Oakland County CrossFit is the proud home of Team Hercules.
What is Olympic Lifting?
The only form of weightlifting recognized in the Olympic Games, “Weightlifting” (not to be confused with “weight” – “lifting”, which is the simple act of exercising with weights) is a sport in which a barbell is lifted competitively by an athlete. The two main events are (1) the Snatch, in which the barbell is lifted from the floor to arm’s length overhead in a single, continuous motion; and (2) the Clean and Jerk, in which it is lifted first to the shoulders and then, after a pause, to arm’s length overhead.
Each athlete has 3 attempts in each event to successfully lift as much as they can. The highest in the Snatch and the Clean and Jerk are added together for a “total”, which determines the winner. What many people may not know about Olympic Weightlifting is that the athlete is also judged on tecnhique, not just strength. Thus, if a barbell is not lifted overhead with proper form, the athlete is not credited with the lift.
Strength, flexibility, explosiveness, balance, and proper technique defines the movements of this sport. Weightlifting consists of both Men and Women, with weight categories and barbell amounts measured in kilograms (1 kilogram = 2.2 pounds). The origins of modern competition are to be found in 18th and 19th century strongman contests. The first three Olympic Games (1896, 1900, 1904) included weightlifting, as have all games after 1920. Currently, weight categories are:
Women: 48kg, 53kg, 58kg, 63kg, 69kg, 75kg, 75+kg
Men: 56kg, 62kg, 69kg, 77kg, 85kg, 94kg, 105kg, 105+kg
Our Mission:
To us the sport of Olympic Weightlifting as a vehicle to improve the physical, psychological, and social well-being of the Oakland County’s youth and young adults.
Our members range in age from 6 – 60 years old, with an emphasis on programming that make a positive impact on each member’s life, by teaching them life skills and building character at the same time as they improve their health and physical wellbeing.
Our members have gone on to represent the USA at international competitions around the world, have earned scholarships to the Olympic Education Training Center, and have gone on to become successful in their professional careers as teachers, coaches, healthcare professionals, firefighters, law enforcement agents, lawyers and college athletes.
Come check us out. Event if you never choose to complete, the value of hard work, discipline, dedication and regular physical activiey will have a long lating effect on all aspets of your life…… besides……. we have a great time!
Should athletes do this?
YES!! YES!! YES!!
Teaching athletes the proper way to perform the Olympic Lifts will:
- Significantly reduce the likelihood of injury in the weight room and in competition
- Increase coordination, body awareness and flexibility
- Increase explosive strength and power output
- Enable athletes to drive through the hips and reach triple extension
- Develop confidence
And that is only the beginning!!!
Who runs the show?
We have several members to our coaching staff:
Head Coach: Mike Paquette
Assistant Coaches: Andrea Martinec, Bryon Rompa, Heather Mearns
How to join?
Contact us to set up a time to come in and meet with our coach, Mike Paquette.
Team Fees: $75* per month to ONLY be apart of the Olympic Lifting Team.
* To utilize all aspects of Oakland County CrossFit please refer to our pricing page.
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