Danny O’Dell’s

Explosivelyfit Training News

 

Strength and power knowledge

01-May-2009

ISSN: 1550-2643: Library Of Congress, Washington D.C.,


 

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Topic discussed:

 

Attacking the sticking points that are inherent in all lifts

 

The speed of the bar is vital to lifting success. Rapidly pushing past the sticking point in the lift with a fast traveling bar can contribute to a higher total load. Yes, I am talking momentum here. To get this blazing speed, train using your known strengths to develop it. Of course, you will still have to work on your weaker areas but not exclusively. If you are not training fast, you are missing the boat.

 

Speed

 

The most effective strength training exercises designed for your program must be similar in "amplitude, external structure (spatial and temporal form) and internal structure similar to the perfected technique" [1]. When performing speed work during your training the bar path and the implements used must conform to those used in competition. The speed must be high enough to improve the adaptive mechanisms, but not so high, that it makes shambles of the technique and coordination of the lift. 'Uncontrolled' speed will disrupt the neuromuscular pathways and impair the synchronization of the lift.

 

The reasoning behind increasing the bar speed is to move it so fast that it either bypasses the sticking point or moves it to another part of the lift. These positions will change as your strength increases because the groove will refine itself to match your abilities. Continual force improvements will lead to improved strength and a higher load.

 

When training for speed of movement, pay meticulous attention to the details of the lifting technique such as the proper rhythm and flow of the move, and the breathing and arch control. Concentrate on the different parts of the lift and as they become faster integrate them into more of the entire lift. For instance, during the lift you have to think speed throughout the full movement - even if the bar is barely moving - think speed. Connect the thought processes up with the desired action outcome. Your brain does not know if the structures are under load or not, just establish the nervous pathways and adapt to the training loads.

 

That’s all for this time. I hope your training is going well and wish you happiness in your life.


 

Stay strong, and remain passionately committed to your hearts chosen path.


 

By Danny M. O’Dell, MA. CSCS*D


 

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