The Best Athletic Exercise

What is the best exercise for developing athleticism? While this question has been asked and debated as long as strength and conditioning has existed as a field, many have argued that the olympic lifts (Snatch and Clean & Jerk) and their variations are second to none in terms of developing overall athleticism in the gym setting.

As seen in the pictures above, the olympic lifts train strength in the universal athletic position as well as the aggressive extension of the ankles, hips, and knees (triple extension). This triple extension is the basis for many sport specific movements. Because the barbell is an incrementally loadable implement, the olympic lifts allow athletes to appropriately build up their ability to train these athletic qualities and many others such as coordination, timing, mobility, speed, strength, focus, balance, body awareness, focus, and toughness.

According to Science for Sport, the olympic lifts produce a tremendous amount of force and power and have shown improvements in sprint, jump, and balance performances. These lifts are a one stop shop for improving one's athletic performance!

At Sweep the Sheds, teaching these movements is our bread and butter! We'd love for you to schedule a free assessment to start learning. Have a great day!

With Thanks,