Bodybuilding

Olympic Lifting : 25 Strategies That Work

Published

2 years ago

June 25, 2022

Zizou

The Olympics is one of the most excellent sports we have today. The worldwide event originated in Greece centuries ago. It was initially a reserve for the Greeks and has since expanded, and countries hold the event on a rotational basis. Until recently, the Olympics happened annually, but we now have summer and winter Olympics. You're mistaken if you think the Olympics is all about racing. Many events take place, including fitness. The Olympic lifting competition is quite competitive; only the best make it to the top. For this reason, we are equipping you with some of the best strategies to beat your opponents in the Olympics and other bodybuilding contests.

Olympic lifting is not necessarily a sport in the Olympics but a bodybuilding category. It involves snatching the barbell from the floor and lifting it above the head. Here are strategies that should help you to master Olympic lifting.

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Explained

Grip Matters In Olympic Lifting

The grip is everything when it comes to Olympic lifts. Make sure to hold the barbell firmly to engage your back. You need to rotate your shoulders as you lift the load to achieve this. A firm grip enhances your stamina and ensures you don't run into unnecessary accidents. As you do the lifting, endure your shoulders at the same level as the hips and legs slightly apart.

Know Your Competitors

You don't necessarily have to compete against someone else regarding Olympic lifts. While most professional bodybuilders compete to beat opponents, some people are there to beat their previous records. The most important thing is to know what you want and work towards achieving your goal.

Stabilize Before Olympic Lifting

As mentioned, stability is of the essence before lowering yourself to lift that barbell. Plant your feet firmly on the floor and make your hands long. Ensure the hips, back, and shoulders are in pretension before going down. Finally, take a deep breath and grip that barbell like a pro.

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Clean and Press

The clean and press technique involves spreading the legs slightly beyond the hips. Assume squatting and use your hips, core, and legs to drive the barbell up. At the same time, you should shrug your shoulders a bit to power the lift.

Distribute Weight Evenly

Lifters who do not achieve the required stability during Olympic lifts have not distributed their weight evenly. The position of the center of gravity plays a vital role when lifting heavy weights. Always ensure it is as low relative to the load level to boost your stability. To achieve this, ensure your core and shoulder are pre-tensioned before the lifting.

Assume the Proper Posture

Posture is crucial for every lift and repetition regarding Olympic lifting. Watch closely the positioning of your chin, back, hands, and legs before, during, and after every ride. Significantly, your toes should go underneath the bar before you lower yourself to lift it.

The Muscle Snatch Technique

Few bodybuilders know about this incredible technique that is handy in Olympic lifting. It involves doing high reps with low weights and vice versa. The method shields the lifter from unnecessary strain, as seen with the power snatch technique.

Bar Positioning

The bar's position is another essential factor you need to consider before going for the lift. It must always be close to the body for obvious reasons. The further away it is from you, the lesser your chances of having a firm, stable grip. Never overlook this rule whenever you're doing Olympic lifting. Proximity to the barbell will also make you have a comfortable reception.

Know Your Snatching Attempts in Olympic Lifting

Depending on the nature of the lifting, the number of snatch attempts should always be those you can handle. While competitive lifting requires you to have as many attempts as possible, personal beating records should not make you overstretch your limits.

Clean High Pull

Another essential technique is the clean high pull, an alternative for pulling a solid front. The technique aims to strengthen your core muscles to make subsequent turnovers simpler.

Watch The Numbers

Check your number and those of your opponents before the competition kicks off. Checking them not only prepares you psychologically but also gives a glimpse of your competitors. Of course, this is only necessary if you're participating in a bodybuilding contest because it is where you gauge their relative strength.

Warm-Up Is Key to Strategic Olympic Lifting

You can do very little to improve strength or muscle during warm-up. However, you could gain a lot more from it than those two. For instance, you are warming up before an Olympic lifting event boosts confidence and sends your adrenaline rushing. The latter should not mean tension but rather being in the perfect mood to unleash the beast within you.

You Need Discipline in Olympic Lifting

Bodybuilding is a highly demanding sport that requires you to have the best discipline. Discipline ranges from avoiding foods and drinks that don't contribute anything positive to your Olympic lifting to keeping time. You don't have to spend valuable time chatting the day away with your buddies. Use that time to make yourself perfect in Olympic lifting.

Check Your Squat Pattern for Olympic Lifting

The book does virtually Olympic lifting. You don't have to invent new techniques because nothing hasn't been tested. For instance, the correct squatting pattern involves making your back straight, reducing inward knee collapse, and having the proper depth.

Muscle Action Timing

Muscles respond differently to the first, second, third, and subsequent pulls. Ensure you adjust accordingly to the muscle reaction to avoid overstretching them. Moreover, underperforming in the initial draws reduces the quality of lifts. Essentially, strive to maintain a balance so you're neither harming your body nor doing below your potential.

Boost Your Olympic Lifting Flexibility

A static routine is all you need for strength and stability. The stationary practice should be part of your being fully conversant before the actual lifting.

Outlift the Opposition

The Olympic lifting is all about who lifts the most weight. Always ensure you're ahead of your opponent or training partner by a kilogram or less. That way, you will teach a competitive culture to help you fare well in any bodybuilding competition. Importantly, choose your poundage wisely to ensure you have a competitive edge.

Lower the Barbell Actively

Lifters don't do as much work while lowering the weights as lifting them. But did you know that reducing the barbell is an active movement that involves every muscle in your body? Furthermore, active lowering is a factor judges consider in bodybuilding competitions.

Train Hard for Olympic Lifting

There is no better strategy for professional lifting than consistent training. You can't learn everything through observation or reading about it. Get up every day and, take yourself to the gym, do the actual lifting using the correct procedure. Only that way will you master it to perfection.

Don't Waste Time on Top of the Pull

Every second wasted on top of the pull is a point taken off your record. There's not much strain when the bar is down, but the same cannot be said when it is above your shoulders. Therefore, always act on the barbell when you're in a perfect position.

Keep Your Shoulders Back

It is the best way to keep your core straight when lifting. Notably, the s rugged, laid-back shoulders will reduce the strain on the muscles in the lower part of the body.

Do More Strength Training for Olympic Lifting

Strength training is the ultimate secret to all-all-around Olympic lifts. Boost your strength as much as possible before standing before that barbell. Use the right equipment, diet, and supplementation to perform Olympic lifting.

Join Lifting Classes

It is rewarding when you do everything like a professional. Instead of trying to learn everything in the streets, why not find yourself a good coach or personal trainer for the same? A good lifting course will cover general physical preparedness, flexibility, mobility, techniques, and more.

The Barbell Is Not Everything in Olympic Lifting

The COVID-19 pandemic has taught us to improvise when things get thick. You can still rain for Olympic lifting even without the barbell. Work on technique and power through maximum strength, peak power, velocity, and speed.

Overall

Olympic lifting is an integral part of bodybuilding. Every bodybuilder can't run away from it. It is also one of the most technical aspects of the sport. We hope the strategies we have shared will go a long way in preparing you to be one of the best Olympic lifters. Our shop and blog are full of goodies for all your bodybuilding needs. Please feel free to explore.

Bodybuilding

2nd Edition of Natural Bodybuilding Competition Facts

Published

4 months ago

September 5, 2024

Zizou

Natural bodybuilding competitions are designed to promote and celebrate athletes who build their physiques without the use of performance-enhancing drugs. These events emphasize fair play, health, and the natural development of muscle mass and definition.

The second edition of natural bodybuilding competitions has gained momentum globally, particularly focusing on drug-free athletes. These competitions are hosted by various organizations like the INBA/PNBA (International Natural Bodybuilding Association/Professional Natural Bodybuilding Association) and OCB (Organization of Competitive Bodybuilders).

In 2024, several notable events have been planned, including the INBA Natural Universe and INBA World Cup, both of which emphasize natural bodybuilding through rigorous drug testing policies. These events aim to showcase competitors who adhere to strict drug-free protocols, and winners often earn pro cards allowing them to compete in higher-level professional competitions.

These competitions focus on categories like men's bodybuilding, classic physique, and women's figure and bikini, among others. Athletes undergo polygraph and urine tests to ensure compliance with natural bodybuilding standards. The winners often receive medals, trophies, or pro status

Drug Testing

Participants undergo rigorous drug testing to ensure they are not using banned substances. This can include urine tests, polygraph tests, and other methods to maintain the integrity of the competition.

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Judging Criteria

Athletes are judged based on several factors, including:

Muscle Mass: The size and volume of muscles.
Symmetry: The balance and proportion of the physique.
Conditioning: The level of muscle definition and leanness.
Presentation: Posing routines and overall stage presence.

Preparation

Competitors often spend months preparing for these events, focusing on strict diet plans, intense workout regimens, and posing practice. The goal is to achieve peak physical condition on the day of the competition.

Community and Support

Natural bodybuilding competitions foster a sense of community among athletes who share a commitment to health and fitness. Many competitors form lasting friendships and support networks through these events.

Starting training for a natural bodybuilding competition is an exciting journey! Here are some key steps to help you get started:

1. Set Clear Goals

Define what you want to achieve. Are you aiming to compete in a specific category like Men’s Physique or Women’s Figure? Setting clear goals will guide your training and nutrition plans.

2. Create a Training Plan

Focus on a well-rounded training program that includes:

Compound Movements: Exercises like squats, deadlifts, bench presses, and pull-ups are essential for building overall muscle mass.
Isolation Exercises: Target specific muscles to enhance definition and symmetry.
Progressive Overload: Gradually increase the weight or reps to continuously challenge your muscles.

3. Follow a Structured Diet

Nutrition is crucial for muscle growth and fat loss:

Caloric Intake: Calculate your daily caloric needs based on your goals (bulking or cutting).
Macronutrients: Balance your intake of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. Aim for high protein to support muscle repair and growth.
Micronutrients: Ensure you’re getting enough vitamins and minerals to support overall health.

4. Incorporate Cardio

Cardio helps with fat loss and improves cardiovascular health. Include both steady-state and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) sessions in your routine.

5. Practice Posing

Posing is a critical aspect of bodybuilding competitions. Practice regularly to perfect your form and presentation on stage.

6. Rest and Recovery

Allow your body to recover with adequate sleep and rest days. Overtraining can lead to injuries and hinder progress.

7. Stay Consistent and Patient

Building a competition-ready physique takes time and dedication. Stay consistent with your training and diet, and be patient with your progress.

8. Seek Professional Guidance

Consider working with a coach or trainer who specializes in natural bodybuilding. They can provide personalized advice and help you stay on track.

9. Join a Community

Engage with other natural bodybuilders for support and motivation. Online forums, social media groups, and local gyms can be great places to connect.

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Qualifications

The qualifications for natural bodybuilding competitions vary slightly between organizations but generally follow these principles:

Drug-Free Status: Athletes must demonstrate they have been drug-free for a specific period, typically between 5 to 10 years. They are required to pass a drug test, usually through urine samples or polygraph tests, to prove they haven't used banned substances like steroids, hormones, or other performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs).

Membership Requirements: Competitors often need to be members of the organizing federation. For example, in the World Natural Bodybuilding Federation (WNBF), athletes must have a valid WNBF membership to compete.

Amateur and Pro Divisions: Most competitions have both amateur and professional divisions. To qualify for a pro division, an athlete must first win an amateur event or obtain a “pro card” by performing exceptionally in a recognized event.

Age and Gender Categories: Athletes are categorized by age and gender. Categories typically include juniors (under 23), open divisions, masters (over 40), and grandmasters (over 50).

Entry and Registration: Competitors must pay an entry fee and complete registration. For certain competitions, a pre-qualification based on past performance may be required.

Distinction Between Natural and Steroid-Based Bodybuilding

The main differences between natural and steroid-based bodybuilding revolve around the methods used to build muscle and the resulting impacts on the body. Here are some key distinctions:

Natural Bodybuilding

Muscle Growth: Achieved through consistent weight training, proper nutrition, and adequate rest. Muscle growth is gradual and sustainable.
Health: Generally safer with fewer side effects. Promotes overall health, including better cardiovascular health, improved metabolism, and increased bone density.
Appearance: Natural bodybuilders tend to have a more balanced and proportionate physique. Muscle definition is less extreme compared to steroid users.
Recovery: Recovery times are longer, requiring more rest between intense workouts.
Competitions: Natural bodybuilding competitions often have strict drug-testing policies to ensure participants are not using performance-enhancing drugs.

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Steroid-Based Bodybuilding

Muscle Growth: Steroids significantly accelerate muscle growth and strength gains. Results are more dramatic and achieved in a shorter time.
Health Risks: Steroid use can lead to serious health issues, including liver damage, cardiovascular problems, hormonal imbalances, and psychological effects like mood swings.
Appearance: Steroid users often have a more “enhanced” look with larger muscle mass, visible veins, and extreme muscle definition, even in the off-season.
Recovery: Faster recovery times due to the anti-inflammatory effects of steroids, allowing for more frequent and intense training sessions.
Side Effects: Visible side effects can include acne, hair loss, gynecomastia (development of breast tissue in men), and changes in secondary sexual characteristics.

Choosing Between the Two

Natural Bodybuilding: Ideal for those who prioritize long-term health, sustainable muscle growth, and a balanced lifestyle.
Steroid-Based Bodybuilding: Often chosen by those seeking rapid and extreme muscle gains, but it comes with significant health risks and ethical considerations.

Take Away

The main advantage of participating in natural bodybuilding events is the emphasis on health and sustainability. Natural bodybuilding promotes muscle growth through consistent training, proper nutrition, and adequate rest, leading to gradual and sustainable results. This approach minimizes health risks associated with performance-enhancing drugs, such as liver damage and cardiovascular issues. Additionally, natural bodybuilding fosters a balanced and proportionate physique, and the strict drug-testing policies in competitions ensure a fair and level playing field for all participants. This focus on overall well-being and ethical competition makes natural bodybuilding a healthier and more sustainable choice.

Bodybuilding

Primal Movements: Our Ultimate Guide for Maximum Results

Published

4 months ago

August 29, 2024

Zizou

Primal movements are fundamental, natural movements that our bodies are designed to perform. Incorporating these into your training can enhance strength, mobility, and overall fitness. Here’s an ultimate guide to primal development and movements for bodybuilders:

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Understanding Primal Movements

Primal movements are basic, functional movements that mimic the natural actions humans have performed for thousands of years. These movements are essential for developing a strong, balanced, and resilient body. They can be categorized into seven primary patterns:

Push
Pull
Squat
Lunge
Hinge
Rotate
Gait (Locomotion)

The Seven Primal Movement Patterns

Push

Description: Involves moving a weight or resistance away from your body.

Examples: Push-ups, bench press, overhead press.

Muscles Worked: Chest, shoulders, triceps.

Pull

Description: Involves drawing a weight or resistance towards your body.

Examples: Pull-ups, rows, bicep curls.

Muscles Worked: Back, biceps, forearms.

Squat

Description: A fundamental lower-body movement where you lower your hips from a standing position and then stand back up.

Examples: Bodyweight squats, barbell squats, goblet squats.

Muscles Worked: Quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, calves.

Lunge

Description: A single-leg movement that involves stepping forward, backward, or to the side and lowering your hips.

Examples: Forward lunges, reverse lunges, lateral lunges.

Muscles Worked: Quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, calves.

Hinge

Description: Involves bending at the hips while keeping a neutral spine.

Examples: Deadlifts, kettlebell swings, hip thrusts.

Muscles Worked: Hamstrings, glutes, lower back.

Rotate

Description: Involves twisting or rotating the torso.

Examples: Russian twists, woodchoppers, cable rotations.

Muscles Worked: Obliques, abdominals, lower back.

Gait (Locomotion)

Description: Involves movements that propel the body forward.

Examples: Walking, running, crawling, bear crawls.

Muscles Worked: Full body, with emphasis on legs and core.

Benefits of Primal Movements

Functional Strength: Primal movements enhance your ability to perform everyday tasks efficiently and safely.

Improved Mobility: These movements promote flexibility and range of motion, reducing the risk of injury.

Balanced Development: By working multiple muscle groups, primal movements ensure balanced muscle development.

Core Stability: Many primal movements engage the core, improving overall stability and strength.

Increased Caloric Burn: Compound movements like these burn more calories, aiding in fat loss and conditioning.

Incorporating Primal Movements into Your Training

Warm-Up: Start with dynamic stretches and light cardio to prepare your body.

Compound Exercises: Focus on compound exercises that incorporate multiple primal movements.

Progressive Overload: Gradually increase the weight or resistance to continue making gains.

Variety: Mix up your routine to prevent plateaus and keep your workouts interesting.

Recovery: Ensure adequate rest and recovery to allow your muscles to repair and grow.

Sample Primal Movement Workout

Warm-Up: 5-10 minutes of light cardio and dynamic stretching.

Workout:

Push: 3 sets of 10-12 reps of push-ups or bench press.

Pull: 3 sets of 10-12 reps of pull-ups or rows.

Squat: 3 sets of 10-12 reps of bodyweight or barbell squats.

Lunge: 3 sets of 10-12 reps per leg of forward or reverse lunges.

Hinge: 3 sets of 10-12 reps of deadlifts or kettlebell swings.

Rotate: 3 sets of 15-20 reps of Russian twists or cable rotations.

Gait: 3 sets of 30-60 seconds of bear crawls or sprints.

Cool-Down: 5-10 minutes of static stretching and deep breathing exercises.

1. Warm-Up and Mobility Drills

Start your workout with primal movement-based warm-ups to prepare your body. For example:

Dynamic stretches: Incorporate lunges with a twist, leg swings, and arm circles.
Mobility drills: Include exercises like hip circles, cat-cow stretches, and thoracic rotations.

2. Compound Exercises

Add primal movements as the core of your workout. Here’s how you can structure it:

Push Day: Combine bench presses with push-ups.
Pull Day: Mix pull-ups with rows.
Leg Day: Integrate squats and lunges with deadlifts.

3. Supersets and Circuits

Create supersets or circuits that include primal movements:

Superset Example: Pair squats with pull-ups or push-ups with lunges.
Circuit Example: Rotate through exercises like kettlebell swings, bear crawls, and Russian twists with minimal rest.

4. Functional Training Days

Dedicate one or two days a week to functional training focused on primal movements:

Sample Functional Workout

- Warm-Up: 5 minutes of dynamic stretching.
- Circuit: 3 rounds of:
  - 10 push-ups
  - 10 pull-ups
  - 15 squats
  - 10 lunges per leg
  - 15 kettlebell swings
  - 20 Russian twists
  - 30 seconds of bear crawls
- Cool-Down: 5 minutes of static stretching.

5. Active Recovery

Use primal movements on active recovery days to promote mobility and flexibility:

Activities: Light yoga, walking, or gentle bodyweight exercises like lunges and squats.

6. Progressive Overload

Gradually increase the intensity of primal movements by adding weights or resistance bands:

Example: Start with bodyweight squats, then progress to goblet squats, and eventually barbell squats.

7. Listen to Your Body

Pay attention to how your body responds to these movements and adjust accordingly:

Modify: If a movement feels too challenging, modify it to suit your fitness level.
Rest: Ensure you’re getting adequate rest and recovery to prevent overtraining.

Sample Weekly Routine for Primal Movements

Monday: Push Day

Bench Press
Push-Ups
Overhead Press

Tuesday: Pull Day

Pull-Ups
Rows
Bicep Curls

Wednesday: Leg Day

Squats
Lunges
Deadlifts

Thursday: Functional Training

Circuit of primal movements (as outlined above)

Friday: Active Recovery

Light yoga or walking

Saturday: Full-Body Workout

Combination of push, pull, squat, and hinge movements

Sunday: Rest Day

By incorporating these primal movements, you’ll enhance your functional strength, mobility, and overall fitness. If you have any specific goals or need further customization, feel free to ask! Happy training.

For optimal performance in primal movements before a bodybuilding competition, consider these supplements:

Pre-Workout Supplements: These can provide energy and enhance performance. Look for products containing creatine, nitric oxide stimulators, and caffeine.

Post-Workout Supplements: Essential for recovery, including protein powders, BCAAs (Branched-Chain Amino Acids), and multivitamins.

Fat Burners and Metabolizers: These can help in reducing body fat while maintaining muscle mass. Ingredients like green tea extract and L-carnitine are popular.

Adaptogens: Supplements like ashwagandha and rhodiola rosea can help manage stress and improve endurance.

Conlusion

Primal movements, which include squatting, lunging, hinging, twisting, walking, pushing, and pulling, benefit from a strong foundation of functional strength and mobility. Ensuring your body is well-nourished and recovered will help you perform these movements effectively.

Incorporating primal movements into your bodybuilding routine can lead to significant improvements in strength, mobility, and overall fitness. By focusing on these fundamental patterns, you can build a well-rounded, resilient body that performs well both in and out of the gym.