This leads me to a phenomenon that I’ve observed quite a bit of lately and that is the concept of Pantomime Lifting. It seems that so many voices for so long have been telling people that the technique of the Olympic lifts is so difficult to learn that just learning it is a monumental task, and that being able to perform the lifts correctly is a reason for great elation.

People need to realize that there is a reason for employing good technique. That reason is that good technique will enable you to lift more weight. The technique is a process to attain a higher goal, which is to lift weights that are heavy enough to require good technique. I’m seeing too many people that are thrilled that they can perform perfect technique with a light weight, a broomstick or even a PVC pipe. I consider them the Marcel Marceaus of lifting.

When you can lift weights that are too heavy to be lifted with poor technique, and can only be lifted with excellent technique, then you have mastered technique. Technique is a functional necessity in weightlifting, not an aesthetic aspect. Learning good technique is just a first stop on the road to weightlifting success, not an end in itself.