Snatch Chat

In this episode of Snatch Chat, Coach Oates breaks down why so many lifters feel stuck, even when they’re training hard and what actually moves the needle in your snatch and clean & jerk.

We talk goal setting, common technical mistakes, strength training myths, and why sleep and nutrition might be affecting your totals more than your program does. If you want to train smarter, not just harder, this one’s for you.

You’ll also hear why the snatch is still the ultimate challenge, why perfect reps beat ugly heavy lifts, and how simple video analysis can fast-track your progress.

Whether you’re chasing your next PB or trying to build a stronger foundation, this episode will help you focus on what really matters in Olympic lifting.

🎯 FREE Goal Setting & Reflection Resource; The OPTILIFT PB Blueprint

If you’re serious about hitting new PBs this year, don’t just train harder, get clearer on what actually needs improving.

I’ve created a free guide called The OPTILIFT PB Blueprint to help you:

• Reflect on last year’s training (what worked vs what didn’t)

• Identify the biggest limiters in your snatch and clean & jerk

• Set realistic, performance-driven goals (not just “add 5kg”)

• Build a simple action plan so your training actually matches your goals

This is the same reflection and goal setting process I use with my 1:1 online coaching athletes to drive consistent progress without living in the gym.

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https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/survey/PPcIGT6uwZ9PLn5a535w

00:00 – Reflecting on the past year & setting better goals
02:56 – Why sleep impacts motivation, food choices, and training quality
06:01 – Favourite lifts & the most common snatch mistakes (hello early arm bend)
08:51 – Strength vs technique: what should you actually prioritise?
11:59 – Debunking lifting myths (high bar isn’t the only answer)
15:04 – Why video analysis is a game-changer for your Olympic lifts
17:58 – Final thoughts on building a solid training foundation & long-term progress

Most lifters aren’t failing because they’re weak. They’re failing because they’re rushing.

In this episode of The Snatch Chat Podcast, I break down the biggest mistakes I see amateur weightlifters make; jumping into full movements too soon, chasing volume instead of quality, and running themselves into the ground thinking “more” is the answer.

We talk about:

• Why breaking lifts down actually speeds progress

• How overtraining quietly wrecks performance (and mental health)

• Training weightlifting alongside other sports without sabotaging recovery

• Why there is no single ‘perfect’ technique and why that matters

• Simple habits that keep you progressing without living in the gym

We also get into the mental side of lifting, missed lifts, confidence under the bar, and why preparation matters more than motivation.

If you want to lift better, last longer in the sport, and stop feeling like training is taking over your life, this one’s for you.

(Plus, an important debate on elite-tier chocolate at the end.)

In this episode of Snatch Chat, I’m joined with Jo; a lifter I’ve had the privilege of coaching, to unpack the real journey from general gym training to competitive weightlifting.

We dive into what changes mentally when you move from general training to the precision and pressure of the weightlifting platform. Jo shares her honest experiences of competition day nerves, emotional highs and lows, and how weightlifting has become a powerful outlet for stress, focus, and personal growth.

We talk about:

• The mental shift required when transitioning from CrossFit to weightlifting

• Why competitions feel like an emotional rollercoaster

• How lifting heavy forces presence, focus, and self-belief

• The mental health benefits of structured training and clear goals

• Why competing validates the process — not just the numbers

• The role of community and support on competition day

Whether you’re thinking about your first competition, struggling with the mental side of training, or simply curious about what weightlifting offers beyond the barbell, this episode is packed with relatable insights and encouragement.

If you’ve ever wondered why we put ourselves through the pressure of competition, this one’s for you.

Olympic lifting isn’t just about adding kilos to the bar.

In Episode 3 of the Snatch Chat Podcast, we dive into what actually moves the needle:
✔️ Recovering properly between sessions
✔️ Why your snatch & clean are basically vertical jumps
✔️ How a simple pre-lift routine can calm the noise and sharpen execution

From beginners finding their feet to experienced lifters chasing consistency, this episode is about training with intent, not just intensity.

Because progress doesn’t come from doing more…

It comes from doing the right things better.

🎧 Listen now and start lifting smarter.

#OlympicLifting #WeightliftingLife #Snatch #CleanAndJerk #RecoveryMatters #LiftWithIntent #StrengthTraining #AthleteDevelopment #SnatchChat

In this episode on Snatch Chat, I’m joined by James, fresh after winning the English Masters Weightlifting Champs for his age and weight class.

We look back on James’ 18 month transition from CrossFit into Olympic weightlifting, why he decided to start coaching with me, and what actually moved the needle in his training leading up to competition day.

This conversation is an honest breakdown of the process behind the result, not just the lifts on the platform, but the decisions, mindset shifts, and lessons learned along the way.

We discuss:

• Focused Weightlifting training alongside CrossFit

• The impact of structured coaching over 18 months

• Why technical consistency matters more than chasing numbers

• Managing nerves, expectations, and pressure in competition

• The role of mental resilience in performing on the platform

• Reviewing performance without chasing perfection

• What winning the English Championships taught James

• Where his training and competition goals go next

If you’re an Olympic lifter, CrossFitter considering weightlifting, or someone looking to perform better under pressure, this episode offers practical insight into how progress actually happens.

If you want to start making real progress in your Olympic Lifts, overcome plateaus to finally start seeing results, apply for online coaching here - https://getcoached.coachoates.co.uk/home

Welcome to episode one of Snatch Chat.

In this episode, I break down Olympic weightlifting in a way that actually makes sense, without overcomplicating everything.

I share my journey from CrossFit into specialising in Olympic weightlifting, and why moving away from chaos, random programming, and cue overload completely changed the way I train and coach.

Most lifters don’t struggle because they’re lazy, they struggle because they’re overwhelmed. Too many drills. Too many opinions. Too much noise.

This episode is about simplifying your approach so you can build better technique, train with intent, and make real progress without living in the gym.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, inconsistent, or unsure what you should actually be working on, this will give you clarity.

✅ How to actually improve your snatch and clean & jerk
✅ Why technique beats effort every time
✅ The role of top-down snatches and why they work
✅ How to approach training around holidays/ busy periods
✅ What to do when training isn’t going well
✅ Why understanding beats doing more
✅ How to train smarter, not just harder

This podcast is for:• Lifters who feel “stuck”• CrossFitters who want better technique• Beginners who don’t want to be overwhelmed• Coaches who want simple systems that work• Anyone who wants to lift better, not just heavier

No fluff. No ego. No overcomplicated nonsense.

Just honest coaching, practical insight, and lessons from real training environments.

If you want help improving your lifts, I offer online Olympic weightlifting coaching with feedback, programming, and support.

🏋️ What You’ll Learn in This Episode:🎯 Who This Podcast Is For:🚀 What This Podcast Is About:🔗 Coaching & Programming:🎧 Subscribe for weekly content.

#OlympicWeightlifting #SnatchChat #SnatchTechnique #CleanAndJerk #WeightliftingCoach

#CrossFitWeightlifting #StrengthTraining #OnlineCoaching #TrainSmarter

#WeightliftingMindset #OlympicLifting #CoachOates