In this episode of Totten Talks, Leo is flying solo while Cait is away, giving listeners a deep dive into training philosophies drawn from decades of experience in weightlifting and coaching.

Leo shares invaluable insight into the importance of identifying and addressing your training’s limiting factors—and how discipline plays a key role in turning weaknesses into strengths. With personal stories and plenty of practical advice, Leo breaks down what it takes to build a solid foundation in the sport.

In this episode, Leo covers:

• The three pillars of weightlifting success: technique, flexibility, and strength
• How to discover and work on your “weak areas” (aka limiting factors) for well-rounded progress
• Ratio guidelines for key lifts (snatch, clean & jerk, squats) and what imbalances may indicate
• The importance of consistent technique—especially in movements like power snatches and cleans
• Stories from Leo’s training days, including lessons learned from his own weaknesses and overcoming them
• How bar path and foot pressure play a crucial role in lifting efficiency
• The value of strength-building exercises, including clean deadlifts, Romanian deadlifts (RDLs), isometrics, eccentrics, and deficit pulls
• Encouragement to prioritize the “boring” but necessary work, regardless of talent level

This episode is all about getting real with yourself as an athlete or coach, embracing honest self-assessment, and having the discipline to do what it takes to reach your potential.

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