Olympic Lifting

The growing popularity of CrossFit and functional training has put Olympic Lifting in the spotlight and every week I see more and more people lifting weights.  Here are some of the benefits of Olympic Lifting.

First, the most surprising aspect of Olympic Lifting is its effect on the cardiovascular system. In a Clean and Jerk, the bar moves from the floor to overhead, upwards of seven and a half feet! Every muscle in the body is used, including all the support systems. A tough set of Snatches leaves the lifter heaving for breath, sweating in streams, and the heart racing. All this without even having to go the track!

Ladies, don't get a fright. You don't have to wear these outfits.

Second, the human body is built in one piece. By lifting the bar from the ground to overhead, the entire body is called into action. As one begins the slow process of adding weights to the Olympic Lifts, the entire body compensates by getting bigger and stronger. Most novices to Olympic Lifting soon discover the whole chain of muscles from the gluteus and the spinal erectors to the trapezius. Shirts don't fit anymore as the muscles of the upper back grow to accommodate the pulling movements. What muscles do the Olympic Lifts build? All of them!

Third, it is difficult to over train or go too heavy on the Olympic Lifts. Certainly, it is possible, but because of the movement from floor to overhead, there is little room for forced reps, overload techniques, or any form of cheating. There is no bench, no rack, no supports. A lifting partner can’t stick his hand on the bar and make you squeeze out an extra rep. Olympic Lifting demands discipline in choosing weights within your abilities. But, the payoff is worth it. The feeling of hoisting body weight from floor to overhead for the first time is a rush that you feel for a long time after!

Fourth, Olympic Lifting workouts don’t take very long. Working the entire body, as well as the cardiovascular system, the Olympic Lifts are very taxing. It would be hard to imagine ten sets of ten with body weight in the Olympic Lifts. If time is pressing, take a warm up weight and Clean and Press it for ten. Add some weight, and do five.  Add some more and do three. Keep going until you can’t even get through one rep.

So get ready to be broken and exhausted this week team. I’m also going to be doing them all, so I will be suffering with you!