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Strength Training Articles

Welcome to our collection of articles on strength training, powerlifting, and combat sports conditioning. Whether you're an MMA fighter, BJJ athlete, boxer, or kickboxer, you'll find evidence-based tips and strategies to improve your performance.Explore topics like programming for fighters, strength development, mobility, and powerlifting technique.
Click on any article to dive deeper — all content is available in English and Spanish.

Antifrágil libro y peso muerto fuerza real

COSMETIC VS REAL STRENGHT

Modern comfort limits your physical potential. Discover Taleb's philosophy on "cosmetic strength" vs. real utility and how to build true capacity through training.

PST José M. Olea 28/12/2025

peleador haciendo ejercicios isométricos

Isometric Strength Training for Combat Athletes

Isometric exercises involve muscle contractions without joint movement. They're a powerful tool in a fighter's physical preparation, improving muscular endurance, joint stability, and neuromuscular control.

But do you really know how to use them effectively in your training?

PST José M. Olea 03/04/2025

volumen en el powerlifting

Why Train Volume? Improve Your Powerlifting Performance

Do you really understand why volume peaks are programmed into training blocks, or what benefits they bring?
Are your workouts mostly built around singles or top sets—and you're wondering why you're not progressing?In this article, I’ll focus on the benefits of increasing your work capacity and how it directly impacts your performance in the squat, bench press, and deadlift.

PST José M. Olea 05/09/2024

Powerlifting y filosofía

What Does It Mean to Train Hard? My Strength Training Philosophy

Everyone talks about training hard—but what does that really mean?In this article, I break down the core pillars of my training philosophy, the same principles that guide my coaching and the work I do with athletes every day.

PST José M. Olea 14/08/2024

filosofía en el powerlifting

Mindset in Powerlifting: A Growing Issue Among Junior and Sub-Junior Athletes

With the recent rise in powerlifting’s popularity, a new issue is emerging—especially among younger athletes: their mindset.We're seeing a lack of sportsmanship and foundational values, which could become a serious problem in the coming years if not addressed properly. And let’s be clear—coaches play a major role in this.

PST José M. Olea 01/08/2024

sufrimiento en el entrenamiento

True Talent Demands Sacrifice and Suffering

A reflection on the importance of effort and dedication in achieving success.In a world that often prioritizes instant gratification, this article shares my perspective on why hard work and discipline remain essential for true personal and professional growth.

PST José M. Olea 18/07/2024

variantes en el powerlifting

The Importance of Variability in Training

Do you believe specificity is the only key to success in powerlifting? Think again.A lack of variability in your training might be quietly sabotaging your long-term progress.
The question is—are you willing to set your ego aside to become a better athlete?

PST José M. Olea 13/05/2024

Aproxximaciones antes de un levantamiento importante

Write down your warm-up sets.

Something as simple as knowing your warm-up and build-up sets can make or break your ability to hit a new PR.In this article, I’ll show you why having a solid attempt strategy is essential to successfully surpass your one-rep max.

PST José M. Olea 13/05/2024

entrenamiento mejorar cuello

neck training

Neck training is becoming more and more popular—especially in combat sports and strength disciplines.In this article, I’ll walk you through key steps and effective exercises to build a stronger, more resilient neck.

PST José M. Olea 13/05/2024

powerlifter concentrado antes de levantar

Avoid Distractions

In July 2023, I competed in the AEP 2 meet in Andalucía, in the -83 kg category. For the first time, my prognosis showed a real chance of making the podium. It wasn’t going to be easy, but the opportunity was there.I entered the zone quickly, fully focused—but a missed opener threw me off mentally. Still, I managed to refocus and finish in second place.

PST José M. Olea 10/05/2024

PELEADOR ENTRENANDO FUERA DE TEMPORADA

GPP for Fighters

Finished your fight camp or more than six months out from your next bout? Not sure what to focus on in the gym to actually improve?You’re in the offseason, and that’s the perfect time to work on key aspects of strength training that often get overlooked during prep.In this article, I’ll share some ideas and strategies to help fighters make real progress when there’s no fight on the calendar.

PST José M. Olea 05/05/2024

LUCHADORA HACIENDO MOVILIDAD

RAZMINKA for fighters

We all know mobility is a crucial part of training that can directly improve performance.
But how can we find more time to actually work on it?In this article, we’ll talk about the importance of mobility work for fighters and how to integrate it into your routine without sacrificing other key elements of your training.

PST José M. Olea 04/05/2024

powerlifting sentadilla barra baja

intention

You’ve probably heard that you should always lift with intention—on both light days and heavy days.
But... what does that really mean?In this article, we’ll break down what training with intention actually involves, why it matters, and how applying it consistently can elevate your performance—whether you’re a powerlifter or a combat athlete.

PST José M. Olea 19/03/2024

powerlifter controlando nervios

Breathe and Win

Nerves can beat you on max-out day — or you can use them to flip the battle in your favor.

PST José M. Olea 18/10/2023

powerlifter enfocado listo para competir

Mindset: Prey or Predator

Nerves, environment, and music—three powerful factors that can either break you or help you unlock your best performance. In this article, we’ll explore how your mindset shapes the outcome on the platform, and how to channel it to your advantage.

PST José M. Olea 25/09/2023

ready to break your records?

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