22 Jun Why CrossFitters should compete in Weightlifting
By Coach Jessica Partridge
Why CrossFitters should practice and compete in Weightlifting
I had a conversation today with some people in the gym about weightlifting competition, and realized I have had the same conversation many times before. It generally goes along the lines of me telling someone to give a competition a go, and their reply mentioning they are not good enough. Hold on, you’re not supposed to break records first competition in!
Practicing heavy clean and jerks, and heavy snatches are all highly mental tasks, and most of us could be lifting a lot more if our brains didn’t hold us back. Then, there is actual weightlifting competition, where we only have three chances to successfully complete a relatively heavy attempt of each lift. Condensing your focus into only six attempts is difficult. It is always very impressive to watch those who can compose themselves and then excel when required. I have been asked a hundred times if I enjoy weightlifting or CrossFit more, and I honestly don’t think I could give you a clear answer. However, I do believe that competitive weightlifting makes me a much better crossfitter, and it improves my performance in competition tenfold.
So how does it benefit a crossfitter?
Training as a weightlifter pushes you closer towards stronger and consistent weightlifting movements. These include the main movements, snatch, clean, and jerk, as well as the less obvious movements such as push press, overhead squat, back squat, and deadlift. Strength in these movements can also translate to crossfit ‘gymnastic’ movements, i.e. the kipping handstand push up relative to the push jerk, although let’s save that discussion for another time. ‘Perfect’ reps equals efficiency, and efficiency equals less energy expended. Less energy expended equals more energy to excel in the other part of the wod!
And why should a crossfitter compete?
Weightlifting competition pushes you to perform under pressure within an allocated period of time. Time-allocated pressure can translate to CrossFit competition; by competing against other members in class, competing against yourself for a PB Fran time, or merely performing when a clock is counting down. With experience, you will get better at performing when it’s required, and switching off when it’s not.
If anything, a weightlifting competition will add experience to your sporting repertoire. You will look back to your first weightlifting competition and be glad you gave it ago. So, I’m not saying… “sign up to your next local weightlifting competition” (although that would be awesome), but it would be a great addition to your to-do list!
Jessica Partridge
Instagram: @jesscarcarcar
CrossFit coach
Nutritionist