What are the best accessory exercises for Olympic weightlifting?

Hey there! If you're looking to take your Olympic weightlifting game to the next level, incorporating accessory exercises into your training routine is a fantastic way to do it. These exercises target specific muscle groups and movement patterns that will directly benefit your Olympic lifts. So, let's dive into some of the best accessory exercises for Olympic weightlifting!

1. Romanian Deadlifts: This exercise is a great way to strengthen your posterior chain, which includes your hamstrings, glutes, and lower back. By performing Romanian deadlifts, you'll improve your hip hinge movement pattern, which is crucial for explosive lifts like the clean and snatch.

2. Front Squats: Front squats are a fantastic accessory exercise for Olympic weightlifting because they directly mimic the catch position in the clean and front squat. By incorporating front squats into your training, you'll strengthen your quadriceps, core, and upper back, which will improve your ability to receive the barbell in the clean.

3. Overhead Squats: Overhead squats are a challenging exercise that targets your entire body, with a particular focus on your core, shoulders, and upper back. This exercise helps improve your stability and mobility, which are essential for executing a solid snatch.

4. Push Press: The push press is an excellent accessory exercise for developing explosive power in your upper body. By incorporating push presses into your training, you'll strengthen your shoulders, triceps, and upper back, which will directly benefit your ability to drive the barbell overhead in the jerk.

5. Pull-ups: Pull-ups are a fantastic accessory exercise for Olympic weightlifting because they target your back, shoulders, and arms. By strengthening these muscles, you'll improve your ability to pull the barbell off the ground during the clean and snatch.

6. Bulgarian Split Squats: Bulgarian split squats are a unilateral exercise that targets your quads, glutes, and core. By incorporating this exercise into your training, you'll improve your leg strength and stability, which will directly benefit your Olympic lifts.

Remember, these accessory exercises are meant to complement your Olympic weightlifting training, not replace it. It's crucial to prioritize your main lifts and use these exercises as supplemental work. Also, make sure to consult with a qualified coach or trainer to ensure you're performing these exercises with proper form and technique.

So, there you have it! Incorporating these accessory exercises into your training routine will help you build strength, improve your technique, and take your Olympic weightlifting to new heights. Happy lifting!

Lily Strong

women's weightlifting, body positivity, sports nutrition, coaching

Lily Strong is a professional weightlifting coach and sports nutritionist with a decade of experience working with athletes of all levels. She specializes in helping women break through barriers in the weight room and achieve their full potential. Lily is a strong advocate for body positivity and empowering women through strength training.