12 Dec 2 Important Questions – Weightlifting Advice From Greg Everett

A few months ago, I had the opportunity to chat with top weightlifting coach and multi-book author, Greg Everett.

Greg is the mastermind behind Catalyst Athletics and I’m a huge fan of his work – and his books.

I had 2 important training questions for Greg.

Of course, these questions are specific to weightlifting, but I think his answers could be extrapolated to other areas of strength and performance training, as well.

Here are the questions.

Q1: WHAT’S THE BIGGEST MISTAKE WHEN GETTING STARTED IN OLYMPIC WEIGHTLIFTING?

Greg Everett: I think I would have to say the biggest mistake in getting started in Olympic weightlifting is being totally attached with a specific approach and being totally intransigent to that approach.

In other words, deciding right off the bat that “this is the only way” and that no matter what else I hear after this point – I’m going to continue doing things exactly this way.

This is a problem because when you’re getting started, you haven’t been exposed to everything that’s out there.

There’s a very good chance that there’s something else out there that makes more sense or is going to be more effective for you.

Also, when you’re first starting out you don’t have the experience yet to provide a frame of reference to critically evaluate the information that you’re getting.

That’s one of the points I make in my book.

Here’s all this information – but when you’re just getting started, stick to the progression summaries, just stick to the basics.

Then over time, as you gain experience, you’ll be capable of understanding this more complex information and actually doing something more productive rather than getting confused and overwhelmed.

Start with the basics and be open to new approaches and new ideas.

Then, over time you can incorporate that new information and will be better able to understand it and refine your approach.

Q2: YOUR BEST ADVICE FOR THE INTERMEDIATE WEIGHTLIFTER WHO WANTS TO GET TO THE NEXT LEVEL?

Greg Everett: The biggest thing with the intermediate weightlifter is that you have to decide what you want to do.

You have to decide on your priorities. There comes a time when you have to make a decision.

If you truly want to truly want to advance from intermediate weightlifter to advanced weightlifter – or to a great weightlifter – you’re at the point where you have to rearrange your life to prioritize weightlifting.

In other words, it’s no longer this “recreational thing” that you do on the side that you work into your life around everything else. You have to change your life around weightlifting.

And, this means not just training time, but it means recovery time, restoration practices, sleep schedule, your rest schedule, your work schedule and everything else.

It means mentally that you are focused on weightlifting, first and foremost.

Then you find ways to make room for things that are absolutely necessary. It’s really a matter of changing your priorities and structuring your life around weightlifting.

That’s what it takes to be great.

FOLLOW-UP QUESTION.

SI: Would that answer be any different – regardless of age?

Greg Everett: Yes, because age is going to change your present status in life and your ability to make those changes.

If you’re 19 or 20 years old and you’re not married, you don’t have kids, you don’t have a “career” yet, then you have more options. You can move to a different state to work with a weightlifting coach.

You have the options to get a different job that provides you the hours that allow you to train at a better time or allow for more time to train.

If you’re 40 years old and you’re married with 2 kids and you have a career that you expect to stay in for the next 20 years – while you technically have the options to do those things I just mentioned – it’s probably not a great idea.

And, that’s totally understandable.

So, in that sense, yes.

Age definitely makes a difference.

Summary Points:

#1 – As a beginner – Be open minded about your learning until you have some experience. Make sure that you to stick to the fundamentals to avoid getting confused or overwhelmed.

#2 – As an intermediate – At some point you have to make a decision about what price you’re willing to pay to advance to the next level. What is the price you’re willing to pay for greatness? Of course, age matters. A more veteran athlete will have much different priorities and demands of life to consider. This is a reality.

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