Seasoned Snatches

Kick Your Kettlebell Workout Up A Notch With These Snatch Variations

The snatch is a fearsome exercise when attacked with the ferocious tenacity that it demands, so much so that it is quickly becoming a favourite in the arsenal of elite athletes, our armed forces and the general fitness enthusiast. Whilst executing the snatch, and/or some of its variants that I will be detailing in the context of this article, you will become stronger physically, mentally and to a certain extent emotionally. Before you deem this as BS, I ask you first to simply try them.

Any experienced snatch veteran will tell you that although the snatch is a fantastic exercise it does become somewhat boring, rep after rep, set after set. The sheer monotony is enough to wear down even the most focused of athletes. It is within my experience that this repetition without alteration will quickly lead to an individual’s motivation dwindling, sometimes seriously into the realm of under-training and thus under-achieving. There are many ways which we can alter a training programme in order to stave off this boredom factor. One such way is to change the exercise itself, replacing the exercise with an equally challenging or harder still variant.

I have compiled a short list of variants upon the snatch for you to try as you so desire. A word of caution: you must first have the basics of the one arm snatch nailed and be competent and confident in your ability to execute the snatch with technical proficiency and precision. If you are not able to do so I would recommend spending a number of months laying a foundation upon which we can build on. When you first attempt these exercises I would recommend you use lighter loads and set rep patterns in order to practice and perfect the lifts, not necessarily train with them. When first learning these variants, fit them into your current routine near the start of the session when you are freshest. After having acquired a proficiency in executing them you may then fit them into your current routine to be trained.

It is essential that you know how to achieve the correct starting position for the snatch. Essentially, you squat down, shins vertical, feet shoulder width apart, knees tracking the toes, back flat, head up and arm straight.

It is essential that you know how to achieve the correct starting position for the snatch. Essentially, you squat down, shins vertical, feet shoulder width apart, knees tracking the toes, back flat, head up and arm straight.

Next Page |  About The Author | Article Index

Page 1 | 2 | 3 | 4

Russell Baillie spends his time developing his new athletes training group, training athletes of all ages, abilities, walks of life and disciplines as well as training as part of team Dynamo Glasgow Sambo. The remainder of his time is spent developing new products and crafting articles of interest to the strength and conditioning community, as well as serving on the editorial staff of Kettlebell.com.

Click here to read more about Russell Baillie and to read his other articles.