September 3, 2004, Newsletter Issue #118: Olympic Weightlifting

Tip of the Week

The Olympic lifts are the snatch and clean-and-jerk. For the snatch, the bar is lifted quickly overhead in one move as the lifter drops under it in a full squat. With the bar held overhead he/she has to stand up and control it until the judge gives the ok. In the c&j the bar is first raised to the shoulders/collarbone area. Then the lifter stands and presses the bar overhead.

All of us who do weight training do some bodybuilding, and many of us do some of the powerlifting moves, but few do the pure Olympic lifts. You do not see Olympic lifters in most gyms, as they need a wooden platform and special rubber plates on the bar. This is because you have to drop the bar if you miss the lift--you can`t save it safely--and this doesn`t go over with gym owners or the guy doing curls next to you, unless you have the platform. If you`re interested in Olympic lifting, you have to find a coach as technique is not obvious. Even if you don`t, go see a meet if you get a chance. They`ll be happy to see you.

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