Strength and Power Notes Sept 2009

August and September progressed pretty much as they started, with some training of a few volleyball players, some continued work on new e-books due out soon, and a trip to Anaheim, CA to connect with a few Marine Corps buddies from years ago. Along the way, my own training continued somewhat haphazardly, with a fair amount of cycling and some weights, but not enough of either.

Sales of Strength Training for Cyclists have continued throughout the summer, with a number of orders coming in weekly. I’m getting set for the rapid increase in interest from cyclists and triathletes relative to resistance training as the racing season winds down.

I joined Doug Lane (www.crossfitameliaisland.com) mid-month for the Big Watermelon Ride (cycling) in St. Augustine. The Sunshine State has been hit pretty hard of late with rain, and that weekend was no exception. Reportedly, some 600 of us started out under threatening skies that opened up about 5 miles into what was to be a 56-mile ride. At the first rest area (both Doug and one of his buddies had both suffered flats), we concluded that bagging the 56-miler was the better part of valor, so we turned around and made it a 38-mile run. Average speed was greater than 20mph, including the rest stop/tire changes, but we were happy to return to warm showers and a solid meal.

The Razor’s Edge/CrossFit Pensacola Clinic held on September 19 was a great success, with 15 mostly CrossFitters learning the basics of Olympic-style lifting. Edge owner Gil Petruska pulled together a very worthwhile program and looks to similar projects in the future. Here are Gil’s comments:

“Harvey, Doug

I can't begin to express my appreciation to both of you for the professionalism and enthusiasm you demonstrated. Everyone had nothing but positive things to say, and the course materials are paying dividends. Look forward to coordinating another clinic for sometime in March.

Again thanks for the great coaching!!

Gil”

Readers will notice that elsewhere on the Newton Sports web site there is a story about my Weightlifting: Beyond the Basics DVD that is featured on www.MuscleandFitness.com. Dartfish CEO and long-time friend, Victor Bergonzoli appears during the NSCA national conference and tradeshow. Victor, who has an extensive background in competitive weightlifting, featured my analysis of Norik Vardanian’s snatch technique. We know bodybuilders aren’t interested in Olympic-style movements, but Dartfish is applicable for any exercise.

You can check out my current two channels, Explosive Lifting for Sports and Strength Training for Cyclists, at www.dartfish.tv/newtonsports. There is a free download section on each channel and the full set of exercises is available for a small fee.

Keep an eye on my channel for additional content in the coming months. I recently put up (under Explosive Lifting for Sports) a comparison of Angela Candage Gonzales’ two heaviest snatch attempts in August (a couple of weeks apart). Be sure to check this out in order to get a feel for what Dartfish can offer coaches and athletes in terms of technical analysis.

Watch for more uploads in the near future, as I place some lifts provided by colleagues in the UK.