When it comes to measuring strength, the one-rep max (1RM) is often seen as the gold standard. It’s pretty clear to see why - the heavier you can lift, the stronger you are, right? Gym-goers can wear that 1RM number as a badge of honor, a clear indicator of the progress they’ve made. But is pursuing a single max rep a double-edged sword? The Risks of 1 Rep Max Testing The 1RM is not without risk and may impede training progress. The intense effort required to lift your absolu

Overview The shoulder press—also known as strict press or overhead press—builds raw vertical pushing strength by driving a load from the shoulders to a locked‑out overhead position without leg assistance. It targets deltoids, triceps, and upper back while demanding rigid core control and balanced bar path—skills that carry into jerks, handstands, and everyday upper‑body resilience. How to Perform Anchor each rep to these phases: Set‑Up : Feet hip‑width, glutes and abs tight.

Overview The sled push—performed with a prowler or plate‑loaded sled—combines maximal leg drive with lung‑searing conditioning. Because each step is purely concentric, joints avoid the micro‑trauma typical of barbell lifts, making sled pushes a rehab staple and a favorite deload substitute for squats. They are also one of eight benchmark stations in Hyrox racing, where athletes must move a weighted sled for 50 m mid‑event. Whether you load heavy for force or strip plates for

Overview Few movements demand the same blend of speed, strength, mobility, and precision as the snatch. Originating on the Olympic platform, it asks an athlete to take a loaded barbell from the floor to locked‑out overhead in a single fluid motion that unfolds in less than a second. Because there is zero margin for error, the snatch exposes technical flaws faster than any other lift, making it a keystone diagnostic for coaches at every level. Beyond its spectacle, the snatch

Overview The squat snatch—catching the barbell in a full overhead squat—is the gold standard test of speed, mobility, and timing in Olympic lifting. Because you pull less high than a power snatch, it allows the heaviest snatch loads—but only if you can drop under the bar with precision. Training the squat snatch not only boosts top‑end lifting numbers but also bullet‑proofs ankle, hip, and shoulder mobility. A confident bottom position pays dividends in overhead squats, thrus