06/01/2019
Weightlifting Late
Most Crossfitters start in their mid twenties and not many of us have the luxury of learning weightlifting from a young age. We must perfect the correct techniques and movement patterns at whatever age we begin, but this doesn’t have to hold us back!
It is often said by weightlifting pros (from countries where children are introduced to the techniques at a young age), that when an aspiring weightlifter is beginning to reach their mid-teens they no longer learn technique, they only get stronger.
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In the majority of countries Crossfit is started by people in their mid-twenties onwards, most learning complex movements late in life. My job as a coach in the UK has been to find ways for those starting late to learn the technique and get stronger in the shortest time possible and without injuries. My tips below are to help those starting late get the most out of their lifts!
weightlifting crossfit man
Whatever age you start, there is always time to improve
© RX'd Photography
1. CAN YOU SIT DOWN?
We all love to sit in a chair but what I am really asking is if you can sit comfortably below parallel in the squat? Hip mobility might be there for many of you, but is it a strong position? Can you keep your chest up, back straight, knees over toes and hips underneath you?
If not, rolling and stretching your calves and ankles can really help gain some vital ankle mobility which can drastically help the bottom of the squat. If your groin is tight I recommend side lunges and bodyweight sumo squats as a warm-up, ten side lunges, ten sumo squats, three sets before you start. You must be comfortable in the bottom position. As with the next tip, weightlifting shoes will definitely help!