Dr Mel Siff Blog

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The following article discusses the correlations between the Olympic lifts
and various tests of physical structure and function. Note that there is a
high correlation between Weightlifting Performance in both lifts and HEIGHT
of the pull during the snatch and the clean — this relates to the discussion
on lifting pulling techniques that we are also analysing at the moment.

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Predictive Value of Physical Development Tests, Physical and Technical
Preparedness on the Structural-Functional State of Weightlifters in the
Pre-Competition Period

Yasyunas VA & Gailyunene AV

[Some extracts appear below -- see the full article in the 1982 Russian
Weightlifting Yearbook translated by Bud Charniga at www.dynamic-eleiko.com]

The rapid growth of results in weightlifting is the result of many factors.
The most important role here is the constant improvement in training methods.

The perfecting of training methods is manifested by the increased volume of Read more…

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Someone wrote anonymously:

This seems to be the standard “health-site” style article. Little or
innacurate substantiation, coupled with a small host of recommendations off
the top of one’s head. Vitamin-book style, food X is high in vitamin Y so
it must be good for you writing.

The author’s “Bad” Foods:

I find it particularly interesting that, when referring to high sugar
content, this individual does not comment on the potentially harmful (and
long-term) effects to the body’s insulin response and glucose tolerance
levels. The author seems more concerned with “tooth decay”. What she does
not centre on is that foods high in sugar are potentially setting up
children for a lifetime of more serious illness. (1) Her comment on the jam
is disconcerting.

Also concerning is the lack of analysis as to why the particular foods are
bad. I am confused as to why she did not provide food groups, as opposed to
10, seemingly random, foods. Parents would perhaps have found this more
helpful.

The author’s “Good” foods:
Read more…

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Member 1:

<<Even if you do not consider technique or differences in lifting styles
(flat-footed vs. plantarflexed), you have to agree that the extra 2-3 inches
of bar height you will gain just by extending onto the balls of the feet
could be paramount to a successful max lift.>>

Member 2:

<This is only true if the peak velocity occurs following the plantarflexion
(and before the squat under). If peak velocity occurs prior to
plantarflexion, and the lifter continues to rise onto the toes, they lose
valuable time that could be used to get under the bar because the bar has Read more…

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All too often the deadlift and clean pull are regarded as much the same
exercise, with the consequence that those who teach one or the other often
offer inappropriate advice. Thus clean pull is regarded as some sort of
deadlift with a shrug, while the deadlift is regarded as a clean pull without
a shrug and done with an alternate hand grip. This constitutes a serious
oversimplification of the mechanics of the two lifts.

Our recent discussion of the mechanics of the weightlifting pull is directly
relevant in this regard, because the flatfooted pulling style would appear to
be much more similar to the deadlift pull. In deadlifting it is always Read more…

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While improvement in cardiovascular endurance almost exclusively is discussed
in terms of metabolic factors, increases in strength and hypertrophy are
discussed in terms of force generation and metabolic changes. Are these
changes more dependent on tension increase or on metabolic cost? The
following papers show that both of these factors appear to play an important
role in the development of strength and muscle hypertrophy, with the
specific type of training determining the outcome.

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The role of metabolites in strength training. I. A comparison of eccentric and
concentric contractions.

Smith RC & Rutherford OM

Eur J Appl Physiol 1995;71(4):332-6

This study examined the role of high forces versus metabolic cost in the Read more…