How important is the squat in weightlifting?
There is a lot of debate on the inter webs about how important the squat is to weightlifting. As much as I consider myself obsessed with weightlifting technique, I do recognize the importance of being strong. Having both strong legs and a strong lower back is the cornerstone of holding good positions in Olympic Weightlifting. That’s why I like to use the Back Squat as the foundation to introducing anyone to the sport. At RAW barbell Club we spend a large amount of time squatting developing squat technique and trying to make it resemble the positions we hit in the competition lifts (snatch/clean).
It doesn’t matter how good your technique is after a certain point, at some stage you’re going to have to put some heavy ass weight on your back, sit down then get back up! Back squat is hugely important in developing the legs for both pulling sin the snatch/clean as well as standing out of both. the lower back, glute and leg strength you receive allows the lifter to more easily hold good positions and which when we layer technique and speed over that strength, will transfer directly to bigger numbers in the Snatch and Clean.
Remember
“Strength is Never a weakness” – Mark Bell
The session below shows the team in the final phase of an intense squatting program. These guys have done so well lifting well above 90%+ of their 1RMs for Reps and sets. I can’t wait to see what they can pull off next week When they get to test their new legs out!
This session also marks the return of Adam and Kate, who should be joining us regularly on Saturdays, as well as receiving some of our programming for their weightlifting!
Enjoy the video
~Andy
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