A great message from Boxlife contributor and Weightlifting veteran Daniel Camargo of Camargo Oly Conecpts:
Quick Tip: Do you hate bringing the bar down during overhead exercises? The eccentric (aka negative) part of these movements trouble many people. The main reason is because they keep their body fully extended, lower the bar and let it crash on their shoulders. This impact is painful and can be dangerous. I teach my athletes to start with bent knees, lower the bar slowly, and when it almost reaches the height of the head, extend the body to meet it and absorb the impact with the legs. Yes, this is a timing thing that has be trained. But do it so you don’t ditch these important exercises. If you have access to Jerk Blocks, use them. They are fantastic and allow you to focus on the exercise you’re building without the lowering of the barbell. However, for those who don’t have access to Blocks, learning how to meet the bar and absorb the impact is key. This tip is also applicable to overhead movements behind the neck.
Quick Tip: Do you hate bringing the bar down during overhead exercises? The eccentric (aka negative) part of these movements trouble many people. The main reason is because they keep their body fully extended, lower the bar and let it crash on their shoulders. This impact is painful and can be dangerous. I teach my athletes to start with bent knees, lower the bar slowly, and when it almost reaches the height of the head, extend the body to meet it and absorb the impact with the legs. Yes, this is a timing thing that has be trained. But do it so you don’t ditch these important exercises. If you have access to Jerk Blocks, use them. They are fantastic and allow you to focus on the exercise you’re building without the lowering of the barbell. However, for those who don’t have access to Blocks, learning how to meet the bar and absorb the impact is key. This tip is also applicable to overhead movements behind the neck.
