Olympic Weightlifting
Olympic Weightlifting consists of two barbell lifts: the Snatch and the Clean and Jerk. Both lifts are explosive, powerful, and technically complex. They require not only strength but also skill and agility. The Olympic lifts are an excellent way to develop power and functional strength and have seen a recent resurgence in popularity.
Snatch
The Snatch involves lifting the barbell from the floor to overhead in a single coordinated, continuous movement executed with speed. The snatch is started by steadily arising from a deep squatted position as the bar is pulled from the floor; then fluidly and explosively the barbell is accelerated past the upper thighs. As the lifter jumps upward extending their body the shoulders are shrugged and the barbell is pulled continually upward with the arms. In the same fluid movement, the body is propelled under the bar into a deep squat position as the bar is caught at arm's length overhead. The lift is complete when the lifter stands up from the squat position with the barbell still under full control overhead.
Clean & jerk
The Clean and Jerk is a two-part movement that involves a barbell being lifted from the floor to overhead. First, the barbell is cleaned to shoulder height by pulling the bar up off the floor from a squatted starting position. Starting slowly, the barbell increasingly accelerates past mid-thigh as the lifter jumps and the barbell is pulled further upwards. The weight is then caught on the shoulders as the lifter moves down under the bar into a squat position before immediately springing back up. Second, the weight is explosively pushed upward with the legs off of the shoulders as one foot moves forward and the other backward as fast as possible. At the same time, the weight is explosively pushed upwards by a vigorous jerking extension of the arms. The lift is complete when the barbell is under full control overhead after the lifter has arisen from the split jerk position.
With a glorious competitive history, including two Olympic gold medals and many world titles, SAM is the perfect place to learn and develop your Olympic lifting skills.
But Why Olympic Weightlifting?
It's great for building strength. Olympic lifts hit many functional movements with very few exercises. The big, multi-joint movements of the snatch and the clean and jerk involve squatting, deadlifting, upper back stability work, overhead strength, and shoulder stability.
It's good for cardio (although don’t give up running just yet!). Studies show that a few months of weightlifting improves resting heart rate, lowers blood pressure, and increases VO2 max.
Improved sporting performance. Weightlifters have some of the highest vertical jumps of any athlete. It also develops high levels of co-ordination and recruitment of fast-twitch muscle fibers.
It keeps you young. The combination of explosiveness, speed, mobility, and balance demanded by the Olympic lifts preserves the fast-twitch muscle fibers that help you maintain your reflexes and guard against osteoporosis.
The goal-setting inherent in weightlifting is linked with higher motivation, self-esteem, self-confidence, and autonomy. There is a proven connection between goal-setting and success.
It makes you sexier. Gaining muscle tone makes you look good. Fact.
Kettlebell Sports
Powerlifting
Para Powerlifting