Nova Performance Weekly Blog
POINTERS FOR NEW LIFTERS
by Adam Smith on Nov 17, 2021
Enjoy the journey.
When starting the gym it is so important to have fun and enjoy yourself.
This is purely because if you don't enjoy the journey of weightlifting or powerlifting then it is not the sport for you.
I say this because in Weightlifting, Powerlifting to be honest any sport you don't get good at overnight. If you enjoy the process of learning how to lift and appreciate that strength takes time to come then you will enjoy the sport.
Technique (Nail the basics)
When we start lifting often, Not saying we all but most of us want to see how heavy we can lift.
Now this is important to test as a 1/3/5 rep maxes are the easiest way to see if we have gotten stronger.
For example if your max Clean was 100kg and then in 6 weeks it was 105kg then yes you have clearly improved.
But if you have had to dive under the bar and look like a shrimp out of water to stand the weight up, then in the long run you will possibly hurt yourself and then you can train. Of which we then start to get weaker.
If as an athlete you focus on getting the technique correct then strength will come with time.
As bruce Lee Once said “I DON’T FEAR THE MAN WHO HAS PRACTICED TEN THOUSAND KICKS ONCE, I FEAR THE MAN WHO HAS PRACTICED ONE KICK TEN THOUSAND TIMES”
Intent when lifting
Once we are getting comfortable with our technique the biggest thing I have to keep reminding the lifter is to lift with intent.
Now this can vary from lift to lift.
With the snatch and clean, I like to see the lifter add more intent to the lift once they are above the knee.
When deadlifting i like the lifter to have intent from the floor and push the feet through the floor.
When squating I like the athlete to have intent out of the hole to stand up.
Usually intent is needed in the hardest part of the lift. Now that will change from lifter to lifter.
Summary
Just to recap on the pointers for new lifters is Technique, If we master this we will get stronger in time. Add intent to your weakest part of your lift. Finally make sure to enjoy yourself because there will be times when it is tough and frustrating but if you grind through it then you will see results and progression.
Contact
I hope you enjoyed the read and stay posted for the next one. If you have any questions just shoot me an email on contact@nova-performance.co.uk
If you want to see some of my training logs and videos follow me on Instagram @thicc__astley or @npbarbellclub
See you all soon!
Comments