A way to lift a heavier barbell

mogambo

mogambo

Cathlete
I did SH Legs today and figured a way to heave 60 lbs over my head. When I lift it over my head the normal way, 50 is all I can do and it isn't enough. Ok, let me try to describe this. I clean/jerk the bar up in front of my collarbones so now I'm in the ready position to push it over my head. But instead, I only lift one side, quickly, tipping my head towards the lifting arm. The other arm stays completely collapsed. Since I am only lifting 30 lbs now, in a way, I could easily get it behind my head. I just do the reverse to remove it. I was able to do all the sets this way, and finally got good and tired from this tape. I am very happy, I hope others of you who were unable to get enough weight on your back can use this technique.
 
I have always done this to take the barbell off my shoulders, but never felt safe putting it over my head this way. I am lifting 70lbs, and it still doesn't feel like enough for S&H, but I'm not comfortable trying to use a heavier barbell - I could probably lift a little heavier, but I just don't feel confident enough.
Glad you found something that works for you. Be careful!!
Erica
 
I'd be very careful lifting the barbell this way. You can really hurt yourself. I actually tried the method you described in the past. Well, it worked for a while. But, when I started to get tired, my form was really bad and I banged my head a couple of times. I decided that instead of risking injury, I'd rather lower the weights instead.
 
I'd also advise caution. It sounds like maybe doing this move repeatedly might have an adverse effect on the vertebrae in your neck.
 
no no!

Hi--I strained my shoulder lifting the barbell the way you described. Ouch. Subsequently, I invested in a squat rack and can load that barbell up. All I do to get it onto my shoulders is back up into the rack and put it there. No need to hoist it over my noggin! Suzanne
 
RE: no no!

Well, thank you for the warnings. I will be super careful and not try to go too heavy. It's really only 5-10 pounds heavier than the weight I can lift over my head the safe way. I live in a small space and reeeeaaaally don't want to buy a squat rack. I may invest in the diving weights to put around my waist. I do dive a fair amount, so I could use them for diving also. Thank you for your advice.
 
Another suggestion

You may want to consider using dumbbells instead of the barbell. You can either place the dumbbells in your hands at your sides or put the dumbbells on your shoulders. I've found this as an effective substitute to the barbell.

Hope this helps.
Lorrayne
 
RE: Another suggestion

My hands can't hold the dumbells for long if they are much over 25 pounds each. I use a 70 lb barbell for deadlifts and my wrists give out before my back does!
 
RE: Another suggestion

Fitness wholesale has weighted vests (either 20 or 40-pound maximum, adjustable), which would also work.
 
RE: Where can I find a squat rack online?

Where can I get a squat rack for this purpose. I really want to be able to "heavy-up" for my legs but I can't when I have to lift the bar over my head. Also, how much space does it take up. I am more than willing to get rid of some unneccessary furniture to make room. :)

Aerika

>Hi--I strained my shoulder lifting the
>barbell the way you described.
> Ouch. Subsequently, I
>invested in a squat rack
>and can load that barbell
>up. All I do
>to get it onto my
>shoulders is back up into
>the rack and put it
>there. No need to
>hoist it over my noggin!
> Suzanne
 
Hi Mogambo! I'm happy that you have felt a nice challenge from the workout but I must be honest and say that I really don't advise you getting the bar over your head in this manner. It is very easy to strain your neck, back, shoulder, or perhaps even another area from using this attempt. I would rather you please keep it safe and find another option (ie: adding longer pre-exhausts sets, adding additional sets of the exercises that challenge you more, using a squat rack, or using dumbells in your hands at you sides (this option may feel a little tougher to balance). Good luck and stay safe ;-)!
 
Thank you so much for your advice. I guess I will have to try the diving weights next as I really don't want to clutter up my tiny living room any more with a squat rack. Darn it! I thought I had thought of a way around it. I guess you all are right, no need to take chances. Thank you for your concern for my safety.
 
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