Topic: My Review For Pendlay OL DVD

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Pendlay Olympic Weightlifting DVD Review

“Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler.”
Albert Einstein

Einstein could have been talking about learning the Olympic lifts.  Most books or videos that teach Olympic Weightlifting give either too much or not enough information.  Giving beginners too much instruction results in paralysis by analysis.   It is difficult to do anything when you have to think about doing everything at once.   Yet, if there is not enough instruction, the beginner has little idea of how to do the lift.   

In his DVD, Glenn Pendlay makes learning the Olympic lifts as simple as possible, but not simpler.   He gives the necessary instruction and cues to learn how to do the lifts.   The most important and difficult aspect of Olympic lifting is creating the desired bar path by proper body positioning.   This DVD uses simple progressions to help beginners feel how to move during a lift.  Jon North does an excellent job demonstrating each skill throughout the video.  Pendlay is careful to provide only the information that is needed for correct performance.    The drills are easy to learn and use in your training.  In a short time, you will be able to sense and correct some your own mistakes.

The DVD was filmed during one of Pendlay’s OL seminars.  This has several advantages.   One is seeing how Glen corrects typical beginner mistakes.  Another is watching the interaction between Pendlay and his students.   It is fun to watch and inspiring to see people of different backgrounds and ages become proficient at the snatch, clean and jerk.   

The production is much better than the typical instructional video.   The editing is first rate with great camera angles that make it easy to see and learn each progression.  The audio is clear and you can hear every word in the video.  There are short written summaries throughout the film to help viewers remember key points.  The DVD, however, does not cover minute details of weightlifting (hook grips, straps, or assistance exercises) nor does it present training programs.  Its primary purpose is teaching how to do the lifts correctly.   
 In a perfect world you would have Glenn as your personal coach.   If you’re lucky he may do a seminar in your area.  If not, buying his DVD is the next best thing. 

[Jim Storch]

I'm not surprised.