Olympic Weightlifting

When watching official Olympic Weightlifting competitions, you will only see these two lifts, however there are a variety of derivatives that can also be used such as the hang clean, power clean and power snatch. These are parts of the exercises that require less range of motion, or only use certain stages of the lift.

Because Olympic lifts are complex movements, they can be broken down into their different components. Both exercises require a squat and an overhead element, and therefore, these parts can be practised separately. Olympic lifts are compound movements that are great for anyone that wants to build full body strength, regardless of their experience level.

Unlike other lifting sports, Olympic Weightlifting requires minimal equipment. All you need is a 2 inch Olympic barbell, bumper plates and barbell collars. With this equipment, you are able to complete Olympic lifts anywhere. However, if you are new to the sport, or you want to focus on form and technique, then a training package will help you become a top lifter. The training package includes a 6ft technique bar, along with 2.5kg and 5kg technique plates. Training with lighter weights will allow you to perfect your form before you begin to increase the load.

There are other ways you can supplement your Olympic lifting training, with items such as Jerk blocks. If you are breaking down the Clean and Jerk and want to focus on the latter element of the lift then Jerk blocks can help you do so. They are high blocks that allow you to focus on the overhead push movement, without having to perform the Clean element of the lift. Drop pads are also an important piece of safety equipment that will stop the floor from being damaged when you drop the weight. As both movements have a squatting element, a squat rack is an essential piece of equipment for any squat accessory work such as back squats, front squats and overhead squats.