•For a lift that takes only about a second to perform, the complexities of the snatch can be maddening. To achieve mastery with this lift requires a ton of reps, technique, progressions, patience, and oh, a good coach would help. To look at my snatch attempts, there is plenty to critique, but my biggest challenge is the second pull, where all the power takes place to launch the lift. My challenge is getting to the full extension and getting my hips to come forward.

Here is what it should like, featuring Aimee Anaya.

Now that’s how get extension! Catalyst Athletics has this to say about extension:

“In order to remain balanced, the athlete must be leaned back slightly at the top of the extension of the snatch (this can often be avoided in the clean with compensatory movements elsewhere). Note that this does not mean the hips are pushed forward–as much as possible, the body is extended straight and in its entirely leaned back.”

So, that is my Oly lift project, full extension.

•Speaking of the snatch, Mike Covert reports a new PR @ 145 lbs with a body weight around 175 lbs. Nice job, Mike!

•Our gym is getting inundated with bodybuilder photo shoots. I guess if it helps pay the bills, fine, just stay away from the big boy toys, Mirror Muscle Man!

•Scott and his freaks have taken a hiatus from their strongman stuff to do an Olympic lifting cycle, now that I have two sets of my bumper plates residing over at the gym. Like their other lifting,  technique doesn’t seem to matter as much as how much weight gets on the bar. To their credit, a couple of the guys can clean and jerk heavy.

•Having learned chocolate milk makes for a good recovery drink, I don’t have to waste money on Muscle Milk. Chocolate milk is a good “treat” for a heavy lifting session. “Who wants Ovaltine?”

•Medicine balls do work better when you have someone throwing them back to you!

•As the weekend draws to a close, Bucky won and the Packers put on a show, especially at the end of the game and came away victorious. Both teams are undefeated! The Cowboys are in the house next Sunday. Should be a great game!

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  2. Why Do the Snatch?" The snatch will completely freak out everyone at your local health club, and I KNOW this is an attractive idea for most of you."...
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