Part 1:
I have been compiling, testing, and preparing this blog for almost a month now. One of the hot topics currently in the CrossFit and weightlifting world is specifically surrounding the usage of weight lifting straps when completing the snatch as well as auxiliary clean movements. The topic has gotten some attention most recently because there have been some big lifts completed in training aided by the usage of straps which immediately start conversations as to whether the straps were necessary for the made lift? This is a question I plan to answer inside of this blog series. The question everyone is asking right now is, when is the appropriate time to use straps, if at all, and do straps inflate my training numbers and PR’s?
Over the last three months both in prep for Nationals as well as in training post-Nationals I tested multiple different theories on the usage of straps and their impact on my training. Just prior to Nationals I completed a 130 kg hang snatch aided by straps as well as a 130 kg snatch from blocks at below the knee aided by straps. What’s more, I nearly missed 132 snatch from below the knee off the blocks and snatched 120 for a double with a pause at the knee, aided by straps. Last week I hit a double hang snatch at 120 with straps. At Nationals I missed 122 in my opening attempt and 126 in my third attempt without the straps. Clearly there were a bunch of other contributing factors that could have contributed to the underachieving performance but as I plan to show in this blog, the straps are certainly a part of that.
More to come…