Jerks

Jerks: A staple and main move of my kettlebell training. They simply must be done and done correctly. The pioneers who paved the way for our strength-endurance sport have narrowed the lifts down to jerk, snatch, and long cycle clean and jerk.

Interestingly, the predominant (read: first) kettlebell movement in our country has focused on press, swing, and snatch, the snatch being the "Tsar" of the lifts. Where did the jerk go? It seems the jerk does not fit well into the American style of kettlebell training.

I am seeing a growing number of American people who train with kettlebells show interest in the jerk. The few who try it and learn how to do it correctly are astounded at how it toughens the shoulders with less stress than high volume presses. That has been my experience as well.

I personally believe the snatch is physically harder to master, but the jerk is more mental. The purposeful relaxation under the weight sitting on your chest and arms is a discipline that takes dedication. The explosive, measured "pop" and the timing between relax-contract-relax-drop, all the while saving energy is the ultimate mastery of body awareness and coordination.

I will write more later on the jerk, but I encourage you to look into it if you are into kettlebells. I guarantee that with proper technique and training philosophy, the jerk will deliver the gains!