Topic: Training/Learning

[Jesse Gibson]

I am certain most of the guys here get bored with this type of inquiry...

So, I have lifted for many years and finally decided to try to some 'weightlifting'. Actually, if I can pull it off, I may do some masters lifting.

I am easing into the transition from competitive 'powerlifter'. Today I tried some power cleans after my usual squats. I was doing sets of 5 very light, as this was my first attempt at them (I know it's unbelievable, but it was my first time).  I take off with ~ 65 kgs., then I went ~90 kgs., then ~110 kgs. On the last set I only did 3 reps, here's why: The damn bar was wracked but my wrists weren't fully "flipped", I just dropped it back to the floor and continued through the three reps. The weight not heavy at all to me, but it is so very odd, that I can't get my wrists flipped back good enough to hold it in the racked position (actually, for only a split second, I do). I am not dropping under the weight at all and I can 'pull' it high.

Maybe it's not meant to be for me... I actually tweaked an oblique badly doing rack presses Monday...

This is me:

http://www.ironhousezanesville.com/05classic-Sun/imagepages/image49.html

[Adrian Cadmus-Dixon]

Try stretching your wrist before and after your workout. It should get better over time.

[Tom Sherwood]

I would look up some videos on shane hamman or other heavyweights and watch how they rack the cleans into their fingertips. Its harder for big guys but its not impossible. Also if your gonna do cleans and squats the same workout I would clean first.

[Jesse Gibson]

I think I am a bit discouraged. Although I am going to assemble a platform Monday. I have several bars but I think only will be appropriate, I have a 20 Kg Olympic lifting bar made by York in the early 70s. The others are squat bars...

Too bad I don't have anyone in this area to help me. I have always been of the Aristotelean belief that "well begun is half done".

I'll work on flexibility. Perhaps I should start with the "power pull"?

[Chris Ⓐ LeRoux]

Too bad I don't have anyone in this area to help me.

Where are you located?

[Jesse Gibson]

I am in West Kentucky; Greenville, to be precise.

[Brooke Burkhalter]

I have been teaching myself. I live in MS and the resources are scarce. I had one guy who is usaw certified help me for an hour. It really helped me a lot even though the guy was not a great lifter. I have only been going at it a couple months but even though I could lift what this instructor could rather quickly his help was benficial.

Though teaching resources in my area are scarce I refuse to be told that one cannot learn them without a coach at every session. Personally watching lifters of similar height and/or similar levers has been helpful as well as sending video to knowledgeable coaches.

Good luck.

[Chris Ⓐ LeRoux]

Jesse,

Call the USAW just in case there is someone nearby recent or maintaining a low profile- 719-866-4508 or email them at usaw@usaweightlifting.org

If you have no luck, I provide a comprehensive coaching service you can read about here: http://weightliftingexchange.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=318&Itemid=119