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How We Design Custom Olympic Weightlifting Programs for Your Goals
At Gryphon Strength Barbell, we design custom Olympic weightlifting programs built around your goals. From setting clear objectives and evaluating your current level to progressing through hypertrophy, strength, power, and peaking phases, every detail is tailored to you. We manage volume, intensity, recovery, and mobility while tracking progress to ensure results. Whether you want to increase max lifts, refine technique, or build explosiveness, we create a program that delive

Bryant Illenberg
3 days ago2 min read
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How to Choose the Right Weightlifting Coach (And Why Gryphon Strength Barbell Sets the Standard)
Choosing the right weightlifting coach can transform your training. At Gryphon Strength Barbell, we combine elite Olympic weightlifting expertise, personalized programming, and a culture that inspires athletes to perform at their best. Discover why our coaching is the standard for lifters who want results and a legendary team identity.

Bryant Illenberg
5 days ago3 min read
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Why We Train Together: Building a Legendary Team Culture
At Gryphon Strength Barbell, training isn’t just about lifting—it’s about rising together. We build a legendary team culture where accountability, energy, and shared purpose turn every session into more than a workout. Here, athletes don’t just chase PRs—they become part of a tribe, united by strength, story, and legacy.

Bryant Illenberg
Oct 303 min read
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Unlocking Peak Performance: How a Mental Performance Specialist Elevates Olympic Weightlifters
At Gryphon Strength Barbell, we know Olympic weightlifting is as much mental as it is physical. That’s why we’ve partnered with Mental Performance Specialist Tom Smalley, MS, CMPC. Tom helps athletes build confidence, sharpen focus, manage stress, and recover with resilience. His expertise in sports psychology and strength coaching equips lifters to compete with clarity, consistency, and purpose—unlocking their true potential on and off the platform.

Bryant Illenberg
Oct 234 min read
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The Science of Pulling: Breaking Down the Snatch and Clean & Jerk
Mastering the pull is the key to unlocking power in the snatch and clean & jerk. From bar path efficiency to triple extension, the science of pulling blends strength, speed, and precision. At Gryphon Strength Barbell, we break down each phase so lifters can move with confidence, consistency, and legendary presence.

Bryant Illenberg
Oct 163 min read
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How to Peak for Competition: A Coach’s Blueprint
Peaking for competition is both science and art. At Gryphon Strength Barbell, we guide athletes through four mesocycles—Hypertrophy, Strength, Power, and Peaking—so they arrive on the platform fresh, explosive, and fearless. This coach’s blueprint ensures every lift is sharpened for battle and every athlete is ready to perform at their peak.

Bryant Illenberg
Oct 93 min read
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2025 New York State Weightlifting Championships – Gryphon Strength Barbell Wins Back-to-Back Best Team Awards
Gryphon Strength Barbell dominated the 2025 New York State Championships, winning both Male and Female Best Team Awards for the second year in a row. From first-time competitors to seasoned lifters, our athletes delivered PRs, comebacks, and championship grit—proving once again that unity, resilience, and strength define our team’s legacy.

Bryant Illenberg
Oct 33 min read
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Top 10 Weightlifting Cues Every Lifter Should Master
Mastering the barbell takes more than strength—it takes precision. The right weightlifting cues sharpen focus, improve technique, and unlock new PRs. At Gryphon Strength Barbell, we break down the Top 10 Weightlifting Cues Every Lifter Should Master—from bracing with power to meeting the bar with speed—so you can lift safer, stronger, and smarter.

Bryant Illenberg
Oct 25 min read
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Gryphon Strength Youth Team Recap: 2025 New York State Weightlifting Championships
Our Gryphon Strength Barbell youth team shined at the 2025 New York State Weightlifting Championships with multiple PRs, podium finishes, and national qualifications. From Emily Arnold’s energetic comeback to Reagan Frommer’s flawless 6-for-6 and Aubrey Gibbs earning Best Overall Youth Lifter, our athletes proved the future of weightlifting is stronger than ever.

Bryant Illenberg
Sep 304 min read
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Olympic Weightlifting vs. Powerlifting: Which Sport Makes You Stronger?
Olympic weightlifting and powerlifting both build incredible strength—but in very different ways. One forges explosive speed and precision, the other grinds out raw, absolute power. At Gryphon Strength Barbell, we break down the key differences so you can choose the path—or blend—that makes you the strongest athlete possible.

Bryant Illenberg
Sep 253 min read
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Preparing for a Successful Weightlifting Meet: The Complete Guide
Whether you’re stepping onto the platform for the first time or chasing a new personal record at the national level, preparation is the...

Bryant Illenberg
Sep 173 min read
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Essential Olympic Weightlifting Exercises for Strength
Build explosive power, stability, and confidence with the Big 4 Olympic weightlifting exercises. Discover how to integrate these strength‑based lifts into your training, master technique safely, and unlock your full potential with Gryphon Strength Barbell.

Bryant Illenberg
Sep 103 min read
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Why You Should Attend a USA Weightlifting Level 1 Course: Elevate Your Coaching, Empower Your Athletes
Elevate your coaching and strength skills with the USA Weightlifting Level 1 Course. This two-day immersive experience equips both seasoned coaches and newcomers with the tools, techniques, and confidence to teach and apply the snatch, clean, jerk, and squat with precision and purpose.

Bryant Illenberg
Aug 283 min read
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What to Expect at Your First Weightlifting Meet
Stepping onto the platform for your first weightlifting meet is electrifying! You’ve trained hard, perfected your technique, and now it’s time to perform in front of a crowd. Feeling a mix of excitement and nerves? You’re not alone. I’ve been there, and I’m here to guide you through what to expect so you can show up confident and ready to crush it!

Bryant Illenberg
Aug 233 min read
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Unleash Your Power: Essential Olympic Weightlifting Exercises for Maximum Strength Gains
Olympic weightlifting is essential for building serious strength and power. These exercises enhance speed, explosiveness, and coordination, benefiting both seasoned lifters and beginners. Mastering these lifts can elevate your training to new heights. Ready to get pumped? Let’s dive in!

Amiee Illenberg
Aug 174 min read
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Selecting the Best gym options for Your Lifestyle
Choosing the perfect place to train is a game-changer! Whether you’re smashing personal records in Olympic Weightlifting or just starting your strength journey, the right environment fuels your progress. I’ve been there—searching for a spot that fits my goals, schedule, and vibe. Let me walk you through how to find the best gym options that sync with your lifestyle and help you crush those lifts!

Bryant Illenberg
Aug 54 min read
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What to Expect at a Weightlifting Meet
Attending a weightlifting meet is an exhilarating experience, showcasing skill, strength, and dedication. Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned fan, this guide will help you understand the key aspects, what to expect, and how to enjoy your visit.

Bryant Illenberg
Jul 293 min read
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Mastering Olympic Weightlifting
Olympic weightlifting is a captivating and demanding sport that focuses on strength, explosiveness, and technique. The two main lifts are the Snatch and the Clean and Jerk, which require discipline, practice, and a solid understanding of body mechanics. Whether you're aiming to compete or simply want to improve your athletic performance, mastering these lifts can significantly enhance your physical capabilities.

Bryant Illenberg
Jul 264 min read
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Choosing a Gym: What to Look for in a Weightlifting Gym
Finding the right Weightlifting gym is crucial for your development as a lifter. Whether you're a beginner stepping onto the platform for the first time or a seasoned athlete looking to elevate your game, the gym you choose can make a significant impact on your progress and enjoyment. Here's what you should consider when searching for the perfect weightlifting gym.

Amiee Illenberg
Jul 202 min read
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The Science of Youth Strength Training: Achieving Optimal Physical and Mental Health through Resistance Training and Olympic Weightlifting
Discover the surprising benefits of strength training for youth, from cognitive and mental health to cardiovascular and bone health.

Bryant Illenberg
Feb 164 min read
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