Coach Ayse,
I would like to give you some feedback on how Olympic Weight Lifting has significantly improved my athletic performance.
I am a 58 year old male who has been road cycling competitively for 35 years. I am 5’ 6” tall and as I get older I find the younger riders are leaving me behind. I decided that in order to stay competitive I needed to “build a bigger engine.” So I decided to spend the winter learning to snatch and clean correctly. The results have been amazing!
With your help, learning the proper Technics of the snatch and clean and jerk has truly taken me go to the next level, and in far less time than I imagined.
These lifts directly improved the following areas of my athletic performance:
- Strength
- Balance
- Speed
- Force
- Self confidence
- Grip strength
- Posture
- Flexibility
- Explosive power
- Fine motor skills
Moreover, I am injury free, and have had no other side effects from the intensive training.
Cyclists usually suffer from nagging aches and pains associated with long hours in the saddle. These can include:
- Knee pain
- Lower back pain
- Neck pain
- Palm and wrist pain
I am happy to report that after suffering with all of these maladies on and off over the years I do not have one symptom now.
Although I was literally off my bike for 6 continuous months (a new first for me) I assumed it would be a long slow process to transition back into cycling shape after so much time in the gym. But I have been pleasantly surprised otherwise. After riding only 5 times in March for a total of 84 miles, in addition to a handful of workouts on the spin bike, I was able to do a weekend Metric Century (100 km or 63 miles) with surprising strength and endurance! My transition from the gym to the bike has been nothing short of amazing!!
To be fair, I worked out hard all winter lifting weights, doing mostly Cross Fit-style workouts, so this obviously contributed to keeping me in better condition than traditional body building-type weight lifting.
But I am injury and pain free, feel as though I am in great pre-season shape, and am mentally ready to rip the handlebars off my bike every time I ride now!
So needless to say I am now a big fan of Olympic Weight Lifting! While it is hard, both physically and mentally, the direct and indirect benefits are difficult to overstate.
Thanks for the great experience! I am looking forward to a great cycling season this year. I am also looking forward to working out with you again in the fall.
Sincerely,
Steve Acenbrak
April 19, 2017
Owe It To Barbell Strength and Nutrition 