Hard to believe Andrew has been weightlifting for 2 years. He started in November of 2019. He was barely 75-lbs. Just the other day we reviewed some of his lifts when he first started. We both laughed at how “cringey” he moved.
But I knew he would do well in the sport. He was only 9 at the time. But he already had the mental maturity and tenacity, and right level of focus required for the sport.
We set a goal: BODYWEIGHT CLEAN AND JERK.
As his skill set improved, as he got stronger, he also gained mass and naturally got heavier. As we came close to our ultimate goal of bodyweight clean and jerk, his weight went up, and we kept moving the goal post.
I did not rush the process. His safety came first and foremost. And I made sure I did not push him too hard as it would only serve to discourage him. I wanted him to have fun in this journey. He’s a kid. Kids are supposed to have fun.
Good things happen when least expected. He had a growth spurt and his back and front squat strengths skyrocketed. Further, his hands were able to “hook grip” the bar more comfortably. So we decided to take advantage.
He maxed out on the cleans only. He was able to clean his bodyweight with no problem. The RPE (rate of perceived exertion) was only 5 out of 10. (At his stage, I rarely go above RPE of 7.)
The following week, HE SEIZED THE MOMENT and finally lifted his bodyweight overhead.
HoofGripWL 