Sometimes
the Bible seems difficult to understand. After all, it is a compilation
of documents from different times and places, written in various
styles. But you don’t need to attend seminary in order to read
Scripture. Believers have the ultimate Teacher within them—the Holy
Spirit, who not only helps us comprehend God’s Word but also enables us
to obey it.
Obedience is a key part of truly understanding
Scripture. When we apply what we read, the Bible comes alive and we
begin to hear the voice of God more and more. Experience is an effective
teacher, and living out God’s Word helps us move beyond simple recall
to maturity in Christ.
Conversely, when we don’t act on biblical
truths, we will not receive the awareness that comes from experience.
Besides, if we haven’t obeyed what God has previously revealed to us,
why would He share His deeper truths? The book of Psalms says, “The
secret of the Lord is for those who fear Him” (Psalm 25:14); it goes on to say that those who fear Him obey His commandments and are promised “a good understanding” (Psalm 111:10).
As
you read the Bible, look for God’s instructions. Then, with the Holy
Spirit’s help, commit to follow them. You’ll soon discover how applying
divine truth leads to understanding and wisdom.
Explosive, technical, and
exciting; Olympic weightlifting movements look sexy and fun. The
question is then, what are the benefits of using these movements in your
own training? Let’s dig in.
A Brief History
Olympic weightlifting as we know it made its entrance into the
Olympic Games in 1920. Prior to that, there were several versions of
strength events in culture and in competition, but none quite like the
double-overhand barbell movements of the snatch, clean and jerk, and
clean and press. These movements have since made their way from the
Olympic platform stage into modern fitness, sport, and training culture
(though the clean and press event was abandoned competitively in the
1970s).
A Breakdown
The snatch and clean
exercises, whose objectives are to move the barbell from the floor to
either overhead or into the front rack position, are highly technical
movements consisting of several different “phases” when broken down
biomechanically. These phases signify changes in joint angles and
intent, a carefully choreographed synchronization of flexion, extension,
and timing. In competition, the movement sequences are scrutinized by
judges to ensure proper technique was maintained in order to perform a
successful lift, not dissimilar to powerlifting.
Weightlifting in Training
The snatch, clean, jerk, and their variations have been popularized
as training tools for non-weightlifting sports as part of strength and
conditioning culture. They can be highly beneficial for training
muscular power and coordination, but the benefits are often limited by
the technicality. For example, in order to move relatively heavy weight
efficiently, it requires a fairly high level of technical proficiency.
Everyday Application
Though your training goals may not align with the weightlifting
movements’ intent when designed, one cannot underestimate the value of
learning a new skill and keeping things fresh and interesting. Several
fitness brands have made the snatch, clean, and jerk staples within
their training programs and have helped them become more mainstream than
ever.
If possible, working with a coach is one of the best ways to learn
these lifts. Having another set of eyes to watch and provide feedback
can be highly beneficial. Otherwise, here are a few tips as you get
started:
Fail First. Many people may be hesitant to try out weightlifting.
In reality, the technical nature of these lifts effectively regulate
your success at completing them according to your strength level. The
most important thing that must be learned early on is not the lifts
themselves - it’s how to fail at them and dump the bar. Regardless of
the weight, you will fail at catching a snatch, clean, or jerk
repeatedly. Inevitably, this will happen early in your weightlifting
endeavors. In the interest of safety, it is important to learn how to
fail these lifts.
Take Your Time. Few things feel better than the first time you
catch and stand a snatch after working on it for a while. Chances are,
you won’t care how much weight is on the bar. Train responsibly, and
take your time building up in load.
Return on Investment. You may be considering weightlifting
movements when training for a particular sport. Depending on where you
are in your playing career, you may benefit more from using other power
movements over weightlifting. As mentioned above, power development
solely due to these lifts is limited by technical proficiency. Evaluate
if it is worth building these lifts from the bottom up or if other
movements will help create adaptations sooner for when you need them.
Whether you’re looking to mix up your normal routine, or if you’re
training for sport, weightlifting movements can be a valuable addition
to your training program. Next Olympic cycle, check out these strength
and power athletes in action! Until then, train responsibly, and channel
your inner movement technician!
Do
you ever feel defeated in your spiritual life? The problem may be that
you’re depending on your own assets and abilities instead of God’s
inexhaustible riches, which He has deposited into your account.
With
God, we don’t have to worry about running out of time, energy, money,
or resources. He has promised to equip us with everything needed for the
purpose to which we’ve been called. In fact, we are heirs of great and
glorious riches. Consider a few of God’s generous blessings:
• You are His workmanship (Ephesians 2:10).
God saved you by His grace and He’s sanctifying you the same way. The
work of transforming and empowering you is the Lord’s; your role is
simply to cooperate and depend on Him.
• You have immediate access to God (Hebrews 4:16). Divine help is only a prayer away.
• You have the Holy Spirit indwelling you (Eph. 1:13-14). He not only brings guidance and understanding of God’s Word; He also enables you to obey Jesus.
As
human beings, we’re used to having finite resources, but there’s no
such thing with God. When we remember His unlimited provisions and
depend on them, we’ll discover rest, peace, and confidence in Christ.
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