Barbell question: Can I teach myself the power clean without a trainer? --also Kettlebell

Emilia777

awnurmarc wrote: »

Well, I can probably start practicing hang cleans in a squat cage with just the bar... My gym just doesn't have bumper plates. And thank you, @emilia777 for articulating what I feel, even without having learned any Olympic lifts yet. The barbell is an amazing piece of technology. It has made me go places in my late forties that exceed anything I was capable of as a teen.

Wohoo! I’m really happy for you: I love coming across people who share that sentiment. Definitely rock on - there’s lots you can do, and I’m sure you’ll only come to love it more as you go along. I can’t wait to do snatches one day!

I’m actually moving soon and the only thing I’ll care about at the new gym is the lifting area. I was fortunate, having had access to a university gym thus far. Have fun, be safe, and may the force be with you (lol)

lcoleman2224

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jimmmer

awnurmarc wrote: »

Well, I can probably start practicing hang cleans in a squat cage with just the bar... My gym just doesn't have bumper plates. And thank you, @emilia777 for articulating what I feel, even without having learned any Olympic lifts yet. The barbell is an amazing piece of technology. It has made me go places in my late forties that exceed anything I was capable of as a teen.

I don't have bumper plates either (just plates I've cobbled together mainly), but it is possible to clean in a power rack: oly lifts don't have to be dropped on the floor. As long as you maintain good spinal position, you can reverse the catch portion and then RDL the weights to the floor.

re: the bolded - it's a versatile little bugger, isn't it?!

jchite84

jimmmer wrote: »

I don't have bumper plates either (just plates I've cobbled together mainly), but it is possible to clean in a power rack: oly lifts don't have to be dropped on the floor. As long as you maintain good spinal position, you can reverse the catch portion and then RDL the weights to the floor.

Ditto this. Don't go crazy with the weight until you get the hang of reversing the catch. But there is no special equipment needed for these lifts, just a bar and plates. Which is why I prefer Oly Lifts - makes Gym Membership cheap, because I don't pay for one.

And @Emilia777 why wait for "one day" to start snatches? Start today! The single most helpful progression for me to learn the feeling of dropping under the weight and lockout was the Drop Snatch. If you can get through the triple extension and learn the feeling you are trying to recreate with the Drop Snatch then you've got it.

Emilia777

jchite84 wrote: »

jimmmer wrote: »

I don't have bumper plates either (just plates I've cobbled together mainly), but it is possible to clean in a power rack: oly lifts don't have to be dropped on the floor. As long as you maintain good spinal position, you can reverse the catch portion and then RDL the weights to the floor.

Ditto this. Don't go crazy with the weight until you get the hang of reversing the catch. But there is no special equipment needed for these lifts, just a bar and plates. Which is why I prefer Oly Lifts - makes Gym Membership cheap, because I don't pay for one.

And @Emilia777 why wait for "one day" to start snatches? Start today! The single most helpful progression for me to learn the feeling of dropping under the weight and lockout was the Drop Snatch. If you can get through the triple extension and learn the feeling you are trying to recreate with the Drop Snatch then you've got it.

Hmmm. You know what, I really should. I’m finally going onto maintenance soon and am stoked to take my lifting to the next level. Thanks for the tip - I’m gonna give this a go!

OlympicCaleb

thesupremeforce wrote: »

DevilsFan1 wrote: »

A power clean is a combination deadlift, upright row and front squat. You can break the movement into its individual components and get the same benefits without a coach. The only reason to learn the olympic lifts is if you want to compete in meets. If you're going to do the oly lifts you should definitely get a coach.

I would agree to a certain degree with that statement.the factor that can't be compensated for in those lifts broken up, would be power as it pertains to ballistic movements. To counter that though,you can go your whole life never training ballistic movements and be fine. Unless you want to compete in that area obviously

sistrsprkl

I don't know what a snatch is but I'm afraid to google it.

colors_fade

HelloDan wrote: »

DevilsFan1 wrote: »

That's not the only reason to learn the lift, other valid reasons are - for fun, to learn to be more explosive, to develop power, for crossfit WODs or even just to look like a badass (if that's your thing).

Just wanted to chime in on this, because I totally agree with this. There are benefits, outside of wanting to compete, to doing these lifts.

Power and explosion; the clean is a great tool for this. And it's actually a fun lift.

Personally, I haven't done one since high school, but I remember enjoying it the most.

Marquettedominos

sistrsprkl wrote: »

I don't know what a snatch is but I'm afraid to google it.

In its most basic explanation it is a deadlift to an overhead clean/squat.

rmitchell239

I've attempted to self teach myself most of the oly lifts. A) yes you can get stronger doing them yourself and you will.gain power you will probably be doing them wrong. I've had to retrain myself to work on cleans, snatches, jerks etc. Fixing a problem you've had wrong for a year or two of lifting blows.