ABOUT OLYMPIC WEIGHTLIFTING

Olympic Weightlifting is composed of the Snatch and the Clean and Jerk. The snatch is a movement in which the lifter assumes a wide grip, and moves the barbell from the ground to the overhead position in a single movement. The snatch receiving position is a full overhead squat position with the feet slightly wider than shoulder's width.

In the clean and jerk, the lifter assumes a narrower grip, and moves the barbell from the ground to the overhead position in two separate movements, the clean and the split jerk. The receiving position for the clean is a full front squat position. Once the lifter has secured the barbell on his/her chest, the lifter dips slightly, driving the bar off his/her chest, quickly splits his/her feet, and catches the bar overhead, behind the ears. The lifter then demonstrates control of the bar in the overhead position before dropping it.

Training in Olympic Weightlifting includes these lifts, as well as partial movements of these lifts, pulls, squats, presses, and variations of each. Blocks are also used to place the barbell at varying heights. Over 70 different exercises are used in this kind of training. Examples include:

As you can see, training in Olympic Weightlifting is neither boring nor repetitive. The exercises are all highly dynamic, and require full concentration-and don't forget, all of this is achieved with only a barbell, weights, and racks.

Benefits of Olympic Weightlifting include but are not limited to:

• Increased speed
• Increased power (speed + strength)
• Increased explosiveness and the ability to create acceleration
• Increased strength
• Increased balance
• Increased core stability
• Increased fitness level
• Increased ability to achieve more in everyday life, such as lifting and carrying things without lower back pain
• Increased energy level

• Offensive/defensive linemen who need to accelerate quickly and create a large force in a short period of time
• All track and field athletes
• Basketball players who need to improve their leaping ability
• Soccer players who need more leg strength
• Any athlete who needs to improve a 30-40m sprint time
• Volleyball players who need better jumps, stronger cores, and quicker reaction times
• Baseball players who need stronger legs, or quicker times between bases
• Any athlete who needs to lose OR gain weight, improve strength/fitness level
• Cheerleaders who need to increase leaping ability, flexibility, and overall leg strength.