Tags
Related Posts
Share This
[Video] Beginner vs Intermediate in Olympic Weightlifting?
Got another great question in our Insiders group asking me, “When is a beginner no longer a beginner in Olympic Weightlifting?”
That is, when do you know you have become an intermediate? This question is essential for all coaches (and lifters who coach themselves) to tackle because it totally determines what your programs look like.
The trouble is that while it is rather easy to answer when it comes to strength training, for Olympic lifting it is far from straight forward.
Here’s my quickie answer …well … quick for me! Under 10 minutes 
Got Questions? Throw down in the comments section below!
Hi Nick. I really loved your video and as an experienced lifter I would agree that an intermediate lifter is someone who can consistently lift 90% or more of their max. For advanced level lifters if they can lift their maxes with the same technique as submax lifts that would qualify them as advanced. It was really well said. I wouldn’t disagree at all and really thought you explained it very well.
Thanks Josue!
BTW, I saw that you created your account in the membership site already – have you created a log yet? After answering comments here on the blog, I’m going to sign into the site and spend some time in there tonight.
Also … you did say you had a series of contests. Did you already do those? Or are some coming up still?
Oh well, still a beginner
So as a beginner, I started at a bodyweight about 160#, all my weightlifting efforts have led me to 170#, which is just over the 77 kilo class. I have no desire to compete with 85 kilo lifters and think gaining a bunch of weight might not make sense either. My question is do you think i should do what I have to to stay a 77 kilo lifter (height 5’8) or not worry about it?
As far as the hip extensions go, are ghb’s just as good if I have access to them?
I don’t think you should care about your weight at all for now. But if you do start competing regularly, and you really don’t want to go up to 85, then yes, you will have to diet down a bit. But it sounds like you are well withing shooting range.
As far as Hip Thrusts vs Glute-Ham … IMO, the GH is more of a hamstring exercise with Glutes playing a secondary role, whereas the Hip Thrust is a Glute Exercise with Ham’s taking a secondary role.
But, really … I don’t use the HT as a primary strength exercise most of the time unless someone is truly deficient … I use it as a learning tool. Learning HOW to use the hips, and fully extend them properly via the glutes.
You could do that by just doing Glute Bridges on the ground. You don’t need anything fancy. You don’t even need weight.
I make people hip thrust until I can see that they are fully extending on the snatch/clean with the hip. After that … it often goes away, or becomes a background exercise.
Nothing to worry about
Thanks, I like that answer!
Nice Video Nick.
As My Science Teacher MR McGucken once said ‘ A picture is worth a thousand words’
Your right its a continum from begenner to advanced.
Did you see the movie colors ?
‘an old bull and young bull were standing on a hill over lookin a herd of cows grazing in the vally . The younger bull says ‘lets run down there and $%^& one a dem cows’. The older bull says ‘ no, i got a better idea. lets walk down there n &*^% each n every one of them one by one ‘ ( any females in the audience feel free to interchange cows for bulls ).
You now your advanced when you walk in , take care of business, and leave the gym feelin Good….
Thanks for the IS news letter Nick it really keeps me motivated to keep liftin heavier S$&T…
Lookin forward to liftin somethin heavy
- SEAN
LOL, thanks Sean!
Nice analogy
And I’m glad you’re digging the newsletter, my brother. Keep up the heavy lifting!