CLEAN TECHNIQUE ESSENTIALS
The clean, much like snatching in weightlifting, requires not only power and strength, but good rhythm and timing. In order to execute it properly, we are going to go over some key technical aspects as well as some ways to internalize those cues and output them in your training sessions. We will highlight the overall goals first and then break down how we can ensure they're occurring in the lift properly.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW: BARBELL
One of the unique things we have here at PFP is our Olympic Weightlifting Team. Weightlifting is a sport known throughout the world and in the last 10 to 15 years has gained a lot of momentum and attraction in the United States. With over 1 million members in the US, it has truly built itself into something special. Here at PFP, we love to foster weightlifters, new and old. The first step is our barbell assessment, where we meet a new prospective lifter for our team and either view their current technique or teach them for the very first time. Once that process is complete, we enroll them in our Intro Program. Now that may sound like it’s only for beginners, but I assure you it's not. We label it the Intro because it contains all of the essential pieces to help and solidify the core principles of weightlifting: strength, speed, movement consistency, patience, and fun. So let's talk about how it does that.
STRENGTH TRAINING: ESSENTIAL FOR WOMEN AT EVERY STAGE OF LIFE
For years, women stuck to cardio, light weights, and "toning” workouts. Women were afraid of getting “bulky” or bigger, and “gym-timidation” is a real thing for many women when they enter a space full of males. Now, more and more women are shifting away from working out to look a certain way, and instead working out to feel a certain way. Women understand that strength training isn’t just about building muscle or changing how your body looks, but it’s one of the greatest tools women have to support long-term health, confidence, and quality of life.
RETURNING TO SPORT AFTER A BREAK
It's not uncommon that athletes - whether recreational or competitive - take a break from training. In fact, it's quite healthy and is often built in after the end of a sport season, often called an active rest period, which allows the body to recover from the damage incurred during the competitive season, or for sports without a clear “in-season”, after a prolonged intense training phase and competition.
INSIDE GOLDEN GIRLS: OUR 60+ WOMEN’S STRENGTH CLASS
Our 60+ women’s class is designed to help you move better, feel stronger, and stay confident moving through your daily life and activities. This class isn’t about extreme workouts or aesthetics, but about building the qualities that support you now and for years to come: muscle mass, strength, bone density, and more.
STRENGTH TRAINING DURING PREGNANCY
Strength training during pregnancy can be one of the most powerful tools you use to support your body, your baby, and your long-term health. Let’s break down what strength training during pregnancy really looks like, why it’s beneficial, and how to approach it without fear.
ESTABLISHING S.M.A.R.T. GOALS
S.M.A.R.T is a five-letter acronym that is commonly used in health/fitness settings to promote logical goal-setting strategies that may guide you in achieving the results that you desire from that goal. It uses a specific set of criteria that ensures your objectives are attainable within a reasonable time-frame.
UNDERSTANDING BAR PATH IN THE CLEAN & SNATCH
The path of the bar in weightlifting is all about moving yourself in accordance with the weight as smoothly and efficiently as possible. When you’re first learning weightlifting, the movements can feel unstable and clunky. The way it is usually taught is in segments to make it easier to understand and process. This process is known to some as the “ top-down” method. Essentially, we are starting from our hip position, where the bar would be just before we extend and move the bar to our overhead position. Every subsequent position down towards the ground, our “start” position for a full lift, adds more complexity and requires us to be more aware of where we and the bar are moving simultaneously. In order to make it easier to understand, we will talk about the path from the floor to overhead to make the sequence one seamless progression to picture the overall lift.
SNATCH FOUNDATIONS: BEGINNER MISTAKES & FIXES
Weightlifting is a sport of grace and explosiveness. While those two descriptions may seem odd to master together, they are essential for the two main lifts in weightlifting. The snatch and clean and jerk are the epitome of those two terms, although we are just going to focus on the snatch for today. Let's discuss some common issues and how to fix them.
STRENGTH FOR LONGEVITY
As we age, everyone loses muscle mass at about 5% per decade, starting at age 30. That rate of loss accelerates after age 60. With that loss of muscle mass comes a decrease in strength and function. For older people, this can lead to disability and inactivity. So, how do you promote strength for longevity? Let’s look at how you can maintain muscle mass and functioning as you age.
GPP FOUNDATION: PART TWO
The start of a new year is a great time to focus on GPP, or general physical preparedness. Before chasing max lifts, aesthetic goals, or a packed training schedule, it’s worth reevaluating whether you have the foundation to support the training you want to do this year, or if there is any exercise or skill you can revisit to improve. Let’s dive a bit more into why this functional foundation is crucial to your long-term fitness success!
WHAT THE HECK IS A GPP FOUNDATION?
If you’ve ever set a fitness goal and immediately jumped to “I want abs / a marathon / a 500-lb deadlift,” let me introduce you to the unsung hero of long-term progress: the GPP foundation. GPP stands for General Physical Preparedness, which is a fancy way of saying: “Can your body actually handle training… or is it barely holding together?”
ART’S NEW YEAR’S BLACK-EYED PEAS & HAM
Here is a home recipe. Originally from Art's mom. Her version of the New Year’s Classic.
KATY'S POZOLE: AN AUTHENTIC MEXICAN RECIPE FROM ART’S MOM
This recipe is a Mexican Holiday classic. I made it last week. It's great for a post-New Year's recovery meal. Forewarning, it's a long recipe, but totally worth it!
EXERCISE EQUIPMENT TIPS FOR TRAVELING ABROAD
With the temperatures starting to drop, many have made preparations for traveling as the holidays draw closer. However, one of the common concerns about traveling around, whether by car or airplane, affects our usual exercise routine. Therefore, why not bring some of that exercise equipment on your travels?
FROM DINNER PLATE TO PLATFORM
From Dinner Plate to Platform: Fueling When Holiday Dishes Start Calling. The holidays are here! 'Tis the season for time with family, friends, co-workers, and lots of tasty treats. No one should deprive themselves of quality time and food during the holidays, but how can we maintain a healthy balance between the snack plate and the workout platform? Here are some tips!
TURKEY TETRAZZINI
This week, we have another great turkey leftover recipe, this time, from NYT Cooking.
TURKEY CORN SOUP
This is an old family recipe from a 70s newspaper clipping. We make it every year!
AUTUMN CHICKEN BAKE
This recipe was an IG find, and it's great for the fall.
SETTING YOU UP FOR Q1 2026
As the holidays roll in, it’s easy to slip into the “I’ll start fresh in January” mindset. Between parties, travel, and colder weather, consistency can feel harder to maintain — and before you know it, the new year arrives, and you’re trying to rebuild momentum from scratch. December doesn’t have to be a setback. Instead, it can be a strategic setup to feeling ready to tackle the pressure of the new year. Here’s what you can focus on this holiday season to set yourself up for a strong start to 2026.