The Olympic Weightlifting Strength Manual by Louie Simmons delves deeply into the development of special strength techniques to help athletes improve key Olympic lifts—specifically the snatch and the clean and jerk. With a focus on strength and its critical role in weightlifting, this manual emphasizes that strength, along with technique, is essential for success in the sport. The manual explains how strength is crucial for moving up weight classes and achieving new records, demonstrating that technique alone is insufficient for elite performance.
Simmons' approach is deeply influenced by Soviet training systems, integrating specialized exercises and equipment developed by Westside Barbell to help athletes maximize their strength potential. The manual draws from translated Soviet research, including insights from coaches like I.N. Abramovsky, and underscores how increasing strength—without necessarily gaining weight—is vital to improving performance in competitive weightlifting.
Key aspects of the manual include:
- Long-term Development Plans: Recommendations for starting training at a young age (9-13) and progressing through phases of specialization until adulthood.
- Special Exercises and Equipment: Westside Barbell's unique tools and exercises, such as the belt squat machine and Reverse Hypers™, designed to build strength in targeted areas.
- Strength vs. Technique Debate: Simmons advocates for focusing on developing raw strength to complement technical prowess in the snatch and clean and jerk.
This manual is ideal for coaches and athletes aiming to gain a deeper understanding of strength training for Olympic lifts, combining theory with practical application.
Details:
- Cover: Paperback
- Pages: 353
- Weight: 2.30 lbs
- Level of Difficulty: Challenging—this book is particularly suited for coaches and advanced athletes who want to refine their understanding of strength development in Olympic weightlifting.
It is a must-read for those dedicated to taking their weightlifting performance to the highest level, reflecting Louie Simmons' lifelong commitment to strength training and his innovative application of Soviet methods within Westside Barbell’s system.