Olympic Lifts are the two lifts that are judged at the Olympic level, the snatch and the clean and jerk. A proficient clean is the foundation for being able to execute both of these. Olympic lifting is not power lifting or body building; it requires functional strength, power, flexibility, coordination, and technique. Olympic Lifts are used by football players and skiers alike to increase their power and coordination.
Cleans will use the strength and power you’ve gained through squats, deadlifts, box jumps and kettlebell swings. A clean uses a larger range of movement than any other single lift, which in turn engages connective tissues, tendons, ligaments, and muscle fibers at various positions. The dynamic movement strengthens the full posterior chain, core, and shoulders. As the entire body is strengthened, the muscles learn to work together and builds balanced strength.
Like kettlebell swings, Olympic lifting will increase your cardio vascular capacity and, like box jumps, will challenge your coordination. Olympic Lifts are challenging due to their technical movements, but if learned and performed correctly, will make you a stronger, faster, and more powerful athlete. Cleans train athletes to exert the maximum possible force on a barbell. The goal is to generate momentum through the bar in order to accelerate it from ground to overhead. By maximizing your force on the barbell, you are training your fast twitch muscle fibers, which in turn increase your vertical jump, speed, and agility.
Why Is Pip Qualified to Teach Me?
Pip Hunt is a professional skier, writer, and personal trainer in Salt Lake City, UT. She is a level-one certified Crossfit trainer, currently works with private and group clients at SLC Crossfit, runs a Crossfit specific dryland class in the fall, and coaches the Alta-Bird Freeride team both on snow and off. When she’s not on the snow or at the gym, Pip trail runs, mountain bikes, reads, and cooks delectable, nutritious meals.
Check out her blog at www.adventuresofpip.com for fitness stories and healthy recipes.
