Why Weightlifters And CrossFitters Wear Lifting Shoes - The Benefits Of Lifters

Caitlyn Davey • July 8, 2025

If you're an avid weightlifter, you may have noticed weightlifters, the distinctive shoes worn by many athletes during their training sessions. These specialised shoes have become a common sight in weightlifting gyms, and for good reason. Wearing lifters can potentially provide several advantages when it comes to lifting heavy weights, improving technique, and optimising performance in weightlifting.So, why do weightlifters wear lifters? Let's delve into the potential benefits of wearing lifters in weightlifting:Improved Stability: Lifters often feature a raised heel, which can create a more stable platform for lifting heavy weights. The elevated heel allows for greater ankle mobility, making it easier to achieve and maintain a proper squatting position. This increased stability may potentially help prevent injuries, such as ankle rolling, by providing a solid foundation for lifting movements like squats, cleans, and snatches.Enhanced Range of Motion: The raised heel in lifters can potentially improve mobility and flexibility, particularly in the ankles, hips, and thoracic spine. This can be particularly beneficial for athletes who struggle with limited mobility or flexibility, allowing them to achieve a more optimal lifting position. With improved range of motion, athletes may potentially perform movements more efficiently, reducing the risk of compensatory movements that may lead to injuries.Increased Power Output: Lifters are designed to potentially optimise power output during weightlifting exercises. The elevated heel allows athletes to potentially generate more force through the legs and hips, resulting in increased power and explosiveness. This can be especially advantageous in movements like the clean and jerk or the snatch, where speed and power are essential for success.Enhanced Technique: Lifters may potentially help improve lifting technique as well. The raised heel allows athletes to maintain a more upright posture during squats and Olympic lifts, promoting better alignment and reducing the tendency to lean forward. This can potentially lead to improved form and movement efficiency, allowing athletes to lift heavier weights with proper technique and potentially reducing the risk of injury.Versatility: While lifters are primarily used for weightlifting exercises, they may also be beneficial for other movements in the gym, such as box jumps, wall balls, and double-unders. The stable and elevated heel may potentially provide additional support and help athletes generate more power and efficiency in these movements as well.It's important to note that lifters are not necessary for all weightlifters, and their effectiveness may vary depending on an individual's specific needs, goals, and training programme. It's recommended to consult with a coach or experienced athlete to determine if lifters are appropriate for your training routine. Additionally, proper fit and comfort are crucial when choosing lifters, as ill-fitting shoes may potentially hinder performance and increase the risk of injury.Wearing lifters in weightlifting may potentially offer benefits such as improved stability, enhanced range of motion, increased power output, and enhanced technique. However, it's essential to consider individual factors and consult with knowledgeable individuals to determine if lifters are suitable for your training needs. So, if you're looking to potentially enhance your weightlifting performance, consider exploring the potential benefits of wearing lifters.If you want to use a pair of lifters, get yours from TheWODLife with the CODE REBUILD10 for $10 off orders over $100.

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July 22, 2025
If you live in Wynnum or Capalaba , chances are you’ve seen a bootcamp in action — high-intensity sessions in parks, with lots of burpees, sprints, and shouting. While bootcamps can be a fun way to get sweaty, there’s a reason more people are choosing structured strength training instead. At Rebuild, we often meet people who’ve jumped from one bootcamp to another, chasing results they never quite achieve, or can’t maintain. Here’s why strength training, not bootcamp-style fitness, is the smarter long-term approach for your health and body. 1. Progress Over Punishment Bootcamps often focus on burning calories and pushing people to their limits every session. It feels intense — but it’s usually random. There’s no plan beyond “go hard”. Strength training is different. It’s measured, progressive, and adaptable . Whether you’re lifting a barbell or doing bodyweight movements, the goal is to build skill, strength, and confidence over time. You're not punished for where you're at — you're coached toward where you want to be. 2. Stronger Muscles = Better Results Cardio-heavy bootcamps might help you lose weight quickly, but they rarely help you build muscle, and muscle is the key to long-term fat loss, strength, and mobility . When you train with resistance (weights, bands, or bodyweight), your body becomes more efficient. You burn more calories at rest, move better, and feel more capable in everyday life. And unlike bootcamps, strength training actually preserves lean mass while you're in a calorie deficit — which matters if your goal is body composition, not just weight loss. 3. Individual Coaching Matters Most bootcamps have one instructor yelling instructions to a big group. There’s rarely time to check your technique, let alone adjust for injuries, experience, or confidence levels. At Rebuild, our group sessions are coach-led and purpose-built . We take time to teach proper form, scale movements to your ability, and track your progress. You're not just surviving a workout — you’re learning how to move better and train smarter. 4. It’s Not Just About Today’s Workout Bootcamps often lack structure. You show up, do something exhausting, and leave. There’s no continuity or long-term planning. Strength training follows a programmed approach , meaning each week builds on the last. You’ll have sessions designed to improve specific movements and outcomes — whether that’s lifting more weight, increasing core strength, or mastering your first pull-up. That structure keeps you consistent, motivated, and injury-free. 5. Sustainability Over Shock Tactics If you’re tired of the “go hard or go home” mentality, strength training is for you. It’s adaptable to all ages, bodies, and goals . You’ll get fitter, stronger, and more confident — without burning out or breaking down. Ready to train with purpose? If you're looking for something better than a bootcamp in Wynnum or Capalaba , join us at Rebuild. We coach real people — not fitness models — to get real results. 📍 Structured training 📍 Expert coaches 📍 Community that has your back You don’t need to be fit to start. You just need to start.
July 22, 2025
A lot of people have completed a marathon but how many people have collapsed at 40km?

Sometimes you do everything right, and shit still doesn’t go to plan.
 Last weekend I ran in the Gold Coast Marathon, my first ever marathon. I trained properly, my body felt relatively good (all things considered when preparing to run 42.2km), I carb-loaded, and my race day nutrition was dialled in.
 I was ready.
 We set off. Jess and the kids met me at different points on the course with signs, the atmosphere was great. I loved seeing the kids with their signs. Pacing felt on point. The first 21km? Easy. I felt great. Maybe I should’ve drunk more water, but I didn’t think too much of it at the time.
 At 25km, I felt slower, but pace wise I was still holding well. I’d kept telling myself throughout the day "The race starts at 30km." And let me tell you, it does.
 By 30km, the sun was out, and I was starting to struggle. My watch started glitching so I had no real idea of my splits. I thought I was slowing down a lot (turns out I wasn’t), but the effort to keep the same pace suddenly felt 10x harder.
 I hadn’t taken on enough water. Usually, I can get away with lower fluids. Not this time. Dehydration crept in. hard.
 At 35km I was in survival mode, one foot in front of the other, flicking between moments of pain and little short lived waves of “let’s go.” But by 39km I was delirious. I could see the finish line, I hit the 40km mark (where I thought enjoyment might return to finish), and I collapsed.
 I was gone. Scary stuff.
 The last few hundred metres were a complete blur. All I remember is the crowd, the medics, and about five paramedics suddenly around me. I was vomiting, shaking, confused, in and out of it. I had this overwhelming, indescribable feeling, and honestly, for a moment, I thought I could die.
 My memory went. I couldn’t recall the day, the year, where I lived, or how to spell. I only knew who Jess and the kids were, and that I didn’t want them to see me with wires in me. 
 My temperature had hit 40°C. Blood pressure crashed. Thankfully, the medics and paramedics were incredible, I had a drip running into me within 10 to 15 minutes.
 As I already knew, I’m stubborn. I wanted to run it all. Not walk. Not stop and breathe and In hindsight, I should have. 
 Seems like my mind was just a bit stronger than my body on the day. I never thought I could push myself there in all honesty. 

Am I gutted? Of course, I was only 2km away but I gave it everything I had on that day. Heat stroke, exhaustion, and dehydration got me. 

I am always reminded here of the quote ‘The man in the arena’ look it up if you need. 
 Will I run 42.2km again? Yes, I feel I need to. 

Would I do things differently, now I’ve run 40km under race conditions? You bet, lessons learnt. Always lessons. Never be scared to not succeed. Be scared to never try in the first place. 
 We go again.
By Caitlyn Davey July 8, 2025
You Need To Earn The Right To Be Good At Something
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