🏋️‍♀️

Are you considering maturity in your youth weightlifting program? How does biological maturity influence performance in young athletes? What methods can you use to measure maturity accurately? Discover these essential insights with Dr. Steph Morris, a leading expert in youth weightlifting performance. In this episode, we explore the critical role of assessing maturity for talent identification, training adaptations, and even competition strategies. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your coaching approach with cutting-edge research findings!

Steph is a Lecturer in Strength and Conditioning at Cardiff Metropolitan University, where she recently completed her PhD on the influence of biological maturity and strength kinetics on young weightlifters’ performance. An accredited strength and conditioning coach, she also coaches young athletes at the Youth Physical Development Centre and the British Weightlifting DiSE programme.

Enjoy!

Original research paper(s):

Morris SJ, Oliver JL, Radnor JM, Hill M, Haff GG, Lloyd RS. The Influence of Relative Age and Biological Maturity on Youth Weightlifting Performance. Pediatric Exercise Science. 2025 Jan 30;1(aop):1-9.

❤️ Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

▶️ Watch the episodes on YouTube:

🖼️ Weightlifting research infographics:

🔹 https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Stephanie-Morris-20

✉️ Follow Steph Morris:

🔹 https://x.com/stephmorris979

💪 Follow Evidence Strong:

https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/2/748

Should You Use 120% Clean Pulls Before Heavy Cleans? With Shyam Chavda

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 04:54:47 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/how-to-use-pulls-135600765 🏋️‍♀️

Are your athletes truly maximizing their lifts? What if a simple adjustment could enhance their performance on the platform? In this episode, we dive into the effects of post-activation potentiation on weightlifting performance and the nuances of individual responses. Could a 120% clean pull be the key or the wrong choice for your lifters? Discover the science behind these performance techniques and how to implement them effectively in your lifters.

Shyam Chavda is the Programme Lead for the MSc in Strength & Conditioning (Distance Education) at Middlesex University and the Lead Performance Scientist at British Weightlifting. He specializes in optimizing athletic performance through innovative training methods and robust scientific research.

Enjoy!

Original research paper:

Chavda S, Sorensen A, Vernau J, Hills F, Bishop C, Turner AN. Effect of Post-Activation Potentiation on Weightlifting Performance and Endocrinological Responses. Applied Sciences. 2025 Jan 14;15(2):748.

❤️ Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

▶️ Watch the episodes on YouTube:

🖼️ Weightlifting research infographics:

🔹 https://www.linkedin.com/in/shyam-chavda-6b4480a5

✉️ Follow Shyam Chavda:

🔹 https://twitter.com/shy_2tweet

🔹 https://www.instagram.com/coach_chavda

💪 Follow Evidence Strong:

https://journals.lww.com/nsca-jscr/abstract/2025/06000/relationship_between_online_coaching.7.aspx

Online coaching, does it really work? Diving into data with Jason Clarke

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 22:51:26 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/science-of-in-134082595 🏋️‍♀️

Are you curious if online coaching really produces results? What factors influence the lifter's satisfaction? How can you effectively communicate with your athletes remotely? In this episode, Jason Clarke shares insights from his study on online coaching that reveals what truly drives performance and satisfaction among lifters. Dive into the data and learn how to enhance your coaching methods!

Jason Clarke is an online powerlifting coach, owner of North Shore Barbell, and head coach of the New Zealand powerlifting team. He holds a Master’s degree in Sport, Exercise and Health (Strength and Conditioning) from the Auckland University of Technology (AUT). With over a decade of experience in the fitness industry and extensive research in online coaching, Jason provides valuable takeaways for coaches looking to optimize their practices.

Enjoy!

Original research paper(s):

Clarke JV, Spence AJ, Helms ER, Cross MR. Relationship Between Online Coaching Characteristics, Lifter Satisfaction, and Performance in Powerlifters. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research. 2025 Jun 1;39(6):666-71.

❤️ Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

▶️ Watch the episodes on YouTube:

🖼️ Weightlifting research infographics:

🔹 https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-clarke-8b0b24131

✉️ Follow Jason Clarke:

🔹 https://www.instagram.com/jasonvclarke_nsbb

💪 Follow Evidence Strong:

Injury in the Gym: Step‑by‑Step Coach Response Guide – with Kathy Williams

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 23:10:15 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/when-things-go-134077402 🏋️‍♀️

Are you prepared for injuries in your gym? What are the most common causes of gym injuries? How can you manage emergencies like dislocations or concussions effectively? In this episode, Dr. Kathy Williams shares critical insights into injury prevention, emergency preparedness, and how coaches can create a safer training environment for their athletes.

Kathy Williams is a certified athletic trainer with over 20 years of experience in the field. She serves as the Coordinator of Clinical Education and Athletic Trainers at Pinecrest PT LLC and has contributed to the development of multiple academic programs, including master's degrees in health sciences. Kathy's expertise spans university, high school, and outpatient clinic settings, making her a valuable resource for coaches and athletes alike.

Enjoy!

❤️ Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

▶️ Watch the episodes on YouTube:

🖼️ Weightlifting research infographics:

🔹 https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathy-williams-5451364b

✉️ Follow Kathy Williams:

💪 Follow Evidence Strong:

https://www.minervamedica.it/en/journals/sports-med-physical-fitness/article.php?cod=R40Y9999N00A25032505

Can You Predict Thruster Performance from Clean and Jerk? – with Alejandro Oliver

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 08:13:23 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/prediction-of-133488112 🏋️‍♀️

Are you using standardized weights in CrossFit? What if you could predict each athlete's maximum load for the thruster based on their clean and jerk? How can personalized training models transform your coaching? In this episode, Alejandro Oliver shares groundbreaking insights on how to individualize CrossFit workouts for optimal performance and safety.

Alejandro Oliver-López is a coach, researcher, and professor at the European University of Madrid, focusing on optimizing CrossFit training through data-driven approaches. He is in the final stages of his Doctoral Thesis, aiming to shift CrossFit training towards a more evidence-based, individualized model rather than generic group fitness classes.

Enjoy!

Original research paper(s):

Oliver-López A, Brandt T, Schmidt A, Sabido R. Prediction of thruster maximum load using clean and jerk one-repetition maximum: influence of gender and experience in CrossFit athletes. The Journal of sports medicine and physical fitness. 2025 Mar 25.

❤️ Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

▶️ Watch the episodes on YouTube:

🖼️ Weightlifting research infographics:

🔹 https://www.linkedin.com/in/alejandro-oliver-l%C3%B3pez-24aa13173

✉️ Follow Alejandro Oliver:

🔹 https://www.instagram.com/alejandro.oliver

🔹 https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Alejandro-Oliver-Lopez

💪 Follow Evidence Strong:

How to Build Resilience in Weightlifters - with Tom Smalley

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 06:32:36 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/mental-skills-132950735 🏋️‍♀️

Are you struggling to foster a high-performing culture in your weightlifting team? How can you help athletes navigate the mental pressures of competition? What role does effective communication play in athlete-coach relationships?

Tom Smalley is the Founder of Struggle into Strength Performance, LLC, and a Certified Mental Performance Consultant. With a Master's in Exercise and Sports Science, Tom specializes in bridging the gap between mental and physical fitness. He has extensive experience working with athletes across various levels and sports, focusing on enhancing performance through emotional regulation and effective communication.

Enjoy!

❤️ Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

▶️ Watch the episodes on YouTube:

🖼️ Weightlifting research infographics:

https://open.spotify.com/show/61GlKOBnVCjYmzvSa3QfqY?si=1d1f16f9953f40de&nd=1&dlsi=f38df4bd7f684cb2

🎙️ Check out Tom's "Smalls Talk" Podcast:

✉️ Follow Tom Smalley:

🔹 https://www.struggleintostrength.com

🔹 https://www.instagram.com/s2s_smalls

🔹 https://www.linkedin.com/in/s2sfof

💪 Follow Evidence Strong:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2211266925000167

Struggling with Weight Cuts? Here’s a Science Based Solution – with Izzy Tremonte

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 21:50:08 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/making-weight-129803266 🏋️‍♀️

Are you a coach struggling to understand the psychological impact of weight cutting on athletes? What happens to body image during weight loss? Can a gradual weight loss strategy improve well-being? Join Izzy Tremonte as she shares her research on the psychological nuances of weight cutting in powerlifting and how to help athletes maintain their mental health through this challenging process.

Izzy Tremonte is a PhD student in the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education at the University of Toronto. With over 5 years of experience as a powerlifter, she combines her personal insights with academic research to explore the psychological aspects of body image and well-being in athletes. Her work aims to bridge the gap between physical performance and mental health, particularly in weight class sports.

Enjoy!

Original research paper:

Tremonte IL, Mack DE, Wilson PM, Sabiston CM. Making the cut: Investigating body image and well-being among female powerlifters. Performance Enhancement & Health. 2025 Jun 1;13(2):100333.

❤️ Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

▶️ Watch the episodes on YouTube:

🖼️ Weightlifting research infographics:

🔹 https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabella-tremonte-a804aa179

✉️ Follow Izzy Tremonte:

🔹 https://www.instagram.com/strongerwithit

💪 Follow Evidence Strong:

https://eplus.uni-salzburg.at/download/pdf/10095394.pdf

Can Push-Ups Predict Weightlifting Success? Find Out – with Lena Danner

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 09:34:55 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/upper-body-tests-131112445 🏋️‍♀️

Are you leveraging upper body strength in your weightlifting training? What if a simple push-up test could unlock performance gains? Discover how explosive push-up tests correlate with weightlifting success and why they matter for your athletes. Can you identify hidden talent in younger lifters using this method?

Lena Danner is a sports scientist from Salzburg (Austria), working as an athletic coach at a youth soccer academy. She is passionate about weightlifting, CrossFit, skiing, and all things outdoors, especially in the breathtaking mountains of Austria. Lena's research focuses on the relationship between explosive upper body tests and weightlifting performance, bringing a fresh perspective to strength training protocols.

Enjoy!

Original thesis:

Danner L. Untersuchung des Zusammenhangs zwischen explosiven Push-up-Tests und der Ausstoßleistung im Gewichtheben. 2023.

❤️ Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

▶️ Watch the episodes on YouTube:

🖼️ Weightlifting research infographics:

🔹 https://www.linkedin.com/in/lena-danner-041305238

✉️ Follow Lena Danner:

🔹 https://www.instagram.com/lenski._

🔹 https://www.instagram.com/lenadanner_coach

💪 Follow Evidence Strong:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40249909/

Cold Water Immersion: The Hidden Risks for Muscle Growth – with Milan Betz

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 00:45:51 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/is-cold-water-it-129403267 🏋️‍♀️

Are you relying on cold water immersion for muscle recovery? What does the latest research say about its effects on muscle growth? Could using ice baths actually hinder your performance? In this episode, Milan Betz dives into the science behind cold water immersion and its impact on muscle recovery, revealing surprising findings that challenge popular beliefs.

Milan Betz is a PhD candidate at the Department of Human Biology, with the M3-research group led by Prof. Luc van Loon. His research focuses on exercise, nutrition, and muscle physiology, specifically on skeletal muscle microvascular structure and function and its role in training adaptations and the anabolic response to nutrition in both young and older populations.

Enjoy!

Original research paper(s):

Betz MW, Fuchs CJ, Chedd F, Monsegue AP, Hendriks FK, van Kranenburg JM, Goessens J, Houben AJ, Verdijk LB, van Loon LJ, Snijders T. Post-Exercise Cooling Lowers Skeletal Muscle Microvascular Perfusion and Blunts Amino Acid Incorporation into Muscle Tissue in Active Young Adults. Medicine and science in sports and exercise. 2025 Jan 17.

❤️ Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

▶️ Watch the episodes on YouTube:

🖼️ Weightlifting research infographics:

✉️ Follow Milan Betz:

🔹 https://x.com/MilanWBetz

🔹 https://www.linkedin.com/in/milanbetz

🔹 https://www.instagram.com/milan.w.betz

💪 Follow Evidence Strong:

What Weightlifting Can Learn from Netball: Wellness & Injury Prevention with Sharon Kearney

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 05:37:18 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/creating-athlete-129317718 🏋️‍♀️

Are you aware of how to optimize your female athletes' performance and health? How can understanding female physiology dramatically reduce injury rates? What role does nutrition play in a young athlete's wellbeing?

Sharon Kearney is the Netball Smart Programme Manager for Netball New Zealand, focusing on reducing injuries in netballers and promoting female athlete health and wellbeing. She has been pivotal in developing educational frameworks that empower young female athletes with knowledge about their physiology, injury prevention, and smart training practices. Sharon holds a Master’s in Physiotherapy specializing in ACL injury prevention and has worked extensively in both community and high-performance settings.

Enjoy!

❤️ Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

▶️ Watch the episodes on YouTube:

🖼️ Weightlifting research infographics:

✉️ Follow Sharon Kearney:

🔹 https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharon-kearney64

🔹 https://netballsmart.co.nz

💪 Follow Evidence Strong:

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/17479541241296023

Better Snatch Performance: How Straps Boost Muscle Activation – with Francesco Travascio

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 05:36:39 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/how-does-using-129305953 🏋️‍♀️

Are you maximizing your weightlifting performance? Ever wondered how lifting straps can alter muscle activation? Are you aware of the potential 40% increase in muscle activation when using straps? In this episode, we discuss groundbreaking research that reveals how straps can significantly impact your training outcomes.

Francesco Travascio, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor at the University of Miami and directs the Musculoskeletal Biomechanics Lab. He specializes in orthopaedics, sports medicine, and biomechanics, contributing over 20 years of expertise to the field. Francesco is also a passionate weightlifter and competes as a Master Athlete.

Enjoy!

Original research paper(s):

Lemus SA, Volz M, Chen CB, Mann BJ, Travascio F. The use of lifting straps during snatch alters muscle activation patterns. International journal of sports science & coaching. 2025 Feb;20(1):264-74.

❤️ Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

▶️ Watch the episodes on YouTube:

🖼️ Weightlifting research infographics:

🔹 https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Francesco-Travascio

✉️ Follow Francesco Travascio:

🔹 https://x.com/Biomech_UM

🔹 https://www.linkedin.com/in/francesco-travascio-022b036b

💪 Follow Evidence Strong:

https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0313919

Best Velocity Tracking Apps for Powerlifting – with Alex Renner

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 11:13:29 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/are-mobile-apps-129080622 🏋️‍♀️

Are you relying on smartphone apps for barbell velocity tracking? Do you know which app delivers the most accurate measurements? What can coaches learn from the latest research on velocity-based training technologies?

Alex Renner is a competitive powerlifter and researcher based in Austria, holding the highest Austrian Total and being a FISU World Champion. His expertise lies in strength training and velocity-based training, as he studies at the University of Vienna. His recent research investigates the accuracy of smartphone apps for measuring barbell velocity in powerlifting exercises.

Enjoy!

Original research paper(s):

Renner A, Mitter B, Baca A. Concurrent validity of novel smartphone-based apps monitoring barbell velocity in powerlifting exercises. PloS one. 2024 Nov 19;19(11):e0313919.

❤️ Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

▶️ Watch the episodes on YouTube:

🖼️ Weightlifting research infographics:

🔹 https://www.instagram.com/alex.renner.lifting

✉️ Follow Alex Renner:

🔹 https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Alexander-Renner-5

💪 Follow Evidence Strong:

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/17479541251314131

5 Strength Domains Every Coach Must Know - with Mary Geneau

Wed, 28 May 2025 03:11:03 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/testing-types-of-129072606 🏋️‍♀️

Are you measuring the right strength qualities for your athletes? What metrics actually translate to performance? How can you ensure your testing is both effective and relevant? In this episode, Mary Geneau dives into the intricacies of strength measurement, revealing five distinct domains of strength and why many common tests may not accurately reflect what you think they do. Get ready to rethink how you assess strength!

Mary Geneau is a strength and conditioning coach and performance analyst at the Canadian Sport Institute - Pacific. She serves as the IST Lead for the Volleyball Canada women's indoor program and has over a decade of experience in strength and conditioning and data analytics. With a PhD from La Trobe University, her research focuses on lower body strength diagnostics using force platforms and the application of wearable technology for athlete monitoring. She has worked with various Canadian National teams across multiple sports, enhancing athletes’ performance while minimizing injury risk.

Enjoy!

Original research paper(s):

Geneau MC, Gastin PB, Robertson S, James LP. Classification of lower body strength qualities: A data-driven approach. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching. 2025 Feb 9:17479541251314131.

❤️ Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

▶️ Watch the episodes on YouTube:

🖼️ Weightlifting research infographics:

🔹 https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Mary-Claire-Geneau

✉️ Follow Mary Geneau:

🔹 https://x.com/mcgeneau

🔹 https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-claire-geneau-60a74b93

💪 Follow Evidence Strong:

https://journals.lww.com/nsca-jscr/fulltext/2021/10000/range_of_motion_is_not_reduced_in_national_level.11.aspx

Should Powerlifters Stretch? Science-Backed Answers with Alyssa-Joy Spence

Wed, 21 May 2025 06:12:18 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/stretch-or-not-128323680 🏋️‍♀️

Should lifters stretch or not? Is range of motion influencing strength performance? Are mobile powerlifters stronger? Dr Alyssa-Joy Spence explains the results of two studies measuring mobility in powerlifters in relation to the powerlifting performance. We talk about stretching, range of motion, strength, and differences between female and male lifters.

Alyssa-Joy is a lecturer and researcher in sport and exercise science at Auckland University of Technology. She is also a powerlifting coach at The Strength Athlete.

Enjoy!

Original research papers:

Spence AJ, Helms ER, McGuigan MR. Range of motion is not reduced in National-level New Zealand female powerlifters. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research. 2021 Oct 1;35(10):2737-41.

Spence AJ, Helms ER, Sousa CA, McGuigan MR. Range of motion predicts performance in national-level New Zealand male powerlifters. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research. 2023 Jan 1;37(1):123-8.

https://journals.lww.com/nsca-jscr/abstract/2023/01000/range_of_motion_predicts_performance_in.17.aspx

Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

Watch the episodes on YouTube:

Weightlifting research infographics:

https://www.instagram.com/alyssajoyable

Follow Alyssa-Joy Spence:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssa-joy-spence-043555b4

https://www.instagram.com/thestrengthathlete

Follow Evidence Strong:

https://www.mdpi.com/2411-5142/10/1/52

How to Peak Weightlifters for Competition - with Theo Stavropoulos

Tue, 13 May 2025 23:49:10 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/light-vs-heavy-128165707 🏋️‍♀️

What is the best method to prime a weightlifter for the max snatch and clean & jerk? Theodoros Stavropoulos researched this particular topic as part of his Master's degree.

Theo is a graduate of the School of Physical Education & Sport Science at the National Kapodistrian University of Athens, where he earned his degree, specializing in Weightlifting and Swimming. He furthered his education with a Master's degree in Exercise Physiology & Coaching at the School of Physical Education & Sport Science at Democritus University of Thrace, graduating with honors. He specializes in Kettlebell Training, Sports Performance & Rehabilitation, Personal and Group Training, and First Aid.

Enjoy!

Original research paper:

Stavropoulos T, Zaras N, Kelekian GK, Mpampoulis T, Avloniti A, Chatzinikolaou A, Terzis G. Effects of Priming with Light vs. Heavy Loads on Weightlifting Performance. Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology. 2025 Jan 30;10(1):52.

Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

Watch the episodes on YouTube:

Weightlifting research infographics:

https://www.instagram.com/theo_undergroundfitness

Follow Theo Stavropoulos:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/theodoros-stavropoulos-a34078309

Follow Evidence Strong:

https://journals.lww.com/nsca-scj/abstract/2024/08000/the_effects_of_psyching_up_on_maximal_force.9.aspx

How to Psych Up for a Heavy Lift - with Kurtis Cusimano

Thu, 08 May 2025 05:36:05 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/psyching-up-for-126611538 🏋️‍♀️

Psyching-up strategies are observable in many lifters, especially before a heavy lift in the gym as well as in the competition. Kurtis Cusimano spent the last few years studying these strategies in weightlifters, powerlifters, and strongman athletes.

Kurtis is an experienced Strongman coach with MST Systems, and a Sport and Exercise Psychology PhD Student at the University of Essex. Kurtis has particular interests in utilising psychological strategies to maximise strength performance. Kurtis focused on identifying what psyching-up is, exploring the mechanisms of these strategies, examining their effectiveness, and whether individual differences in personality traits influence strategy selection and subsequent performance. Through his role in academia, and extensive background within strongman and powerlifting, Kurtis is committed to enhancing knowledge exchange between strength-sport coaches & athletes, and academic researchers.

Enjoy!

Original research paper:

Cusimano K, Freeman P, Pawaar J, Moran J. The Effects of Psyching-Up on Maximal Force Production: A Systematic Review. Strength & Conditioning Journal. 2022 Mar 16:10-519.

Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

Watch the episodes on YouTube:

Weightlifting research infographics:

https://www.instagram.com/the_strongman_psychologist

Follow Kurtis Cusimano:

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Kurtis-Cusimano

Follow Evidence Strong:

https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/2/661

How to use accentuated eccentric loading in back squats with Brookelyn Campbell

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 00:07:45 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/how-to-use-in-126603849 🏋️‍♀️

Have you ever used releasers for back squats? Brooklyn Campbell studied how weight releasers influence force production and how coaches can best use them to enhance strength and power adaptations in their athletes.

Brooklyn is the Coordinator of Sport Performance at the University of Houston, where she works with women's soccer and softball teams. She earned her Master's in Sports Physiology and Performance Coaching from Carroll University. While there, she collaborated on research examining accentuated eccentric loaded back squats with a team led by Dr. Suchomel.

Enjoy!

Original research paper:

Campbell BA, Cantwell CJ, Marshall-Ciochon LK, Schroeder ZS, Sundh AE, Chard JB, Taber CB, Suchomel TJ. A Comparison of the Braking and Propulsion Phase Characteristics of Traditional and Accentuated Eccentric Loaded Back Squats in Resistance-Trained Women. Applied Sciences. 2025 Jan 11;15(2):661.

Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

Watch the episodes on YouTube:

Weightlifting research infographics:

https://www.instagram.com/brooke988

Follow Brookelyn Campbell:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/brooke-campbell-714ab0274

Follow Evidence Strong:

https://journals.lww.com/nsca-scj/abstract/2025/04000/a_coach_s_guide_to_velocity_based_training_.9.aspx

6 Velocity-Based Training Hacks with Dr Steve Thompson

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 05:28:42 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/6-ways-to-use-dr-126597758 🏋️‍♀️

Velocity-based training (VBT) is rapidly growing in popularity, and for a good reason. New studies keep revealing better ways to leverage bar-speed data for smarter programming. In this episode, Dr Steve Thompson breaks down the six most effective ways to bring VBT into your coaching toolbox.

Steve is an accredited strength-and-conditioning coach (UKSCA) and leads the MSc in Strength and Conditioning Coaching at Sheffield Hallam University. His PhD examined how load-velocity profiling can predict one-repetition maximum. Steve has presented his research and practical methods to use VBT to organisations such as the UKSCA, the English Institute of Sport, and British Swimming. He is a prolific researcher with multiple papers in high-impact journals, and he currently serves as a Physical Performance Coach for The Football Association and as an S&C coach for British Diving. Over more than a decade in elite sport, he has supported GB Olympic, Commonwealth, European, and World medallists across multiple disciplines.

Enjoy!

Original research paper:

Thompson SW, Fernandes J, Dorrell H, Greig L, Bishop C. A Coach's Guide to Velocity-Based Training: Definitions and Diagnostics. Strength & Conditioning Journal. 2025 Apr 1;47(2):230-44.

Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

Watch the episodes on YouTube:

Weightlifting research infographics:

https://www.instagram.com/stevethompson99t

Follow Steve Thompson:

https://x.com/Steve381

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-steve-thompson-a2416b28

Follow Evidence Strong:

https://www.degruyterbrill.com/document/doi/10.1515/jom-2024-0079/html

Powerlifters Struggle With Urinary Incontinence. How to Help - with Kloie Nutt

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 11:05:56 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/urinary-in-elite-126193385 🏋️‍♀️

Urinary incontinence (unwanted loss of urine) is a massive problem in strength sports, especially in female lifters. In this interview, Kloie Nutt discusses how the severity of urinary incontinence relates to the musculoskeletal findings in female powerlifters.

Kloie Nutt is a third-year medical student at Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine. She competes in powerlifting and has done so for over 10 years on the national and world levels. Most recently, she competed at the IPF Equipped World Championships in Iceland, receiving a silver medal overall and securing her spot to The World Games in China next fall. Kloie also has experience as a Clinical Research Coordinator in areas of research including Orthopedics, Endocrinology, Gastroenterology, and Immunology.

Kloie is very passionate about increasing useful information in regards to powerlifting and urinary incontinence.

Enjoy!

Original research paper:

Nutt KD, Carnes M, Griffin L, Rivin G. Urinary incontinence in elite female powerlifters aged 20–30: correlating musculoskeletal exam data with incontinence severity index and survey data. Journal of Osteopathic Medicine. 2024 Dec 4(0).

Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

Watch the episodes on YouTube:

Weightlifting research infographics:

https://www.instagram.com/studentdrnutt

Follow Kloie Nutt:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kloie-n-9601a2122

Follow Evidence Strong:

How to Spot and Fix 9 Common Errors in Weightlifting – with Brittany Rucker

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 23:40:14 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/9-athletes-with-125549104 🏋️‍♀️

Brittany returns for her second appearance on the show to try something new. For an hour, she walks through videos of nine of her lifters and the changes they’ve made to improve technique and performance. She explains her process of analyzing lifting technique through the lens of efficiency, pain, and performance.

Brittany Rucker, a USAW Senior International Coach, has spent the past 10 years developing weightlifters of all ages into national and international champions. She’s coached Team USA athletes at the Youth, Junior, and Senior levels. As the founder of Bexar Barbell, Brittany has grown her team from a garage gym into the largest team in the U.S., earning consecutive state and national titles since 2021.

Enjoy!

Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

Watch the episodes on YouTube:

Weightlifting research infographics:

https://www.instagram.com/bexarbarbell

Follow Brittany Rucker:

https://www.instagram.com/slimthick64

Follow Evidence Strong:

https://www.proquest.com/openview/306e1689df8ed53cb9249b04d7ac1015/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=51922&diss=y

What Strength Coaches Miss by Not Tracking Grip & Bench Velocity - with Derek Wilcox

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 09:12:55 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/lifter-using-124178011 🏋️‍♀️

In strength sports, monitoring techniques mainly involve the lower limbs. But what if the athlete cannot be tested that way? Derek Wilcox encountered this issue while working with a para-powerlifter preparing for a national-level competition. In this interview, we discuss the tests he used and the results and lessons from two studies that were part of his PhD.

Dr. Derek Wilcox is a former professional powerlifter from North Carolina, holding degrees in Kinesiology (MA) and Sport Physiology (PhD). He held the all-time world record for squats in the 181 lb weight class with a lift of 935 lbs, as well as being the lightest person ever to squat 1,000 lbs (at 194 lbs) in competition. As a sports science consultant and coach for Renaissance Periodization, he combines a PhD-level education with the practical knowledge of a high-level athlete for his clients’ benefit.

Enjoy!

Derek's PhD thesis we discuss:

Wilcox DR. The Training of a Para Powerlifter: A Case Study of Adaptive Monitoring, Training and Overcoming (Doctoral dissertation, East Tennessee State University).

Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

Watch the episodes on YouTube:

Weightlifting research infographics:

https://www.instagram.com/wilcoxstrengthinc

Derek Wilcox:

https://wilcoxstrengthinc.com

https://www.facebook.com/wilcoxstrengthinc

Follow Evidence Strong:

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Dylan-Suarez/publication/348003677_Athlete_monitoring_for_barbell_strength_sports_a_review_with_practical_recommendations_for_implementation/links/5ff3198992851c13feeb077c/Athlete-monitoring-for-barbell-strength-sports-a-review-with-practical-recommendations-for-implementation.pdf

How to Build an Effective Athlete Monitoring Program (and Coach Like a Pro) - with Dylan Suarez

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 03:30:33 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/lifter-with-124169937 🏋️‍♀️

Athlete monitoring is on the rise in strength sports, but not as quickly as in team sports. Is the slow adoption due to limited resources, experience, or knowledge of technology and data? Are there frameworks to help coaches implement lifter monitoring faster and more effectively?

In this episode, Dylan Suarez walks us through his literature review on athlete monitoring for strength sports, offering practical implementation tips drawn from his experiences in professional settings of Olympic weightlifting and baseball.

Dylan currently serves as a Human Performance Data Scientist for the U.S. military. He has held sports science roles in Major League Baseball and at the UFC Performance Institute. In 2022, he earned his PhD in Sport Physiology and Performance from East Tennessee State University while also working as an Assistant Coach and Lead Sport Scientist for the university’s weightlifting program.

Enjoy!

Original research paper:

Suarez DG, Harden NG, Perkins A, D’Amato JS, Almugathwi IF, Stone MH. Athlete monitoring for barbell strength sports: A review with practical recommendations for implementation. Prof. Strength Cond. 2020;58:23-35.

Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

Watch the episodes on YouTube:

Weightlifting research infographics:

https://www.instagram.com/suarezstrength

Dylan Suarez:

https://x.com/suarezstrength

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dylan-suarez-phd-85185a1b6

Follow Evidence Strong:

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40279-014-0192-8

How alcohol influences performance - with Matt Barnes

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 22:20:07 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/how-alcohol-with-124015462 🏋️‍♀️

Have you ever wondered how alcohol influences weightlifting performance? Will one beer or glass of wine with dinner influence the next day's training? What about long-term alcohol use? Matt Barnes answers the questions about the influence of alcohol on athletic performance and recovery, especially for strength or power athletes.

Matt is an associate professor at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand. His primary research focuses on factors influencing muscle function and performance, including muscle damage, injury, fatigue, and exercise.

Enjoy!

Original research paper:

Barnes MJ. Alcohol: impact on sports performance and recovery in male athletes. Sports medicine. 2014 Jul;44(7):909-19.

Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

Watch the episodes on YouTube:

Weightlifting research infographics:

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Matthew-Barnes-10

Follow Matt Barnes:

https://www.massey.ac.nz/massey/expertise/profile.cfm?stref=710050

Follow Evidence Strong:

Weight cutting in elite Olympic weightlifting - with two-time Olympian Jourdan Delacruz

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 11:35:15 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/weight-cutting-123500745 🏋️‍♀️

Jourdan cut weight for both the Tokyo and Paris Olympics to qualify for Team USA. In each case, she competed in the 49 kg class, though the experiences of cutting weight were markedly different. In this interview, she reflects on her time as an elite weightlifter and shares insights on weight management, drawing on both her experiences as an elite weightlifter and her background in nutrition and dietetics.

Jourdan Delacruz is a two-time Olympian who represented Team USA in weightlifting. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from the University of Northern Colorado and is pursuing a master’s in Sports Nutrition with the goal of becoming a sport-focused registered dietitian. She’s also the founder of Herathlete (https://www.herathlete.org), a brand dedicated to supporting female athletes through education and community.

Enjoy!

Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

Watch the episodes on YouTube:

Weightlifting research infographics:

https://www.instagram.com/herathlete

Follow Jourdan Delacruz:

https://www.instagram.com/jourdannn_14

Follow Evidence Strong:

Why We Lose Muscle and Strength - and How to Stop It. With Justin Keogh

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 04:50:46 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/losing-muscle-122663984 🏋️‍♀️

We often focus on building strength and muscle, but rarely consider what happens when we start losing it—and the impact that loss can have on our health and daily life. As we age, sarcopenia (low muscle mass) and osteoporosis (low bone density) become increasingly serious concerns, affecting mobility and overall well-being.

In this episode, we take a closer look at sarcopenia with Dr. Justin Keogh, an exercise scientist and behavioral researcher. His work focuses on the benefits of resistance training for mitigating the effects of cancer treatment, combating sarcopenia in older adults, and even boosting athletic performance.

Enjoy!

Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

Watch the episodes on YouTube:

Weightlifting research infographics:

https://x.com/DrStrength4Life

Follow Justin Keogh:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-keogh-65908632

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Justin-Keogh

Follow Evidence Strong:

Coaching at Weightlifting World Championships: first-time experience with Brittany Rucker

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 21:10:25 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/coaching-at-your-122244606 🏋️‍♀️

How does it feel to coach at the World Championships for the first time? How do coaches prepare themselves and their athletes? In this interview, Brittany Rucker graciously shares her experiences from coaching at her first Worlds.

Brittany, a USAW Senior International Coach, has developed weightlifters of all ages into national and international champions, coaching Team USA athletes at Youth, Junior, and Senior levels since 2020. She has traveled the globe to coach at the sport’s highest level, including leading two athletes to top-10 finishes at the 2024 IWF Senior World Championships. Founder of Bexar Barbell, Brittany has grown her team from a garage gym into the largest in the U.S., earning consecutive state and national titles since 2021.

Enjoy!

Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

Watch the episodes on YouTube:

Weightlifting research infographics:

https://www.instagram.com/bexarbarbell

Follow Brittany Rucker:

https://www.instagram.com/slimthick64

Follow Evidence Strong:

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/endocrinology/articles/10.3389/fendo.2020.00031/full

Muscle vs Fat: Rethinking Performance with Dr. Antonella Schwarz

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:56:24 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/relationship-and-121901677 🏋️‍♀️

Have we been doing it all wrong? Are years of focusing on being lean for performance gone? In this interview, we examine the relationship between fat, muscle, and performance with Dr Antonella Schwarz.

Antonella Schwarz is a professor of Exercise Science at Barry University in Miami. With a PhD in Exercise Science, her research focuses on innovative resistance training methods and sports nutrition to enhance performance and recovery. She brings a unique blend of academic rigor and practical application to the study of human movement and training efficiency. As an avid runner and weightlifter, she has a deep understanding of the physiological demands of athletic performance.

Enjoy!

A reference for muscle mass estimations that Antonella mentions:

Heymsfield SB, Stanley A, Pietrobelli A, Heo M. Simple skeletal muscle mass estimation formulas: what we can learn from them. Frontiers in endocrinology. 2020 Feb 5;11:31.

Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

Watch the episodes on YouTube:

Weightlifting research infographics:

https://www.instagram.com/dr.antonella.schwarz

Follow Antonella Schwarz:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/antonella-schwarz-84b8b0297

Follow Evidence Strong:

https://bmjopensem.bmj.com/content/10/4/e001884

Weightlifting injuries versus powerlifting injuries with Matthew Tung

Sun, 16 Feb 2025 01:02:03 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/weightlifting-121316706 🏋️‍♀️

The newest review on injuries in weightlifting and powerlifting was just published in December 2024. It updates the previous review (which included research up to 2015), and I’m very excited to bring you this interview with the first author, Matthew Tung.

Matthew is a first-year student in the Physical Therapy program at the University of Southern California. Born in Hong Kong, he moved to the United States for high school and has spent the past nine years dedicated to Olympic weightlifting. Most recently, he represented Hong Kong at the 2024 Asian Championships in Uzbekistan. In addition to his athletic pursuits, he worked as a research assistant for the Hong Kong national fencing team in preparation for the Paris 2024 Olympics. Matthew is passionate about combining his love for Olympic weightlifting with his professional goals in physical therapy and research, striving to advance athletic performance, foster scientific innovation, and improve injury prevention.

Enjoy!

Original research paper:

Tung MJ, Lantz GA, Lopes AD, Berglund L. Injuries in weightlifting and powerlifting: an updated systematic review. BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine. 2024 Dec 4;10(4).

Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

Watch the episodes on YouTube:

Weightlifting research infographics:

https://www.instagram.com/mattung_lifts

Follow Matthew Tung:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-tung-b6104b212

Follow Evidence Strong:

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/sms.14491

How Mental Fatigue Impacts Weightlifting Performance - with Dr Suzy Russell

Thu, 06 Feb 2025 21:56:06 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/mental-fatigue-120785544 🏋️‍♀️

Ninety-six percent of practitioners in high-performance sports perceive mental fatigue and recovery as having a significant impact on training and competition performance; however, only about 12% feel very knowledgeable on the topic. In this interview, Dr. Suzanna Russell explains what mental fatigue in athletes is, how it develops, and—most importantly—how to recover from it optimally.

Dr. Suzanna Russell is a postdoctoral research fellow investigating mental fatigue and recovery in partnership with the Australian Institute of Sport and the Queensland Academy of Sport. Suzy is an Accredited Sports Scientist with Exercise & Sports Science Australia and has previously worked as a performance analyst with the Brisbane Lions and the Queensland Firebirds. Her research focuses on mental fatigue, recovery, and cognitive performance.

Enjoy!

Original research papers:

Global practitioner assessment and management of mental fatigue and mental recovery in high-performance sport: A need for evidence-based best-practice guidelines

What is mental fatigue in elite sport? Perceptions from athletes and staff:

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1080/17461391.2019.1618397

How do elite female team sport athletes experience mental fatigue? Comparison between international competition, training, and preparation camps:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33764275/

Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

Watch the episodes on YouTube:

Weightlifting research infographics:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzy-russell-0839a9112

Follow Suzy Russell:

https://x.com/suzanna_russell

Follow Evidence Strong:

https://journals.lww.com/nsca-jscr/abstract/9900/the_reliabilitybias,differencesandagreement.594.aspx

Barbell velocity measurement: Tendo vs. GymAware comparison study insights with Cameron Kissick

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 23:14:23 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/velocity-tendo-120359674 🏋️‍♀️

In this interview, Cameron Kissick discusses the reliability, bias, differences, and agreement between velocity measurement devices Tendo vs. GymAware during the hang clean pull exercise.

Cameron is currently a Minor League Strength and Conditioning Coach for the New York Mets. Previously, he held an associate sports scientist role with the Mets and served as the Sport Science and Performance Assistant at the University of Oregon. He earned his Master's degree in Sports Physiology and Performance Coaching from Carroll University, where he studied under Dr. Tim Suchomel.

Enjoy!

Original research paper:

Kissick CR, Techmanski BS, Comfort P, Suchomel TJ. The Reliability, Bias, Differences, and Agreement Between Velocity Measurement Devices During the Hang Clean Pull. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research. 2022 May 9:10-519.

Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

Watch the episodes on YouTube:

Weightlifting research infographics:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameron-kissick-23935218b

Follow Cameron Kissick:

https://www.instagram.com/camkissick

https://x.com/kissickcameron

Follow Evidence Strong:

https://www.mdpi.com/2411-5142/8/4/161

Unlock Explosive Power: RSI, Torque & Weightlifting Performance with Nikos Zaras

Fri, 24 Jan 2025 06:54:04 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/reactive-index-119830389 🏋️‍♀️

I discuss with Dr. Nikos Zaras how the reactive strength index and rate of torque development correlate with weightlifting performance.

Dr. Zaras is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, School of Physical Education, Sport Science, and Occupational Therapy at the Democritus University of Thrace in Komotini, Greece. He teaches courses on resistance training, designing resistance training programs, and Olympic weightlifting. His research focuses on strength–power training, Olympic weightlifting, neuromuscular physiology, and performance.

Enjoy!

Original research paper:

Anastasiou G, Hadjicharalambous M, Terzis G, Zaras N. Reactive Strength Index, Rate of Torque Development, and Performance in Well-Trained Weightlifters: A Pilot Study. Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology. 2023 Nov 20;8(4):161.

Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

Watch the episodes on YouTube:

Weightlifting research infographics:

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Nikolaos-Zaras

Follow Nikos Zaras:

Follow Evidence Strong:

https://journals.lww.com/nsca-scj/abstract/2024/04000/testing_and_profiling_athletes__recommendations.5.aspx

Get real results: how to test and profile athletes - with Jonathon Weakley

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 10:11:14 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/athlete-with-119326990 🏋️‍♀️

Why would you want to test or profile your athletes? How do you choose the right tests, interpret the results, and use them to enhance performance? In this interview, I speak with Dr. Jonathon Weakley, a lecturer at the Australian Catholic University, about best practices in athlete profiling, testing, and monitoring.

Dr. Weakley’s research focuses on strength and power development, as well as youth and team sports.

Enjoy!

Original research paper:

Weakley J, Black G, McLaren S, Scantlebury S, Suchomel TJ, McMahon E, Watts D, Read DB. Testing and profiling athletes: recommendations for test selection, implementation, and maximizing information. Strength & Conditioning Journal. 2024 Apr 1;46(2):159-79.

Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

Watch the episodes on YouTube:

Weightlifting research infographics:

https://x.com/JonathonWeakle1

Follow Jonathon Weakley:

https://www.instagram.com/jonathon_weakley_phd

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jonathon-weakley-07975b96

Follow Evidence Strong:

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12884-019-2441-1

Pregnancy and vigorous exercise - safe or risky? With Kassia Beetham

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 21:02:36 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/vigorous-during-118933726 🏋️‍♀️

Is exercising vigorously in the third trimester of pregnancy safe for either the mother or the baby? Is there a difference between vigorous and moderate exercise or not doing exercise at all? What does the current research say? In this interview, Dr. Kassia Beetham explains her newest systematic review and meta-analysis on this topic.

Dr. Kassia Beetham is a lecturer at the Sports Performance, Recovery, Injury and New Technologies (SPRINT) Research Centre at the Australian Catholic University. Her areas of expertise include the effects of higher-intensity exercise during pregnancy on fetal outcomes, the impact of high-impact exercise on postpartum pelvic floor dysfunction, and the prevalence and effects of higher-intensity exercise and resistance training in pregnant athletes.

Enjoy!

Original research paper:

Beetham KS, Giles C, Noetel M, Clifton V, Jones JC, Naughton G. The effects of vigorous intensity exercise in the third trimester of pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC pregnancy and childbirth. 2019 Dec;19:1-8.

Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

Watch the episodes on YouTube:

Weightlifting research infographics:

https://www.instagram.com/thepregnancymovement

Follow Kassia Beetham:

https://x.com/kassiabeetham

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kassia-beetham-686b3b123

Follow Evidence Strong:

Limb asymmetry in athletes - does it really matter? With Chris Bishop

Thu, 02 Jan 2025 02:41:30 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/limb-asymmetry-118526173 🏋️‍♀️

What is limb asymmetry, and how do we measure it? Do we really need to worry about it in athletes? Dr. Chris Bishop shares insights from eight years of research, explaining the nuances of asymmetry and its impact on performance.

Chris is the interim Head of the Department at the London Sports Institute (UK) and an active researcher specializing in performance profiling for athletes and the efficacy of training and testing in golf.

Enjoy!

Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

Watch the episodes on YouTube:

Weightlifting research infographics:

https://x.com/DrChrisBishop

Follow Chris Bishop:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-bishop-a2462b35

Follow Evidence Strong:

Zones of performance in Olympic weightlifting with Alexandra Cacioppo

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 03:25:32 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/zones-of-in-with-118073408 🏋️‍♀️

In this interview, I talk with Alexandra Cacioppo about the performance zones and their application to Olympic weightlifting.

Alexandra has a Masters degree in applied physiology and kinesiology from the University of Florida. Her coaching background is in powerlifting and strength and conditioning.

Enjoy!

Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

Watch the episodes on YouTube:

Weightlifting research infographics:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandrajcacioppo

Follow Alexandra Cacioppo:

https://www.instagram.com/coachcash.htk

https://htkmethod.education

Follow Evidence Strong:

https://repository.mdx.ac.uk/item/89w2q

How do we know if an athlete is improving? Athlete profiling with Anthony Turner

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 20:43:33 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/athlete-with-117525525 🏋️‍♀️

How can we tell if an athlete is improving, declining, or maintaining their performance? And how can we ensure our findings are accurate and reliable? In this interview, Dr. Anthony Turner dives into the key concepts of athlete monitoring and assessment.

Dr. Turner is a sports and exercise science professor at Middlesex University (UK), specializing in strength, power, and fitness assessments for athletes.

Enjoy!

Original research papers:

Turner A. But did my athlete improve!? Assessing performance changes when N= 1. Professional Strength & Conditioning. 2022(63):27-31.

Turner AN, Jones B, Stewart P, Bishop C, Parmar N, Chavda S, Read P. Total score of athleticism: Holistic athlete profiling to enhance decision-making. Strength & Conditioning Journal. 2019 Dec 1;41(6):91-101.

https://journals.lww.com/nsca-scj/FullText/2019/12000/Total_Score_of_Athleticism__Holistic_Athlete.7.aspx

Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

Watch the episodes on YouTube:

Weightlifting research infographics:

https://x.com/anthonyturneruk

Follow Anthony Turner:

https://www.instagram.com/anthonyturneruk

https://www.youtube.com/@anthonyturneruk

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Anthony-Turner-8

Follow Evidence Strong:

https://www.weightliftinghouse.com/2019/02/27/dont-fear-rest/

How to taper for best competition performance - with Hayden Pritchard

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 22:03:02 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/how-to-taper-for-117119177 🏋️‍♀️

What is tapering? Is it really necessary? How do you plan a taper to achieve the best performance results during competition? Dr. Hayden Pritchard answers these questions and more.

Hayden is a husband, a father of two, and a strength coach and educator. He completed his PhD at AUT in 2017 and has published numerous scientific articles in international journals. Hayden provides online powerlifting and strength coaching through Barbell and Beyond, writes for Biolayne’s REPS Research Review, and hosts the Stronger Dads Collective Podcast. A former international powerlifter and national-level weightlifter, Hayden combines his real-world athletic experience with scientific expertise to help strength athletes succeed.

Enjoy!

The article that Hayden mentions during the interview:

Stronger Dads Collective podcast:

https://open.spotify.com/show/5kVfpBmB2oQMBBvvJOK91g

Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

Watch the episodes on YouTube:

Weightlifting research infographics:

https://www.instagram.com/hjpmethod

Follow Hayden Pritchard:

https://hjpmethod.co.nz

Follow Evidence Strong:

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40279-023-01900-6

Blood flow restriction for weightlifting performance and recovery - with Charlie Davids

Wed, 04 Dec 2024 23:45:36 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/blood-flow-with-116647312 🏋️‍♀️

Blood flow restriction gains popularity in strength training, especially in athletes recovering from injuries. Dr Charlie Davids explains what blood restriction is, how it works, and how to use it for the best performance and recovery in weightlifting.

Charlie is a lecturer in Sport and Exercise Science at La Trobe University, and a Strength & Conditioning coach. His research interest is in blood flow restriction and how to best use it in sports.

Enjoy!

Original research paper:

Davids CJ, Roberts LA, Bjørnsen T, Peake JM, Coombes JS, Raastad T. Where Does Blood Flow Restriction Fit in the Toolbox of Athletic Development? A Narrative Review of the Proposed Mechanisms and Potential Applications. Sports Medicine. 2023 Nov;53(11):2077-93.

Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

Watch the episodes on YouTube:

Weightlifting research infographics:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mXj3rh8_SE&list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

More interviews with experts:

Follow Charlie Davids:

https://x.com/charliejdavids

https://scholars.latrobe.edu.au/cdavids

Follow Evidence Strong:

https://journals.lww.com/nsca-jscr/abstract/2023/07000/association_between_foundation_strength_and.5.aspx

Does raw strength explain Olympic weightlifting performance - with Arthur Zecchin

Sun, 01 Dec 2024 23:48:08 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/strength-and-116210935 🏋️‍♀️

What is the association between the overhead press, front squat, and deadlift, and snatch and clean & jerk? Dr Arthur Zecchin tested all these lifts for 1RM (repetition maximum) in 19 male Brazilian weightlifters who competed at the Brazilian Nationals.

Arthur has a PhD in biomechanics and exercise physiology from the Universidad de León, and does research related to weightlifting in various populations including professional athletes and people with cognitive impairments.

Enjoy!

Original research paper:

Zecchin A, Puggina EF, Hortobágyi T, Granacher U. Association between foundation strength and weightlifting exercises in highly trained weightlifters: support for a general strength component. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research. 2023 Jul 1;37(7):1375-81.

Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

Watch the episodes on YouTube:

Weightlifting research infographics:

https://www.instagram.com/_arthur_zecchin

Follow Arthur Zecchin:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/arthurzecchin

Follow Evidence Strong:

How to deal with the heat during training - with Lilia Convit

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 10:47:24 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/how-to-mitigate-115752083 🏋️‍♀️

Lifting in the heat can be challenging, but there are strategies to help mitigate heat effects and allow lifters to perform even in very hot environments. Lilia Convit will guide us through these options and explain the research behind them.

Lilia is a sports dietitian and a researcher, specializing in pre-hydration strategies and heat mitigation, particularly for female athletes.

Enjoy!

Original research paper:

Convit, L., Kelly, M. K., Jardine, W. T., Périard, J. D., Carr, A. J., Warmington, S., … Snipe, R. M. J. (2024). Influence of acute heat mitigation strategies on core temperature, heart rate and aerobic performance in females: A systematic literature review. Journal of Sports Sciences, 1–21. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2024.2396225

Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

Watch the episodes on YouTube:

Weightlifting research infographics:

https://www.instagram.com/liliaconvit

Follow Lilia Convit

https://x.com/liliaconvit

Follow Evidence Strong:

https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/japplphysiol.00342.2024

Inside Eddie Hall’s superhuman muscles - with Jonathan Folland

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 22:20:08 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/how-different-115321172 🏋️‍♀️

Eddie Hall broke the world record in deadlift (500 kg) in 2017. In 2018, he agreed to let researchers test his muscles and tendons and compare them to those of the average person, as well as elite sprinters and other high-level athletes. Dr. Jonathan Folland had the pleasure of testing Mr. Eddie Hall and came on the Evidence Strong Show to walk us through the research results.

Jonathan is a professor of neuromuscular performance at Loughborough University (UK). He is a Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine and the Royal Society of Biology, and the Deputy Director of the Versus Arthritis Centre for Sport, Exercise and Osteoarthritis Research. His research covers physical performance, fitness, and training, with a focus on neuromuscular function, especially strength and power, as well as the underlying physiology and biomechanics that explain function.

Enjoy!

Original research paper:

Balshaw TG, Massey GJ, Miller R, McDermott EJ, Maden-Wilkinson TM, Folland JP. Muscle and tendon morphology of a world strongman and deadlift champion. Journal of Applied Physiology. 2024 Oct 1;137(4):789-99.

Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

Watch the episodes on YouTube:

Weightlifting research infographics:

https://www.lboro.ac.uk/schools/sport-exercise-health-sciences/people/jonathan-folland

Follow Jonathan Folland

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-folland-3bb28566

Follow Evidence Strong:

https://youtu.be/pxSxF1-Kqbg

How jumps and squats predict elite weightlifting performance - with Marcos Soriano

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 11:40:26 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/what-correlates-114897664 🏋️‍♀️

How do elite weightlifters jump? How much do they squat? Do jumps and squats even matter for elite weightlifting performance? Dr. Marcos Soriano will address these questions as he discusses his latest research on the correlations between neuromuscular capabilities (such as jumps and squats) and elite weightlifting performance.

Marcos is a sports science lecturer and an educator for weightlifting coaches in Spain. He previously appeared on the Evidence Strong show, discussing the relationships between split jerk performance and other jerk derivatives.

Enjoy!

Previous interview with Marcos:

Original research paper:

Soriano MA, Flores FJ, Lama-Arenales J, Fernández-del-Olmo M, Comfort P. Neuromuscular Capabilities in Top-Level Weightlifters and Their Association with Weightlifting Performance. Applied Sciences. 2024 Apr 28;14(9):3762.

https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/14/9/3762

Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

Weightlifting research infographics:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

Watch the episodes on YouTube:

Follow Marcos Soriano:

https://www.instagram.com/marcos_soriano1991

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Marcos-Soriano-2

Follow Evidence Strong:

https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9032/10/12/2499

Fatigue assessment for elite weightlifting programming - with Paulo Antunes

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 21:33:41 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/assessing-for-in-114390434 🏋️‍♀️

What if I tell you that you can measure in real-time how fatigued your lifter is getting with their training? And then use this knowledge to adjust (or not) their training plan for the next week. Paulo Antunes has just published a study that proves it's possible.

Paulo is a former coach of the national Portuguese weightlifting team, a college professor, and a weightlifting teacher. He is also currently doing this PhD in training control.

Enjoy!

Original research paper:

Antunes JP, Oliveira R, Reis VM, Romero F, Moutão J, Brito JP. Comparison between olympic weightlifting lifts and derivatives for external load and fatigue monitoring. InHealthcare 2022 Dec 10 (Vol. 10, No. 12, p. 2499). MDPI.

Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

Watch the episodes on YouTube:

Weightlifting research infographics:

https://www.instagram.com/thepauloantunes

Follow Paulo Antunes:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulo-antunes-40549b112

Follow Evidence Strong:

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02640414.2024.2388992

How female and male athletes communicate differently - with David Nolan

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 21:28:42 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/communicating-113956800 🏋️‍♀️

Does coaching need to change between female and male athletes? If so, in what aspects? Do females and males communicate differently? Dr. David Nolan addresses these questions in detail, including challenging topics such as the menstrual cycle and pregnancy.

Dr. Nolan is a strength and conditioning coach and an assistant professor of sport and exercise science at the School of Health and Human Performance at Dublin City University. His research focuses on exercise physiology, with a particular interest in sex differences and the female athlete.

Enjoy!

Original research paper:

Nolan D, Horgan P, MacNamara A, Egan B. “Male athletes play well to feel good, and female athletes feel good to play well”: Attitudes, beliefs, and practices pertaining to perceived sex-related differences in communication and interpersonal approach of strength and conditioning coaches in international women’s rugby union. Journal of sports sciences. 2024 Jul 17;42(14):1289-98.

Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

Watch the episodes on YouTube:

Weightlifting research infographics:

https://www.instagram.com/drdavidnolan

Follow David Nolan:

https://x.com/DrDavidNolan

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/David-Nolan-5

Follow Evidence Strong:

https://www.mdpi.com/2411-5142/5/2/28

Strength and power development using clean catch vs pull - with Tim Suchomel

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 21:22:16 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/catching-and-tim-113400427 🏋️‍♀️

What are the differences in outcomes between catching and pulling derivatives over 10 weeks of weightlifting training across three different protocols, a clear winner emerges. Dr. Tim Suchomel breaks it all down.

Tim is an associate professor at the University of Pittsburgh and serves as the Director of the Sports Science program there.

Enjoy!

This extensive study was too large to fit into a single publication. Here are the three original research papers from this study:

Suchomel TJ, McKeever SM, McMahon JJ, Comfort P. The effect of training with weightlifting catching or pulling derivatives on squat jump and countermovement jump force–time adaptations. Journal of functional morphology and kinesiology. 2020 May 1;5(2):28.

Suchomel TJ, McKeever SM, Nolen JD, Comfort P. Muscle architectural and force-velocity curve adaptations following 10 weeks of training with weightlifting catching and pulling derivatives. Journal of sports science & medicine. 2022 Dec;21(4):504.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9741714/

Suchomel TJ, McKeever SM, Comfort P. Training with weightlifting derivatives: The effects of force and velocity overload stimuli. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research. 2020 Jul 1;34(7):1808-18.

https://journals.lww.com/nsca-jscr/fulltext/2020/07000/Training_With_Weightlifting_Derivatives__The.2.aspx

Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

Watch the episodes on YouTube:

Weightlifting research infographics:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-suchomel-84b06a64

Follow Tim Suchomel:

https://x.com/DrTSuchomel

https://www.instagram.com/drtsuchomel

Follow Evidence Strong:

https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0290275

Optimal barbell force-velocity profile and snatch performance - with Ingo Sandau

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 21:18:05 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/optimal-barbell-113116257 🏋️‍♀️

Dr. Ingo Sandau discusses how threshold velocity, maximal power, and the optimal force-velocity profile influence theoretical snatch performance.

Ingo is the Head of the Strength and Power Department at the Institute for Applied Training Science in Leipzig, Germany. He brings many years of experience as a researcher for the German national Weightlifting Team.

Enjoy!

Original research paper:

Sandau I, Granacher U. Optimal barbell force-velocity profiles can contribute to maximize weightlifting performance. Plos one. 2023 Aug 18;18(8):e0290275.

Previous interview with Ingo: https://youtu.be/WWENQs-reiY

Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

Watch the episodes on YouTube:

Weightlifting research infographics:

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ingo-Sandau

Follow Ingo Sandau:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-ingo-sandau-359a35b3

Follow Evidence Strong:

High performance macros plan for Olympic weightlifters - with Darren Delaney

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 21:10:11 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/macros-for-how-112577799 🏋️‍♀️

Olympic weightlifting puts very specific demands on the body. If the demands are specific, should the diet be specific too to fuel the performance optimally?

Also, many weightlifters need to manipulate their body weight at some point during their careers. Ideally, this should occur later rather than earlier, and only for the highest-level competitions. Nonetheless, how the weight is cut, maintained, or gained will significantly impact the lifter's performance. Therefore, choosing the most optimal strategy and timeline is crucial.

Darren Delaney is nearing the completion of his Master's degree, where he has been investigating nutritional approaches for Olympic weightlifters. In this interview, he goes into detail on the available literature and provides science-based guidelines on calories, macros, and supplements for Olympic weightlifters.

Enjoy!

Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

Watch the episodes on YouTube:

Weightlifting research infographics:

https://x.com/dardelfitness

Follow Darren Delaney:

https://www.instagram.com/dardelfitness_nutrition

https://www.linkedin.com/in/darren-delaney-msc-0aa065151

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Darren-Delaney-2

Follow Evidence Strong:

https://commons.nmu.edu/isbs/vol42/iss1/115

How lean mass influences snatch and weightlifting performance - with Wanda Sihanath

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 10:35:44 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/lean-mass-and-112135034 🏋️‍♀️

Does lean mass (mainly muscle) influence weightlifting performance? Of course it does, but how exactly? Wanda Sihanath walks us through the research she has recently conducted on American elite weightlifters.

Wanda is a second-year PhD student at Marquette University. She has an extensive background in engineering and is also a weightlifter herself.

Enjoy!

Original research paper:

Sihanath W, Ahn N, Papanek P, Kipp K. INFLUENCE OF LEAN BODY MASS DISTRIBUTION ON GROUND REACTION FORCE AND SNATCH PERFORMANCE IN MALE AND FEMALE WEIGHTLIFTERS. ISBS Proceedings Archive. 2024;42(1):846.

Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

Watch the episodes on YouTube:

Weightlifting research infographics:

https://www.instagram.com/biomch.wanda

Follow Wanda Sihanath:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/wandasihanath

https://twitter.com/WandaSihanath

Follow Evidence Strong:

New jump testing protocol: countermovement rebound jump test - with Jason Xu

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 10:30:43 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/new-jump-testing-111757236 🏋️‍♀️

Jumping protocols are widely used in strength and conditioning. They are employed to assess performance, monitor progress, or daily/weekly readiness. But how do jumping protocols work? What factors influence the performance on these tests? Does cueing matter?

Jason Xu is a PhD student at Middlesex University (UK), and developing jumping protocols is the focus of his research.

Enjoy!

Original research paper:

Xu J, Turner A, Comyns TM, Chavda S, Bishop C. Effects of external verbal cueing on countermovement rebound jump performance. Sports Biomechanics. 2024 Jul 15:1-9. https://doi.org/10.1080/14763141.2024.2377217

Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

Watch the episodes on YouTube:

Weightlifting research infographics:

https://x.com/Jiaqing_Xu96

Follow Jason Xu:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jiaqing-jason-xu-a47487138

Follow Evidence Strong:

Performance tests and clean derivatives for strength coaches - with Tim Suchomel

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 10:28:16 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/testing-clean-111313042 🏋️‍♀️

In weightlifting, we often use the 1RM of a full lift to determine the loading for derivatives. But what if we're working with athletes from other sports who are unfamiliar with these lifts? How do we approach loading in that case? Dr. Tim Suchomel, an expert in this area, shares his insights and research.

Dr. Suchomel is an associate professor and the Director of the Sports Science program at the University of Pittsburgh.

Enjoy!

Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

Watch the episodes on YouTube:

Weightlifting research infographics:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-suchomel-84b06a64

Follow Tim Suchomel:

https://x.com/DrTSuchomel

https://www.instagram.com/drtsuchomel

Follow Evidence Strong:

Nutrition for weightlifting training, recovery, and injury management - with Cas Fuchs

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 10:22:56 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/feeding-lifter-110745247 🏋️‍♀️

Nutrition is important for any athlete, and weightlifters are no exception. In this interview, Dr Cas Fuchs focuses on the use of nutritional strategies for recovery and performance in weightlifting.

Cas is a researcher and teacher at Maastricht University Medical Center+. His interests span exercise, nutrition, and recovery, with a primary focus on carbohydrate and protein metabolism.

Enjoy!

Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

Watch the episodes on YouTube:

Weightlifting research infographics:

https://twitter.com/Cas_Fuchs

Follow Cas Fuchs:

https://www.instagram.com/casfuchs

https://www.linkedin.com/in/casfuchs

Follow Evidence Strong:

Recovery techniques for athletes - with expert Shona Halson

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 10:13:40 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/recovery-for-110321248 🏋️‍♀️

There is training, and there is recovery. Both are crucial, and both influence weightlifting performance. But do we put the same effort into both? Should we be addressing recovery as seriously as we train? In this interview with Dr. Shona Halson, we discuss the scientific evidence and practical tips on all things recovery.

Shona is a professor at the Australian Catholic University and the Deputy Director of the SPRINT Research Centre (Brisbane, Australia). Prior to this, Shona was the Head Recovery Physiologist at the Australian Institute of Sport for over 15 years and led the recovery team at three Olympic campaigns with the Australian Olympic Committee. Her research focuses on sleep, recovery, and fatigue. She has published over 170 peer-reviewed articles and multiple book chapters.

Enjoy!

Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

Watch the episodes on YouTube:

Weightlifting research infographics:

https://x.com/ShonaHalson

Follow Shona Halson:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/shona-halson-627b74268

https://www.acu.edu.au/research-and-enterprise/our-research-institutes/sprint-research-centre

Follow Evidence Strong:

Coaching female weightlifters - with Brooke Alvar

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 10:09:13 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/menstrual-cycle-109944963 🏋️‍♀️

Programming according to the phases of the menstrual cycle is gaining popularity. Coaches are advertising their uniqueness by offering weightlifting programs that support and align with the menstrual cycle. But are these claims evidence-based?

In this interview with Brooke Alvar, we explore the latest developments on the topic. Brooke researches menstrual cycle-related symptoms and their influence on weightlifting and powerlifting performance in her PhD project. We discuss the current literature and what her upcoming research will add.

Enjoy!

Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

Watch the episodes on YouTube:

Weightlifting research infographics:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mXj3rh8_SE&list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

More interviews with experts:

Follow Brooke Alvar:

https://www.instagram.com/brooke_alvar_

Follow Evidence Strong:

How to test weightlifters using force plates - with expert Shaun Joffe

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 10:03:09 GMT

🏋️‍♀️Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/how-to-use-force-109496339 🏋️‍♀️

Using force platforms (also called force plates) is becoming more and more popular, mainly because the technology is getting cheaper and more portable. What can we measure in Olympic weightlifting using force platforms? What has already been tested for reliability and association with the actual weightlifting performance? Dr. Shaun Joffe explains everything you need to know in this interview.

Shaun is a lecturer in strength and conditioning science at St. Mary's University (Twickenham, UK). He has worked for British Weightlifting as a strength coach, performance scientist, and weightlifting talent coach. His research in Olympic weightlifting focuses on measuring and predicting performance.

Enjoy!

Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

Watch the episodes on YouTube:

Weightlifting research infographics:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mXj3rh8_SE&list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

More interviews with experts:

Follow Shaun Joffe:

https://www.instagram.com/shaunjoffe

https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaun-joffe-24092026

Follow Evidence Strong:

Straps, hook grip or closed grip for weightlifting - with Chris Kennedy

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 10:03:07 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/types-of-grip-on-109061186 🏋️‍♀️

Hook grip, closed grip, or straps – which is best for snatch performance? Chris Kennedy dedicated his Master's project to answering these questions. He tested how different types of grips influence the biomechanics and maximal performance of the power snatch in both males and females.

Chris is a professional powerlifting athlete and a powerlifting coach with a Master's degree in Sport and Exercise.

Enjoy!

Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

Watch the episodes on YouTube:

Weightlifting research infographics:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mXj3rh8_SE&list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

More interviews with experts:

Follow Chris Kennedy:

https://www.instagram.com/chrispowerlifts

https://thestrengthinstitution.com

Follow Evidence Strong:

https://physoc.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1113/JP284394

Mitochondria of weightlifters are different - with Javier Botella

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 09:52:00 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/mitochondria-of-108575463 🏋️‍♀️

Are strength athletes strong because they are built differently, or do they develop their remarkable bodies due to the sports they do? We may get a little bit closer to the answer after this interview with Javier Botella. We talk about his recent paper investigating how the mitochondria of Olympic weightlifters and powerlifters differ from the mitochondria of 'normal controls.'

Javier has a PhD from Victoria University (Australia). He has authored 43 publications in exercise physiology and sports science. Javier's areas of interest include the physiology of endurance performance, how mitochondria remodel following endurance training, and the effect of exercise on autophagy and mitophagy regulation in human skeletal muscle.

Enjoy!

Original research paper:

Botella J, Schytz CT, Pehrson TF, Hokken R, Laugesen S, Aagaard P, Suetta C, Christensen B, Ørtenblad N, Nielsen J. Increased mitochondrial surface area and cristae density in the skeletal muscle of strength athletes. The Journal of physiology. 2023 Jul;601(14):2899-915.

Javier’s collaborator: https://portal.findresearcher.sdu.dk/en/persons/jonielsen

And their previous work: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/apha.13561

Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

Watch the episodes on YouTube:

Weightlifting research infographics:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mXj3rh8_SE&list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

More interviews with experts:

Follow Javier Botella:

https://twitter.com/javi_iup

https://www.linkedin.com/in/javierbotella

Follow Evidence Strong:

https://journals.lww.com/nsca-jscr/fulltext/2022/12000/Long_Term_Monitoring_of_Training_Load,.24.aspx

Can we predict snatch max with Ingo Sandau's new test?

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 00:53:46 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/test-to-predict-108050149 🏋️‍♀️

Weightlifting coaches are constantly on the hunt for a test that can predict maximal snatch. The German weightlifting team is no different. In this interview, Dr Ingo Sandau walks us through the test development and how it was used over 9 months in a sample of elite male German weightlifters.

Ingo Sandau is the head of the Strength and Power Department at the Institute for Applied Training Science in Leipzig, Germany. He has 12 of experience as a researcher for the German weightlifting team.

Enjoy!

Original research paper:

Sandau I, Granacher U. Long-term monitoring of training load, force-velocity profile, and performance in elite weightlifters: A case series with two male Olympic athletes. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research. 2022 Dec 1;36(12):3446-55.

Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

Watch the episodes on YouTube:

Weightlifting research infographics:

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ingo-Sandau

Follow Ingo Sandau:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-ingo-sandau-359a35b3

Follow Evidence Strong:

https://german-weightlifting.de/talenttransfer

How Germany finds weightlifting talent - with Sabine Dieser

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 00:50:59 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/talent-transfer-107794345 🏋️‍♀️

For three years now, German Weightlifting has had a dedicated person to scout for talent in other sports and bring them to weightlifting. Her name is Sabine Dieser, and she graciously shared her strategy, testing protocol, diagnostic kit, and successes and failures so far.

Sabine is a youth coach at the German Weightlifting Federation with a Master of Science degree in Sports and Exercise in Children and Adolescents from Heidelberg University. She is on a mission to discover talents and help them unleash their full potential in Olympic weightlifting.

Enjoy!

Link to the talent transfer page:

Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

Watch the episodes on YouTube:

Weightlifting research infographics:

https://www.instagram.com/sa_bine_dieser

Follow Sabine Dieser:

https://german-weightlifting.de/talenttransfer

Follow Evidence Strong:

Analysing USA Weightlifting Team: Testing Biomechanics with Kristof Kipp

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 00:50:36 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/testing-usa-team-107297266 🏋️‍♀️

For the last three years, Kristof Kipp has been developing the testing system for the USA Weightlifting international team. In this interview, he talks about the tests the team is currently conducting and how they have evolved over time.

Kristof holds a PhD in Nutrition and Exercise Sciences from Oregon State University. His research interests revolve around sports science and biomechanics. He also helps direct Marquette University’s Motion Analysis and Biomechanics Laboratory.

Enjoy!

Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

Watch the episodes on YouTube:

Weightlifting research infographics:

https://x.com/musportscience

Follow Kristof Kipp:

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Kristof-Kipp-2

kristof.kipp@marquette.edu

Follow Evidence Strong:

https://journals.humankinetics.com/view/journals/ijsnem/34/4/article-p223.xml

Getting strong later in life - with Cas Fuchs

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 00:44:48 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/becoming-strong-106239259 🏋️‍♀️

What would happen if a 60-something-year-old person started serious strength training? What if this person decided to compete in powerlifting? Would they have any chance of success?

This is an interview with Cas Fuchs, who conducted a case study on a 71-year-old female powerlifter, Ina Koolhaas Revers, who started strength training at the age of 63.

Cas is a researcher and teacher at Maastricht University Medical Center+. His interests span across exercise, nutrition, and recovery, with a primary focus on carbohydrate and protein metabolism. We will hear more about his nutrition and recovery research in a few weeks' time in the second interview. But for now, please enjoy an interview on Ina's case.

Original research paper:

Fuchs CJ, Trommelen J, Weijzen ME, Smeets JS, van Kranenburg J, Verdijk LB, van Loon LJ. Becoming a World Champion Powerlifter at 71 Years of Age: It Is Never Too Late to Start Exercising. International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism. 2024 Mar 7;1(aop):1-9.

Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

Watch the episodes on YouTube:

Weightlifting research infographics:

https://twitter.com/Cas_Fuchs

Follow Cas Fuchs:

https://www.instagram.com/casfuchs

https://www.m3-research.nl

Follow Evidence Strong:

Coaching newbies and seasoned weightlifters - expert tips from Sean Waxman

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 00:44:46 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/programming-for-106183328 🏋️‍♀️

Beginners and advanced weightlifters have different needs and require tailored programming. Sean Waxman joins the Evidence Strong Show to discuss programming for youth and adult beginners, intermediate, and advanced athletes.

With 30 years of experience in Olympic weightlifting as both an athlete and a coach, Sean has developed top-ten finishers at the World Weightlifting Championships, a World University Championship silver medalist, two Pan Am Championship silver medalists, and two Pan Am Championship team members. Currently, he serves as the head strength coach at Bingham High School.

Enjoy!

Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

Watch the episodes on YouTube:

Weightlifting research infographics:

https://www.instagram.com/the_sean_waxman

Follow Sean Waxman:

https://waxmansgym.com/

Follow Evidence Strong:

https://thepogp.co.ukuserfiles/pages/files/journals/134/08prevettmoore.pdf

Bracing techniques for heavy lifting with Christina Prevett

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 00:34:55 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/valsalva-and-105813724 🏋️‍♀️

In this interview, Christina Prevett explains the definition of Valsalva bracing, how it's performed, taught, and cued, and how to make it better for weightlifting performance. We also talk about pelvic floor health in relation to lifting and pregnancy.

This is the second time Christina comes on the Evidence Strong Show. Previously, we discussed her survey on the outcomes for birth and postpartum for women who lifted heavy during their pregnancy. This time, we talk about her recent paper on Valsalva - bracing for resistance training performance.

Enjoy!

Original research paper:

Prevett C, Moore R. Nuances of the Valsalva manoeuvre and bracing with regard to resistance training performance and its effects on the pelvic floor. Journal of Pelvic, Obstetric and Gynaecological Physiotherapy. 2024;134(Spring):31-4.

Previous interview with Christina: Is Valsalva maneuver and Olympic weightlifting safe during pregnancy? https://youtu.be/cPV3eBDqGO4

Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

Watch the episodes on YouTube:

Weightlifting research infographics:

https://www.instagram.com/dr.christina_prevett

Follow Christina Prevett:

https://www.instagram.com/icephysio

Follow Evidence Strong:

Coaching elite weightlifters: what you need to know - with Wil Fleming

Sun, 27 Oct 2024 23:58:34 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/coaching-elite-105346996 🏋️‍♀️

We need to start with a definition first. Who is an elite weightlifter? Wil Fleming explains his view on the topic and then describes the specifics of training and competition planning for elites.

Wil is a US-based weightlifting coach for 1Kilo in Bloomington, Indiana. He has been in weightlifting for over 25 years, gaining experience at all stages of the coaching process with various types of athletes. His athlete, Mary Theisen-Lappen, has just qualified for the Paris Olympics in the 81+ class.

Enjoy!

Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

Watch the episodes on YouTube:

Weightlifting research infographics:

https://www.instagram.com/wilfleming

Follow Wil Fleming:

https://www.instagram.com/1kilo.wl

Follow Evidence Strong:

Weightlifting for kids, when to start and how to do it safely - with Lesley Sommerfield

Sun, 27 Oct 2024 23:53:43 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/weightlifting-104996544 🏋️‍♀️

Dive into the essentials of weightlifting for young athletes in this interview with Leslie Summerfield, where we explore:

* What is the best age to start weightlifting training?

* What exercises should you teach or use first?

* What can go wrong in weightlifting training with kids?

Leslie Summerfield is one of the leading experts in weightlifting training for kids. She works at IMG Academy in Florida, USA, a boarding sports school that also offers sports camps, where she leads the volleyball program. In her role, she uses Olympic weightlifting to make middle school and high school athletes stronger for their sports.

Enjoy!

Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

Watch the episodes on YouTube:

Weightlifting research infographics:

https://twitter.com/lmsommerfield

Follow Lesley Sommerfield:

https://www.instagram.com/dr.sommerfield

Follow Evidence Strong:

Secrets of the training hall: Sergii Putsov on major weightlifting competitions

Sun, 27 Oct 2024 23:50:15 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/what-happens-in-104713919 🏋️‍♀️

International competitions are a different beast. These events require extended travel and involve changes in climate and time zones. They expose athletes to different food and water, as well as to media and other international athletes. In my conversation with Sergii Putsov, we discussed what happens behind closed doors of the training halls worldwide and how to navigate the last few days leading up to the competition.

Sergii is a lecturer at the National University of Ukraine in Physical Education and Sport, a weightlifting coach, and co-owner of Warm Body and Cold Mind. He has traveled to international competitions as an athlete, coach, and media representative for over a decade, experiencing and observing a lot.

Enjoy!

Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

Watch the episodes on YouTube:

Weightlifting research infographics:

https://www.instagram.com/putsoff

Follow Sergii Putsov:

https://torokhtiy.com

Follow Evidence Strong:

What type of coach are you? Leadership styles in weightlifting with Michael Richards

Sun, 27 Oct 2024 23:45:29 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/leadership-in-104128061 🏋️‍♀️

Coaches are leaders whether they want to be or not. But how does one become a good leader, and what does it mean in the context of weightlifting? Michael Richards discusses what leadership entails, the various types of leaders, and the different styles leaders can implement.

Michael serves as a strength and conditioning coach for the US Air Force Special Warfare School in San Antonio, in addition to being a weightlifter and weightlifting coach. This interview covers types and styles of leadership with specific examples in real-life Olympic weightlifting scenarios so you can apply it to your coaching practice.

Enjoy!

Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

Watch the episodes on YouTube:

Weightlifting research infographics:

https://www.instagram.com/coachmike300

Follow Michael Richards:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-richards-edd-c-cscs-ep-c-a40603152

Follow Evidence Strong:

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40279-019-01247-x?fbclid=IwAR2iN6rsBmPX2OZjk-Knz84CwbXaHS9hppLAyisamB31fofkYxkJZ3Z-bDk

How women respond to resistance training - with Mandy Hagstrom

Sun, 27 Oct 2024 23:41:51 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/resistance-in-103769170 🏋️‍♀️

How does resistance training specifically influence females? How much muscle will females gain when starting resistance training? How does resistance training influence body composition, e.g., fat percentage? Do we have enough research to draw any conclusions?

In this interview, I discuss these questions and more with Mandy Hagstrom. Mandy is an accredited exercise scientist whose work focuses broadly on the effects of resistance training. She is currently researching female-specific responses to resistance training, resistance training in perimenopause, and gender and sex equity in exercise science.

Enjoy!

Original research paper:

Hagstrom AD, Marshall PW, Halaki M, Hackett DA. The effect of resistance training in women on dynamic strength and muscular hypertrophy: a systematic review with meta-analysis. Sports Medicine. 2020 Jun;50(6):1075-93.

Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

Watch the episodes on YouTube:

Weightlifting research infographics:

https://twitter.com/adhagstrom

Follow Mandy Hagstrom:

https://www.unsw.edu.au/staff/mandy-hagstrom

Follow Evidence Strong:

https://evidencestrong.com/hook-grip-is-better-but-why

Why hook grip is better? Weightlifting performance with Dustin Oranchuk

Sun, 27 Oct 2024 23:41:26 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/hook-grip-in-103325375 🏋️‍♀️

Elite weightlifters use the hook grip. You may be surprised, however, that there is not a lot of research to justify this type of gripping. In this interview, Dustin Oranchuk walks us through his study investigating differences in the performance of the clean with and without the hook grip.

Dustin has a PhD in sports science and works as a full-time researcher at the University of Colorado. His research focuses on muscle physiology and mechanics, healthy aging, rehabilitation, neuromuscular fatigue, strength and conditioning, and optimizing research methodologies. The two papers we discuss in this interview come from his time at the Auckland University of Technology.

Enjoy!

Evidence Strong summary:

Original research papers:

Oranchuk DJ, Drinkwater EJ, Lindsay RS, Helms ER, Harbour ET, Storey AG. Improvement of kinetic, kinematic, and qualitative performance variables of the power clean with the hook grip. International journal of sports physiology and performance. 2019 Mar 1;14(3):378-84.

https://journals.humankinetics.com/view/journals/ijspp/14/3/article-p378.xml

Oranchuk DJ, Harbour ET, Lindsay RS, Storey AG, Drinkwater EJ. Improved power clean performance with the hook-grip is not due to altered force-time or horizontal bar-path characteristics. Journal of Sports Sciences. 2021 Oct 3:1-0.

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/02640414.2021.1986270

Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

Watch the episodes on YouTube:

Weightlifting research infographics:

https://www.instagram.com/dustin.oranchuk.phd

Follow Dustin Oranchuk:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustin-oranchuk-phd-40a99188

Follow Evidence Strong:

Study 2: https://journals.lww.com/acsm-msse/fulltext/2022/05000/long_term_adaptations_in_the_squatbenchpress,.15.aspx

From start to strong - lifelong strength gains with Chris Latella

Sun, 27 Oct 2024 23:32:49 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/how-we-gain-with-101873365 🏋️‍♀️

In this interview with Chris Latella, we discuss three recent studies that his team conducted on a large set of powerlifting competition data. The team's interest was in checking how strength progresses over time and whether there are any differences between females and males in gaining and maintaining strength.

Chris is a coordinator for the Master's strength & conditioning program at Edith Cowan University, Australia. His research interests span human performance, fatigue and adaptations in resistance training, and strength changes across the lifespan. Chris is also an experienced powerlifting coach.

Enjoy!

Original research papers:Study 1: https://journals.lww.com/nsca-jscr/fulltext/2020/09000/long_term_strength_adaptation__a_15_year_analysis.2.aspx

Study 3: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40279-023-01962-6

Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

Watch the episodes on YouTube:

Weightlifting research infographics:

https://twitter.com/clatella1

Follow Chris Latella:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-latella-292940169

https://www.ecu.edu.au/schools/medical-and-health-sciences/our-staff/profiles/lecturers/dr-christopher-latella

Follow Evidence Strong:

https://europepmc.org/article/pmc/6724589

Successful snatch lifts, the mechanics behind great technique - with Paulina Szyszka

Sun, 20 Oct 2024 00:14:30 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/snatch-technique-101465552 🏋️‍♀️

In this interview, Paulina Szyszka discusses the technical differences between successful and unsuccessful attempts in the snatch. Paulina is a lecturer at the Academia of Physical Education in Biala Podlaska, Poland. She also coaches in the weightlifting club, working with athletes from the age of 11 to elite international weightlifters, including a recent European Champion (81kg).

This study is special. Paulina collected the data at the 2013 World Weightlifting Championships held in Poland. She recorded all the attempts in the A sessions but analyzed only the pairs of successful and unsuccessful attempts at the same weight, attempted by the same athlete. The same lifter attempting the same weight and being unsuccessful first, and successful on the second try, is the ultimate control. Not only the design of this study is perfect, but this was the biggest stage in weightlifting there is - the Worlds. This exciting study shows what exactly differentiates between unsuccessful and successful lifts?

Enjoy!

Original paper:

Mastalerz A, Szyszka P, Grantham W, Sadowski J. Biomechanical analysis of successful and unsuccessful snatch lifts in elite female weightlifters. Journal of human kinetics. 2019 Aug 21;68(1):69-79.

Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

Watch the episodes on YouTube:

Weightlifting research infographics:

https://www.instagram.com/p.szyszka

Follow Paulina Szyszka:

https://www.instagram.com/szyszkacoach

Follow Evidence Strong:

How to use cluster sets in Olympic weightlifting - deep dive with Greg Haff

Sun, 20 Oct 2024 00:11:05 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/how-to-use-sets-101392117 🏋️‍♀️

What are the types of cluster sets and how to use them in the different parts of the training cycle of an Olympic weightlifter? Can cluster sets be used to prepare athletes for competition, and if so, how exactly? How to minimize the potential negatives of using cluster sets?

This conversation with Greg Haff will cover the above topics. Greg is a professor of strength and conditioning at Edith Cowan University in Australia. He teaches subjects related to strength development, resistance training, training periodization, and training monitoring. His impressive research record spans research on various types of training adaptation, training methods, and performance and recovery monitoring methods.

Enjoy!

Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

Watch the episodes on YouTube:

Weightlifting research infographics:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/g-gregory-haff-69078a10

Follow Greg Haff:

https://twitter.com/doc_haff

https://www.instagram.com/doc_haff

Follow Evidence Strong:

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/14034948231219833

Are weightlifting Olympic medalists living longer? Anna Kovbasiuk reveals findings

Sun, 20 Oct 2024 00:04:50 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/how-long-live-101087280 🏋️‍♀️

How long do weightlifters live for? We delve into the overall lifespan of Olympians and specifically focus on Olympic weightlifters compared to other athletes. Additionally, we explore whether winning a medal correlates with a longer or shorter lifespan. In other words, do Olympic medalists live longer or shorter lives compared to Olympians who did not win a medal?

Anna Kovbasiuk, the lead author of the study is a PhD researcher, data scientist, and neuropsychologist from Poland, who explores how various professions influence lifespan. In her research paper, she examines the lifespan of professional athletes and investigates whether their success correlates with longevity.

Enjoy!

Original research paper:Kovbasiuk A, Ciechanowski L, Jemielniak D. A taste of ambrosia: Do Olympic medalists live longer than Olympic losers?. Scandinavian Journal of Public Health. 2024 Jan 5:14034948231219833.

Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

Watch the episodes on YouTube:

Weightlifting research infographics:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/annakovbasiuk

Anna Kovbasiuk:

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Anna-Kovbasiuk

Follow Evidence Strong:

Competition preparation and weightlifting coaching strategies - with Max Aita

Sat, 19 Oct 2024 23:54:24 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/weightlifting-99035391 🏋️‍♀️

Max Aita is a head coach of the Max's Gym in Oakland, California. He has coached a few American record holders, Pan Am competitors, and a Pan Am winner and record holder. He has 20 years of experience in coaching Olympic weightlifting with the influences of Ivan Abadejev, Steve Goth, Glenn Pendlay, and others.

In this interview, Max answers all the questions related to coaching a weightlifting athlete to perform their best in the competition. Get Max's top tips on differences in approach between beginners and experienced athletes, handling success and failure in competitions, tapering strategies, and considerations based on the factors like age, gender, and weight class.

Enjoy!

Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

Watch the episodes on YouTube:

Weightlifting research infographics:

https://www.instagram.com/max_aita

Max Aita:

https://www.teamaita.com

https://weightlifting.ai

Follow Evidence Strong:

https://journals.lww.com/nsca-jscr/fulltext/2023/10000/rapid_weight_loss_practices_within_olympic.18.aspx

Weight cutting strategies in weightlifting - with Paul Campbell

Sat, 19 Oct 2024 23:47:42 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/cutting-weight-100508006 🏋️‍♀️

Weightlifting is contested in weight classes, making it essential to strategically select the most optimal weight class for each athlete. Whether aiming for qualification status, team selection, or improving competitive standings, various practices are employed to fit athletes into specific weight classes, often lower than their normal or optimal weight.

Rapid weight loss practices are utilized to bring lifters down a weight class, but the frequency of their implementation remains unknown. Additionally, we don't really know which strategies, such as sauna use or water loading, are most popular?

In this interview, Paul Campbell discusses a study surveying rapid weight loss practices in Olympic weightlifters and powerlifters. This study is part of Paul's PhD research and addresses questions he encountered as an athlete himself.

Enjoy!

Original research paper:

Gee TI, Campbell P, Bargh MJ, Martin D. Rapid Weight Loss Practices Within Olympic Weightlifters. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research. 2023 Oct 1;37(10):2046-51.

Mentioned study in powerlifters:

Campbell P, Martin D, Bargh MJ, Gee TI. A comparison of rapid weight loss practices within international, national and regional powerlifters. Nutrition and Health. 2023 Sep 11:02601060231201892.

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/02601060231201892

Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

Watch the episodes on YouTube:

Weightlifting research infographics:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-campbell-a545b3100/

Paul Campbell:

Follow Evidence Strong:

Bundesliga - German weightlifting league, with Philipp Lendner

Sat, 19 Oct 2024 23:42:52 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/german-league-100126665 🏋️‍♀️

Germany has an Olympic weightlifting league that operates for half of the year. The league provides an opportunity to compete for the teams at various levels, all the way to the professional level.

Philipp explains the history of the German league, how it works, and how the competitions are scored. This interview includes brilliant demos and visualizations, to give you an unprecedented view into the Bundesliga.

Philipp Lendner is responsible for a league at a district level. He is also coaching a team while still competing himself.

Enjoy!

Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

Watch the episodes on YouTube:

Weightlifting research infographics:

Follow Evidence Strong:

https://evidencestrong.com/does-music-influence-sports-performance

Music or silence for best weightlifting performance? With Michael Richards

Sat, 19 Oct 2024 23:37:29 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/music-during-or-99645081 🏋️‍♀️

On or off? Ever wondered if the music could enhance your weightlifting performance?

Join the years-long debate between some coaches and athletes on whether music helps or hinders your weightlifting training? In this interview, Michael is sharing insights from his extensive thesis research that aims to settle this battle once and for all.

Michael Richards is a dedicated strength and conditioning coach for the US Air Force Special Warfare candidate course. As a passionate researcher, Michael is immersed in the fascinating study of the effects of music on athletic performance, exploring the intricate interplay between melodies and strength training. Balancing his coaching duties, pursuit of a doctorate, and fatherhood, Michael brings a unique blend of practical experience and scholarly inquiry to the world of fitness and sports science.

Enjoy!

List of references mentioned by Michael:

Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

Watch the episodes on YouTube:

Weightlifting research infographics:

https://www.instagram.com/coachmike301

Follow Michael Richards:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-richards-edd-c-cscs-ep-c-a40603152

Follow Evidence Strong:

Testing elite weightlifters - with Spencer Arnold

Sat, 19 Oct 2024 23:33:06 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/what-to-measure-98120534 🏋️‍♀️

Spencer Arnold shares insights into elite weightlifters testing and monitoring at Power & Grace Performance. After discussing this topic with sports scientist Jake Slaton, we decided to delve into it from a coach's perspective. Spencer agreed, making these two interviews a comprehensive look at what Power & Grace is currently doing and its future direction.

Interview with Jake: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIIQbTxVBeY

As the head coach of a growing international team, Spencer leads athletes such as Jourdan Delacruz, Kate Vibert Davis, Maude Charron, Bella Rodriguez, Preston Powell, Alex Mina Colwell, Sarah Davies, and Hayley Whiting. With three Olympians under his coaching, including a silver medalist in the Tokyo Olympics, Spencer provides valuable insights on what matters the most.

Enjoy!

Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

Watch the episodes on YouTube:

Weightlifting research infographics:

https://www.instagram.com/spencergarnold

Spencer Arnold:

https://powerandgraceperformance.com/coaches-and-staff

Follow Evidence Strong:

Mastering the mental game in weightlifting - with Hugh Gilmore

Sat, 19 Oct 2024 23:26:38 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/planning-for-of-96787461 🏋️‍♀️

Hugh Gilmore is a high-performance psychologist at British Weightlifting with over a decade of experience working with various athletes. He has supported Olympic and Paralympic medalists in the Rio and Tokyo Games and is currently assisting athletes for the upcoming Paris 2024 Games. As the founder and CEO of Podium Psychology, he focuses on developing multi-disciplinary teams and enhancing skill development in effective communication and culture, catering to both elite sports and the business world.

In this interview, we discuss practical tips on planning for success in weightlifting, addressing failure, and turning setbacks into successful comebacks.

Enjoy!

Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

Watch the episodes on YouTube:

Weightlifting research infographics:

https://www.youtube.com/@PodiumPsychology

Hugh Gilmore:

https://podiumpsychology.com

https://www.instagram.com/hughjohngilmore

Follow Evidence Strong:

Data-driven coaching in elite Olympic weightlifting team with Jake Slaton

Sat, 12 Oct 2024 23:41:33 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/athlete-testing-96442630 🏋️‍♀️

Jake Slaton serves as the chief data scientist at Power and Grace Performance, an elite weightlifting team in the U.S.A. Power & Grace Performance achieved notable success, with three weightlifters—Jourdan Delacruz, Harrison Maurus, and Kate Vibert Davis—participating in the Tokyo Olympics. Kate secured a silver medal, showcasing the team's excellence. Power & Grace Performance also boasts international talents like Maude Charron, Bella Rodriguez, Preston Powell, Alex Mina Colwell, Sarah Davies, and Hayley Whiting.

In this discussion, we delve into the details of the daily, weekly, and monthly data collected by the team, exploring its significance and applications.

Enjoy!

Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

Watch the episodes on YouTube:

Weightlifting research infographics:

https://www.instagram.com/jaslaton

Follow Jake Slaton:

https://powerandgraceperformance.com/coaches-and-staff

Follow Evidence Strong:

https://huebner.shinyapps.io/Qpointsapp

Q-points better than Sinclair? New weightlifting scoring method by Marianne Huebner

Sat, 12 Oct 2024 23:36:49 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/new-method-to-95521372 🏋️‍♀️

Excellent interview with Marianne Huebner, professor of statistics, IMWF research committee member, Masters weightlifter. She is the person who researched the influence of age on weightlifting performance, which resulted in the adjustment of the Sinclair formula for Masters weightlifters. And now she and her team have produced the Q-points. Q-points aim to improve our ability to compare performance across weight classes in Olympic weightlifting. They seem to be doing a better job than Sinclairs - as Marianne proves.

Enjoy!

Q-points calculator:

Q-points project website Marianne mentioned during the interview:

https://huebner.shinyapps.io/Qpoints/

Original research paper:

Huebner M, Meltzer DE, Bjarnason Á, Perperoglou A. Comparison of Olympic-Style Weightlifting Performances of Elite Athletes: Scaling Models Account for Body Mass. Medicine and science in sports and exercise. 2023 Dec;55(12):2281.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10662604

Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

Watch the episodes on YouTube:

Weightlifting research infographics:

https://twitter.com/mhuebnerphd

Follow Marianne Huebner:

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Marianne-Huebner

Follow Evidence Strong:

https://journals.lww.com/nsca-jscr/fulltext/2023/11000/comparison_of_force_measures_between_start.11.aspx

How to pull for great snatch and clean - with Tavor Ben-Zeev

Sat, 12 Oct 2024 23:36:35 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/which-part-of-is-94866486 🏋️‍♀️

The first part of the snatch or clean is a pull. The pull allows the barbell to gain velocity and travel high enough for the weightlifter to get under. It is a complex movement with distinctive phases. The debate over how each phase influences the outcome of the lift is still ongoing.

In this interview, Tavor Ben-Zeev discusses his recent study on how different phases of the pull may possibly correlate with weightlifting performance (total). Tavor is a Ph.D. student in exercise physiology at Ariel University, Israel. His research focuses on sports performance and the physiology behind anabolic steroids. Tavor is also a weightlifting coach.

Enjoy!

Original research paper:

Ben-Zeev T, Sadres E, Hoffman JR. Comparison of Force Measures Between Start Position, Transition Phase, and Midthigh Pull With Weightlifting Performance During Israel National Competition. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research. 2022 May 9:10-519.

Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

Watch the episodes on YouTube:

Weightlifting research infographics:

https://www.instagram.com/tavor_wl

Follow Tavor Ben-Zeev:

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Tavor-Zeev

Follow Evidence Strong:

https://sportrxiv.org/index.php/server/preprint/view/318

Powerlifting at any age: your fountain of health? With Dan van den Hoek

Sat, 12 Oct 2024 23:06:42 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/are-strength-for-93203879 🏋️‍♀️

A recent study investigated whether powerlifting is a viable option for a health intervention across the lifespan. Can you use powerlifting to gain and keep health as you age? It is an interesting topic, as many people struggle with being active enough and building or sustaining strength to support aging. Additionally, it raises the question of whether other strength sports, like Olympic weightlifting, could be used as a health intervention for all ages too.

I have invited the first author, Dan van den Hoek, to speak about the study. Dan is a senior lecturer in clinical exercise physiology at the University of the Sunshine Coast (Australia). His research currently focuses on strength adaptation and factors affecting sports performance, particularly in powerlifting.

Enjoy!

Original research paper:

van den Hoek D, Mallard A, Garrett J, Beaumont P, Howells R, Spathis J, Pearson J, Latella C. Is powerlifting a viable method for engaging adults of all ages in resistance training?: A retrospective, longitudinal population analysis with comparison to population norms.

Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

Watch the episodes on YouTube:

Weightlifting research infographics:

https://twitter.com/dan_hoek

Follow Dan van den Hoek:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-van-den-hoek-1a8b4453

Follow Evidence Strong:

Compete better in Olympic weightlifting with travel sleep tips from Teresa van der Vossen

Sat, 12 Oct 2024 23:06:36 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/traveling-for-92050236 🏋️‍♀️

Teresa van der Vossen is a Lecturer in Exercise and Wellness at UCOL, New Zealand. She specializes in strength and conditioning for high-performance athletes. Teresa is also a competitive Olympic weightlifter, ranking second in her weight class in New Zealand.

New Zealand weightlifters have a long way to travel to almost any international competition but traveling for the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games was as far as you can go. We all know that traveling that far will influence sleep but how exactly? What can be done to elevate the negatives?

In this interview, Teresa walks us through her Masters degree research project looking at sleep in elite weightlifters traveling for an international competition. Her project consisted of two studies, which she describes for us in detail.

Enjoy!

Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

Watch the episodes on YouTube:

Weightlifting research infographics:

https://www.instagram.com/tvdv_fitness

Follow Teresa:

https://www.ucol.ac.nz/research-at-ucol/research-staff/teresa-van-der-vossen

Follow Evidence Strong:

https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0207975

Why Olympic weightlifters have different muscles: insights from muscle fiber expert Nathan Serrano

Sat, 12 Oct 2024 23:00:53 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/inside-muscle-91545093 🏋️‍♀️

How muscles of weightlifters are built? What types of fibers characterize an elite weightlifter? How much can we influence the fiber types with training?

Nate will answer these and many other questions. We talk about muscles, training, and how these influence our metabolism. This interview is packed with mind-blowing facts about weightlifter's anatomy and physiology.

Nathan Serrano is a PhD candidate and Research Assistant at Arizona State University where he is working on the connection between muscle fiber types and metabolism.

Enjoy!

Original research paper:

Serrano N, Colenso-Semple LM, Lazauskus KK, Siu JW, Bagley JR, Lockie RG, Costa PB, Galpin AJ. Extraordinary fast-twitch fiber abundance in elite weightlifters. PloS one. 2019 Mar 27;14(3):e0207975.

Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

Watch the episodes on YouTube:

Evidence Strong summary of this study:

https://evidencestrong.com/olympic-weightlifters-have-different-muscles#main-results

Weightlifting research infographics:

https://www.instagram.com/_nateserrano_

Follow Nathan Serrano:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-serrano-0ab933a9

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Nathan-Serrano

Follow Evidence Strong:

https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/wk/jsc/2023/00000037/00000006/art00008

Errors in Olympic weightlifting and how to fix them - with elite coach Erin Haff

Sat, 12 Oct 2024 22:53:07 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/errors-in-with-87619536 🏋️‍♀️

Tune in to learn everything about errors in weightlifting: What are they? Which ones to fix in what order? And most importantly, how can we fix them?

We also cover important aspects of giving feedback to weightlifters to foster their optimal development and progress in the sport.

Erin Haff has more than 10 years of experience teaching and coaching Olympic weightlifting. Her experience as a national and international coach comes from over 25 competitions at the youth, junior, and senior levels. She has been selected by the IWF (1 of ~15 worldwide) to travel around the world teaching IWF L1-2 courses. Erin has also worked as a strength and conditioning specialist for West Coast Fever – a professional netball team.

Enjoy!

This interview is based on the famous position statement on weightlifting for sports performance that was published a few months ago:

Comfort P, Haff GG, Suchomel TJ, Soriano MA, Pierce KC, Hornsby WG, Haff EE, Sommerfield LM, Chavda S, Morris SJ, Fry AC. National strength and conditioning association position statement on weightlifting for sports performance. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 2023 Jun 19;37(6):1163-90.

Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

Watch the episodes on YouTube:

Weightlifting research infographics:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-haff-34b98847/

Follow Erin Haff:

Follow Evidence Strong:

Teaching Olympic weightlifting like a Pro - Erin Haff on coaching beginners

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 09:47:53 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/fastest-way-to-89662076 🏋️‍♀️

This is an interview with coach Erin Haff on teaching novices weightlifting. The topics include forward and reverse chaining, stages of learning, regressions, transitions, and auxiliary exercises.

Erin Haff is an experienced coach who served as a team coach at national and international level competitions for Australia. She is a dedicated educator for both the Australian Weightlifting Federation and the International Weightlifting Federation. Erin worked with the Fever, a professional netball team, as a strength and conditioning coach. Her depth of knowledge and experience are vast and allowed for an amazing interview. I hope you enjoy it!

This interview is based on the famous position statement on weightlifting for sports performance that was published a few months ago:

Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

Watch the episodes on YouTube:

Weightlifting research infographics:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-haff-34b98847/

Follow Erin Haff:

Follow Evidence Strong:

Menstrual cycle effects on strength gains: debunking the myths with Lauren Colenso-Semple

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 09:35:45 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/current-evidence-87302657 🏋️‍♀️

We observe lately an increase in the number of coaches providing "training synced in with the cycle" for their female clients. These coaches claim that tailoring workouts to the different phases of the menstrual cycle can optimize training and overall performance. But is there a solid scientific evidence to support this approach?

To explore this subject further, I have the privilege to interview Lauren Colenso-Semple. Lauren is a brilliant exercise scientist, currently pursuing her PhD at McMaster University.

Lauren's professional experience encompasses a wide range of disciplines, including psychology, nutrition, and weightlifting coaching. With her strong passion for advancing research in sports, Lauren recently led a comprehensive review of the scientific literature on the influence of the menstrual cycle on acute and long-term resistance training gains.

Enjoy!

Original research paper:

Colenso-Semple LM, D'Souza AC, Elliott-Sale KJ, Phillips SM. Current evidence shows no influence of women's menstrual cycle phase on acute strength performance or adaptations to resistance exercise training. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living. 2023 Mar 23;5:1054542. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fspor.2023.1054542/full

Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

Watch the episodes on YouTube:

Weightlifting research infographics:

https://www.instagram.com/drlaurencs1

Follow Lauren Colenso-Semple:

Follow Evidence Strong:

https://eprints.mdx.ac.uk/37514/

Predicting performance in Olympic weightlifting - with Shyam Chavda

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 00:34:36 GMT

🏋️‍♀️Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/predicting-in-2-86021522 🏋️‍♀️

Conversation on a fascinating topic of predicting performance in Olympic weightlifting.

Shyam Chavda explains his approach to predicting what totals will be required to place or medal in the main lifting competitions. The paper came about before the Tokyo Olympics when Shyam tried to perform competitor analysis for his athlete Cyrille Tchatchet II. As a refugee, Cyrille could not compete for 5 years, leaving his potential unexplored.

Shyam Chavda is an experienced coach, technical tutor, and certified ASCC, CSCS, CES, and MSc in Applied Sport and Exercise Science professional at the London Sport Institute, Middlesex University.

Enjoy!

Original research paper:

Chavda S, Comfort P, Lake J, Bishop C, Turner AN. Predicting weight category specific performance zones for Olympic, World and European weightlifting competitions. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 2023 Feb 15.

Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

Watch the episodes on YouTube:

Weightlifting research infographics:

https://twitter.com/shy_2tweet

Follow Shyam Chavda:

https://www.instagram.com/coach_chavda

Follow Evidence Strong:

How Olympic weightlifting champions are made - with Dior Anderson

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 09:29:52 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/how-to-develop-88474038 🏋️‍♀️

Many aspects influence the development of a champion in Olympic weightlifting. Some of the aspects are related to the physical components but social status, the environment the athlete is surrounded by, and the support they have available will also play a role.

In this interview, Dior Anderson reveals the less-known aspects that build elite performance in Olympic weightlifting.

Dior has a PhD from Bangor University in talent identification in weightlifting. He is currently working as a Chief Technology Officer in the Talent Pathway iD, a startup that provides data-driven insights and predictive analytics to revolutionize talent identification and development in sports.

Enjoy!

Original research paper:

ANDERSON, Dior N. Jnr; GOTTWALD, Victoria Mary; LAWRENCE, Gavin Peter. Capturing the holistic profile of high performance Olympic weightlifting development. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, 2022, 4: 986134. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fspor.2022.986134/full

Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

Watch the episodes on YouTube:

Weightlifting research infographics:

https://twitter.com/DiorAnderson

Follow Dior Anderson:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dior-anderson-b5b017bb

Follow Evidence Strong:

Power up your game: weightlifting for sports performance - with Paul Comfort

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 09:36:47 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/how-to-use-for-84402934 🏋️‍♀️

In this interview, Paul Comfort explains precisely how to use weightlifting at different times of the season, what exercises to use when, and how to create specific adaptations for your specific sport (other than weightlifting).

Dr Paul Comfort is a Professor of Strength and Conditioning and program leader for the MSc Strength and Conditioning at the University of Salford (Manchester, UK). Paul has experience across a range of sports and consults with numerous professional and semi-professional sports teams.

He has co-authored more than 150 journal articles along with numerous book chapters and is co-editor of the textbooks, ‘Advanced Strength and Conditioning: an evidence-based Approach’ and ‘Performance Assessment for Strength and Conditioning.’

I invited Paul because he led a group of experts to produce the NSCA position statement on using Olympic weightlifting for sports performance.

Enjoy!

Original position statement:

Comfort P, Haff G, Suchomel T, Soriano M, Pierce K, Hornsby G, Haff E, Sommerfield L, Chavda S, Morris SJ, Fry A. National Strength and Conditioning Association position statement on weightlifting for sport performance. Strength & Conditioning Journal. 2022 Nov 21. https://journals.lww.com/nsca-jscr/Abstract/2023/06000/National_Strength_and_Conditioning_Association.1.aspx Join

Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

Watch the episodes on YouTube:

Weightlifting research infographics:

https://twitter.com/paulcomfort1975

Follow Paul Comfort:

https://www.instagram.com/paulcomfort1975

Follow Evidence Strong:

The power of communication in Olympic weightlifting - with Anna Swisher

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 10:17:39 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/forgotten-skill-83462007 🏋️‍♀️

I had a fantastic conversation with Anna Swisher, PhD from the USA Weightlifting.

Anna holds the prestigious position of Director of Sport Science and Coach Development, where she leads the creation of educational content and designs instructional materials for over 5000 coaches annually. Additionally, she contributes to the USAW High-Performance Team, working on projects related to weightlifting biomechanics, recovery-adaptation modality assessment, and performance optimization.

During our conversation, Anna shares valuable insights on enhancing coaching practices through simple adjustments in communication. We delve into effective feedback techniques, navigating communication during competitions, and the profound impact that self-reflection can have on achieving remarkable outcomes.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy!

Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

Watch the episodes on YouTube:

Weightlifting research infographics:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-swisher-7967287

Follow Anna Swisher:

Follow Evidence Strong:

How to train to max out Split Jerk - with coach Marcos Soriano

Sat, 28 Sep 2024 23:30:24 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/how-to-train-81297109 🏋️‍♀️

Dr. Marcos Antonio Soriano is a sports scientist specializing in Sports Biomechanics, Strength and Conditioning, and Applied Sports Science. He is currently working as a lecturer at Camilo José Cela University, where he conducts research on resistance training, specifically focusing on weightlifting. He’s also a trainer and scientific advisor to professional and Olympic athletes, a weightlifting coach, and a judge.

Split jerk is a challenging lift that requires a lot of training and technique to master. In this interview, Marcos Soriano shares his tips on how to train for this movement.

According to Marcos, it's crucial to focus on developing strength and power through exercises such as squat and overhead presses. Additionally, he emphasizes the importance of mastering the proper technique to execute a successful split jerk.

Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

Watch the episodes on YouTube:

Evidence Strong summary of this study:

https://evidencestrong.com/upper-body-or-lower-body-more-important-for-maximal-split-jerk-performance

Original research paper:

Soriano MA, Jiménez-Ormeño E, Amaro-Gahete FJ, Haff GG, Comfort P. How Does Lower-Body and Upper-Body Strength Relate to Maximum Split Jerk Performance?. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research. 2022 May 9:10-519. https://journals.lww.com/nsca-jscr/Fulltext/2022/08000/How_Does_Lower_Body_and_Upper_Body_Strength_Relate.6.aspx

Weightlifting research infographics:

https://www.instagram.com/marcos_soriano1991

Follow Marcos Soriano:

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Marcos-Soriano-2

Follow Evidence Strong:

What makes an elite Olympic weightlifter - with Vicky Gottwald

Fri, 27 Sep 2024 12:39:52 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/talent-and-in-80302141 🏋️‍♀️

Talent identification and development in Olympic weightlifting - interview with Vicky Gottwald.

Dr. Vicky Gottwald is a Skill Acquisition Lecturer at Bangor University and a renowned researcher in coaching instruction and talent development. With extensive experience as a UKCC Level 4 basketball coach, she applies her expertise in practice and leads projects to enhance the performance of Welsh athletes as the Talent Identification and Transfer lead for the Welsh Institute for Performance Science (WIPS). She works with Welsh Weightlifting.

If you had to guess the difference between a sub-elite weightlifter (winning the continental competition, maybe winning a medal at the Worlds once) and an elite (winning multiple medals at the Worlds and Olympics), what would it be? Would you guess that it's the age at which they started mobility training? Or the fact that they had an opportunity to go to an international event as a junior athlete?

International event experience makes an athlete 17 (!) times more likely to reach the elite level. Seventeen times! This blew my mind. And these are only two out of six factors found in the study.

In this interview, Vicky Gottwald sheds light on how each factor contributes to an athlete's success and precisely how much more likely they are to succeed if they have these factors in place. Overall, this interview provides valuable insights into what it takes to become a world-class weightlifter. I hope you enjoy it!

Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

Watch the episodes on YouTube:

Original research paper:

Anderson D, Lawrence G, Gottwald V. A Retrospective Enquiry into the Holistic Development of Elite British Olympic Weightlifters. Journal of Expertise. 2022 Dec;5(4):147-68. https://journalofexpertise.org/articles/volume5_issue4/JoE_5_4_Anderson_etal.pdf

Weightlifting research infographics:

https://twitter.com/gottwaldvicky

Follow Vicky Gottwald:

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Vicky-Gottwald

Follow Evidence Strong:

Health risks of holding your breath while lifting - with cardiovascular expert Kate Drury

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 12:11:56 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/holding-breath-78538575 🏋️‍♀️

Kate Drury is a powerlifter and emergency nurse who also works in academia at UNSW Sydney, specializing in the area of cardiovascular exercise physiology. She is currently a PhD candidate studying the effects of exercise on heart function in patients with heart failure. After months of searching, I have finally found an expert to talk about cardiovascular (heart and blood vessels) health and weightlifting.

From the day I read a research paper on cardiac complications in different sports, I was dying to ask someone about the possible negative effect of weightlifting on the heart. Are there any risks for the heart related to doing strength sports? And finally, I have found Kate. Her unique background as a passionate strength sports athlete, a health professional, AND a researcher, makes her a perfect candidate to talk all things heart-weightlifting-health. We talk about her research on the Valsalva maneuver in powerlifters versus sedentary participants.

Enjoy!

Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

Watch the episodes on YouTube:

Evidence Strong summary of this study:

https://evidencestrong.com/intensity-and-training-of-the-valsalva-maneuver-on-cardiac-response

Link to the original research paper:

https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/jbcpp-2022-0029/html

Weightlifting research infographics:

https://twitter.com/physiologistk8

Follow Kate Drury:

Follow Evidence Strong:

Science of optimal Olympic weightlifting technique - with Shyam Chavda

Sat, 14 Sep 2024 04:56:37 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/all-phases-of-77356166a 🏋️‍♀️

Shyam Chavda is an experienced coach, technical tutor, and certified ASCC, CSCS, CES, and MSc in Applied Sport and Exercise Science professional at the London Sport Institute, Middlesex University. He has helped numerous athletes reach their full potential, including Cyrille Tchatchet, whom he coached on the refugee team at the Tokyo Olympics. In this interview, Shyam Chavda shares scientific insights on how to optimize their lifting technique by analyzing key phases of the lift and understanding the biomechanics behind it. Enjoy!

Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

Watch the episodes on YouTube:

Evidence Strong summary of this study:

https://evidencestrong.com/stable-and-variable-components-of-snatch-and-clean

Link to the original research paper:

https://journals.lww.com/nsca-scj/Abstract/2021/08000/Weightlifting__An_Applied_Method_of_Technical.4.aspx

Weightlifting research infographics:

https://twitter.com/shy_2tweet

Follow Shyam Chavda:

https://www.instagram.com/coach_chavda

Follow Evidence Strong:

How to monitor and predict Olympic weightlifting performance: secrets revealed by expert Kyle Travis

Sat, 14 Sep 2024 04:49:51 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/monitoring-with-75001597 🏋️‍♀️

Kyle Travis is a scientist specializing in skeletal muscle research with a PhD in Sport Physiology from the University of Florida. Kyle is also a highly qualified strength and conditioning coach with advanced certifications in this field (CSCS,*D, ASCC). In this interview, we delve into a study comparing different tests to monitor Olympic weightlifting performance and discuss its findings. Enjoy!

Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

Watch the episodes on YouTube:

Weightlifting research infographics:

https://evidencestrong.com/best-test-to-monitor-olympic-weightlifting-performance

Evidence Strong summary of this study:

Link to the original research paper:

https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4663/6/2/46

Kyle Travis:

https://www.instagram.com/drkyletravis

Follow Evidence Strong:

How to teach Olympic weightlifting - with Steph Morris

Sat, 14 Sep 2024 04:42:22 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/how-to-progress-73041226 🏋️‍♀️

Steph Morris is a PhD student in Youth Weightlifting and lecturer in Strength & Conditioning at Cardiff Metropolitan University. She is Welsh Rowing S&C Coach and Youth Physical Development (YPD) S&C Coach In the interview, we discuss how to progress young and novice Olympic weightlifting athletes and navigate puberty. Enjoy!

Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

Watch the episodes on YouTube:

Weightlifting research infographics:

https://evidencestrong.com/long-term-development-of-a-young-weightlifter

Evidence Strong summary of this study:

Link to the original research paper:

https://journals.lww.com/nsca-scj/Fulltext/2020/12000/Taking_A_Long_Term_Approach_to_the_Development_of.8.aspx

Follow Steph:

https://twitter.com/stephmorris979

Follow Evidence Strong:

Weightlifting for kids, is it safe and should kids compete - with Guy Hornsby

Sat, 14 Sep 2024 04:41:36 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/should-kids-do-71579977 🏋️‍♀️

Guy Hornsby is an assistant professor at the Department of Kinesiology and Health Science, Louisiana State University Shreveport and Performance Science Head Coach of @wvweightlifting In the interview, we discuss all topics kids and weightlifting. Enjoy!

Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

Watch the episodes on YouTube:

Weightlifting research infographics:

https://evidencestrong.com/weightlifting-for-children

Evidence Strong summary of this study:

Link to the original research paper: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/19417381211056094

Follow Guy:

https://www.instagram.com/coachguyton

Follow Evidence Strong:

Is weightlifting and Valsalva maneuver safe during pregnancy? With Christina Prevett

Fri, 13 Sep 2024 04:29:55 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/is-lifting-heavy-76408926 🏋️‍♀️

Christina Prevett is an orthopaedic and pelvic floor physiotherapist with PhD in exercise & aging. As a lifter, coach and mum herself she created @thebarbellmamas - an online programming for pregnant & postpartum CrossFitters, powerlifters & weightlifters. We talk about the influence of heavy weightlifting on pregnancy and postpartum outcomes for a mother and a baby. Enjoy!

Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

Watch the episodes on YouTube:

Weightlifting research infographics:

https://evidencestrong.com/what-is-the-impact-of-heavy-weightlifting-and-valsalva-maneuver-on-pregnancy

Evidence Strong summary of this study:

Link to the original research paper: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00192-022-05393-1

Follow Christina:

https://www.instagram.com/thebarbellmamas

https://www.instagram.com/christina_prevett

Follow Evidence Strong:

How to measure clean performance in weightlifting - with Angela Sorensen

Fri, 13 Sep 2024 01:00:50 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/how-to-measure-70372318🏋️‍♀️

Angela Sorensen is a weightlifting coach, athlete and educator. She is a PhD student at Middlesex University, UK where she is examining phases of the clean and how training interventions can influence the clean performance. We talk about which measures are reliable and correlate with heavy (90%RM) clean performance. Enjoy!

Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

Watch the episodes on YouTube:

Weightlifting research infographics:

https://evidencestrong.com/how-to-assess-clean-performance

Evidence Strong summary of this study:

Link to the original research paper:

https://journals.lww.com/nsca-jscr/Citation/2022/11000/Intra__and_Interday_Reliability_of_Weightlifting.4.aspx

Follow Angela:

https://www.instagram.com/beastessathletics

https://twitter.com/angesorensen

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Angela-Sorensen

Follow Evidence Strong:

Weight class and body composition in Olympic weightlifters - with Monica Nelson

Fri, 13 Sep 2024 00:44:19 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/body-image-and-68705244 🏋️‍♀️

Monica Nelson is a weightlifter, researcher and PhD student at the University of Waikato, NZ. In this episode of the Evidence Strong Show we discuss how American Olympic weightlifters decide on which weight class to compete in. We also discussed aspects of body composition, leanness and fat. Enjoy!

Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

Watch the episodes on YouTube:

Weightlifting research infographics:

https://evidencestrong.com/what-improves-olympic-weightlifting-performance-mass-gain-or-muscle-gain

Evidence Strong summary of this study:

Link to the original research paper: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/10126902221120183

Follow Monica:

https://www.instagram.com/mcmoniker

Follow Evidence Strong:

Coach's gender and Olympic weightlifting performance - with Jeremy Foreman

Mon, 02 Sep 2024 12:42:47 GMT

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/coachs-gender-67127235 🏋️‍♀️

Dr. Jeremy Foreman is an Associate Professor at University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Evidence Strong interviews Prof Jeremy Foreman about his recent study titled: The Effect of Coach Gender on Competitive Weightlifting Performance for Men and Women Weightlifters.

Join Evidence Strong Patreon:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG

Watch the episodes on YouTube:

Weightlifting research infographics:

https://evidencestrong.com/does-it-matter-whether-your-weightlifting-coach-is-a-man-or-a-woman

Evidence Strong summary of this study:

Link to the original research paper: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fsoc.2020.539566/full

Follow Prof Jeremy:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremyjforeman

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Jeremy-Foreman

Follow Evidence Strong: