As explained in the 2002 article “Foundations,” “We… place a heavy emphasis on Olympic weightlifting having seen this sport’s unique ability to develop an athlete’s explosive power, control of external objects, and mastery of critical motor recruitment patterns.”
For those who understand the CrossFit methodology and its application, this statement captures the vital role Olympic weightlifting plays in athlete development and our program. Unfortunately, the Olympic lifts have become a constant source of criticism for CrossFit over the last decade.
Nicole Christensen sits down with Chris McDonald, Stephane Rochet, Eric O’Connor, and Denise Thomas to discuss the issue. Collectively, the group has 50+ years of experience introducing and teaching the Olympic lifts to CrossFit athletes.
Read the article “In Defense of High-Rep Olympic Lifts”
Comments on In Defense of High-Rep Olympic Lifts
Both my Level 1 and Level 2 Flowmasters are sitting in this panel.
Another bunch of "experts" paid by crossfit...
You serious? You know anyone who's gone through your one weekend cert 1 certification is not capable of teaching proper olympic weightlifting techniques. Even less a client whos looking to get fit....
Wow! honestly, how can you defend this position? Put it on all the coach when you certify them... Really convenient for you Crossfit corporate.
The Level 1 teaches the methodology and 9 foundational movements. It is essentially the entry level education to CrossFit. A good coach, one that wants to be a professional will continue their education of training with the Level 2, Level 3, and higher level institutional curriculum. The specialists coaches in Olympic Weightlifting did not start at the highest level either. Everyone, no matter what the profession is starts as a beginner. It is up to the individual to want to become better. As with everything in life, there are people who do things poorly and people who do things well. I'm confident the sport of Olympic Weightlifting has bad coaching in the same way I'm confident there are thousands of CrossFit trainers out there that could teach your parents how to take something from the ground to over head safe and effectively. It is your right to disagree and hate on CrossFit, but the bottom line is if this stuff didn't work then it wouldn't exist.
This is excellent content to arm our Coaches & Staff for this frequent objection. Thank you.
Awesome chat team and good points that people should put in their subconscious mind and think critically.
In Defense of High-Rep Olympic Lifts
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