Earlier this year, we presented you with lists of exercises named after bodybuilders, strongmen and powerlifters. Today, we’re continuing this series of articles to give you 5 Great Exercises Named After Olympic Weightlifters, so read on!
1. shLu Raises
Here’s a nice one to start off our list of exercises: Lu Raises. These are named after Lu Xiaojun who is a 2012 Summer Olympics gold medalist from China (he also featured in our “5 Awesome Olympic Weightlifters Physiques” article). Using plates for this lateral raise variation feels distinctly different to using dumbbells. A few high-rep sets of these will have your shoulders burning in no time, not to mention the phenomenal development you’ll experience!
2. Klokov Press
Anyone who wants to get strong will need no introduction to this man. Russian, Dmitry Klokov is one of the most popular olympic weightlifters of the present day due to his massive strength and unique training methods. Healthy, flexible shoulders are recommended for trying his version of a behind-the-neck press. The wide grip on the bar does a great job of targeting your upper back and rear deltoids
3. Sots Press
Another weightlifter from the Eastern block, Viktor Sots held several world records in the 1980’s. Sots used this exercise in his training routines to contribute to building his extraordinary pressing strength. It’s quite challenging and the combined rewards of extra core and shoulder strength makes it one well worth adding to your exercise toolbox. Try the kettlebell version too, as a satisfying alternative to the barbell.
4. Pendlay Rows
Glenn Pendlay coaches Olympic lifting and is undeniably one of the best strength coaches in the world. If you’re familiar with bent over rows, it won’t take you long to grasp the Pendlay Row. All the guys in the gym will be jealous of your thick upper back muscles once you’ve put in the requisite work on this fantastic rowing variation. Watch the video to learn from the man, Pendlay himself.
5. Bradford Press
With the amount of overhead strength required in weightlifting, it’s only natural that another pressing movement appears on our list. This exercise is becoming more well known in bodybuilding and powerlifting circles. Pressing the bar in front of and behind your neck within one repetition will produce great all-round size and strength gains in your shoulders. This one is named after the powerful Jim Bradford, a silver medalist in the 1952 and 1960 Olympic Games.
A couple of suggestions for ways to use these exercises: try adding one or two of the press variations into your shoulder routine. Include the Sots Press in your core program to help build yourself a steel midsection, this will assuredly put you in good stead on the road to making solid gains. Which of these exercises have helped you amass size and strength? Let us know below, join in the conversation on Facebook and follow us on Twitter & Instagram! (Want more muscle and strength? Then the following are for you: 5 Great Exercises Named After Bodybuilders, 5 Great Exercises Named After Strongmen, and 5 Awesome Olympic Weightlifter Physiques!)
