09/08/2021
Working TOWARDS perfection & WAITING for perfection are two different things. Our goal as strength athletes is to lift the most amount of weight in competition. Therefore we MUST progressively overload with heavy weights in training to gain strength. The quality of our technique during this time dictates how efficiently we lift & is a big factor in dictating our risk of injury long term. Here’s a easy way to think about this:
Optimal: this is where we ideally want to be. While we are all still a “work in progress” this category represents those with very small technical errors that usually only appear with heaviest weights. Great quality technique during lifts allows for more volume & intensity to be handled with the athlete finding longevity in their sport at the same time.
Good: this means the athlete moves well enough to progressively overload. While there are some technical errors that limits efficiency, they are NOT major breakdowns. If proper programming is used, the small amount of heavy lifts where technique breaks down keeps the injury risk low. These athletes need to work each day to improve technique BUT are able to continue loading & progressing strength.
Poor: this group represents major breakdowns that need to be addressed before progressive loading. While there is no “one perfect technique” that works for everyone - that does NOT mean we should accept major knee cave or uncontrolled back rounding at moderate weights. Poor technique over time increases risk of injury. This DOES NOT mean a hip shift or knee cave automatically leads to injury at the time of breakdown. BUT over time with repetition after repetition it increases risk. These athletes need to take a step back and focus on the fundamentals before going forward. Doing so will improve their eventual efficiency of lifting & longevity in the sport.
Remember, we’re all “works in progress” - no one is perfect but we are always striving.
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