A toy model that predicts the qualitative role of bar bend in a push jerk

Abstract

In this work, we describe a simple coarse-grained model of a barbell that can be used to determine the qualitative role of bar bend during a jerk. In simulations of this model, we observed a narrow time window during which the lifter can leverage the elasticity of the bar in order to lift the weight to a maximal height. This time window shifted to later times as the weight was increased. In addition, we found that the optimal time to initiate the drive was strongly correlated with the time at which the bar had reached a maximum upward velocity after recoiling. By isolating the effect of the bar, we obtained a generalized strategy for lifting heavy weight in the jerk.

Keywords:

• Push jerks
• simulations
• toy model
• weightlifting

Acknowledgements

We are deeply indebted to John Garhammer for his suggestions during this work.