Episode 24: From Stuck to Strong: Level Up Your Weightlifting Routine

Snatch Chat Ep. 26 | Split Jerk, Bar Swing & Building Confidence Under Heavy Weights

Episode 26 of Snatch Chat is here and if you've ever questioned your split jerk foot position, watched your bar swing away from your body, or bottled it under a heavy lift, this one is for you. Coach Oates breaks down one of the most debated questions in the jerk, which leg goes back? The answer comes down to your strongest leg, and getting this wrong is silently costing you kilos. You'll also learn exactly why the bar swings during the second pull and the simple technique fix that brings it back in line, plus how to adjust your clean landing so the bar sits where it should every single rep. This episode also covers the difference between power snatch and full snatch and how using one can sharpen the other. Coach Oates shares his approach to pre-workout nutrition, how to handle a session when your warm-up feels off, and the cue that stops lifters rushing through their extension, one of the most common faults seen across all levels. The back half of the episode gets into the mental side of lifting: how to build real confidence under heavy weights and whether training three or four days a week is right for you. Practical, honest, and straight from the platform.New episodes of Snatch Chat drop regularly. Join the OPTILIFT Performance Lab community (free) for more coaching, technique breakdowns, and to connect with lifters on the same journey. https://www.skool.com/optilift-performance-lab-3529/about #OlympicWeightlifting #snatch #cleanandjerk #weightliftingcoach #SplitJerk #SnatchTechnique #StrengthTraining #WeightliftingTips #SnatchChat #OPTILIFT #TrainingTips #Coaching #OlympicLifts #WeightliftingCommunity #fitness

Episode 25: Split Jerk Stability 101: Stop Press Outs, And Build Lockout Strength

A shaky jerk can stall your total..... until you fix overhead stability. In this Snatch Chat episode, Coach Oates breaks down how to build a rock solid lockout with smart jerk drills, pauses, and positional holds, then ties it to real‑world training: what to eat before early morning lifting, how to reset when a session feels heavy from the warm up, and when to adjust volume vs. push exposure. Practical weightlifting coaching for everyday Olympic lifters who want better technique, safer progress, and more consistent results. Want to master the Snatch, Clean and Split Jerk? Access my free community; 'The OPTILIFT Performance Lab' and access the free resources where I give you all the tools you need to master the lifts. Use the link to join - https://www.skool.com/optilift-performance-lab-3529/about Keywords: weightlifting, Olympic lifting, jerk stability, overhead strength, pre‑workout nutrition, training tips, programming, injury prevention, snatch and clean & jerk, mindset for lifters.

Episode 24: From Stuck to Strong: Level Up Your Weightlifting Routine

Coach Oates breaks down essential weightlifting advice for beginner and intermediate lifters, covering recovery strategies, smart equipment choices, mental resilience, motivation, and program progression. Learn how to fix common snatch issues, build long‑term training consistency, and train smarter with limited time. Perfect for everyday Olympic lifters looking to improve performance both physically and mentally. Keywords: weightlifting recovery, Olympic lifting tips, training consistency, gym equipment, lifting motivation, beginner weightlifting program, snatch technique, recovery tools, mental health for athletes, strength training habits.

Episode 23: Weightlifting Success Secrets: Structure, Recovery, and Mindset

Welcome back to episode of the Snatch Chat Podcast. Unlock your peak performance with Coach Oates as he shares practical, science backed strategies for mastering Olympic lifting. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned athlete, this episode breaks down how to train smart, manage injuries, choose the right weightlifting shoes, and build confidence under heavy loads. Learn how to structure your training program around a busy schedule, understand the balance between volume and recovery, and apply Coach Oates’ mindset techniques to crush PRs safely and effectively. Key Takeaways: * Olympic lifting training for busy lifters * Smart equipment and footwear choices * Injury prevention and management tips * Mental strategies for heavy attempts * Recovery and accessory work essentials Chapters: 00:00 Intro to Olympic Lifting 00:54 Training for Busy Lifestyles 07:54 Choosing the Right Shoes 15:00 Training Around Injuries 21:17 Balancing Volume & Recovery 28:30 Confidence Under Heavy Weights 32:42 Conclusion & Resources 🎧 Listen now and level up your lifting! Resources Mentioned: * OPTILIFT Performance Lab * Weightlifting Toolbox https://www.skool.com/optilift-performance-lab-3529/about

Why Strong Lifters Still Miss: The Hidden Errors in Your Snatch, Clean & Jerk | Ep. 22

Most lifters look at the miss… but the real problem started 2 seconds earlier. In Episode 22 of The Snatch Chat Podcast, Coach Oates breaks down why your snatch, clean, and jerk aren’t progressing, even if you’re getting stronger. From jumping forward and unstable catches to jerks that won’t budge, this episode shows you how to trace every issue back to its true source: the start position and execution under pressure. Expect clear coaching cues, honest breakdowns of common mistakes, and practical ways to fix your lifts without adding more junk volume to your training. We also dive into building capacity at different percentages, improving jerk-specific work, integrating power and athletic movements, and keeping your joints healthy long-term. If your lifts feel inconsistent, inefficient, or just plain frustrating, this is the episode that connects the dots. If you want to go deeper and actually apply these fixes to your own lifts, check out the OPTILIFT Performance Lab https://www.skool.com/optilift-performance-lab-3529/about [https://www.skool.com/optilift-performance-lab-3529/about]