Log Work

[J.D. Snyder]

I attempted some push jerks this evening on the log (as opposed to the split jerks I have been using) as was suggested by some in another thread.

I wish I could explain this better, but about all I can say is "it won't go". I have no drive off the chest at all and I am not sure if its just knowing I am going to push jerk which is something different for me or if I am somehow cutting my dip shallow. I simply can't get under the bar as far when I push jerk and I suppose/guessing its because my drive off the shoulders intially is weak.

Anyway, any suggestions on how to improve my push jerk?

P.S Thanks for all the advice I get on this board...the help reflects positively in my workouts!

[chrisklavette]

Maybe you should try getting some strict pressing with heavier weight and push/jerk with lighter weight until you get the feeling/form down

[benjamin d. moore]

Without seeing the vid, you more than likely don't have your elbows high enough at the start and the log is wanting to go forward instead of back over your head. You really have to exaggerate getting your elbows up.

This is a pretty common mistake on the log when learning to jerk.

Drop the weight and practice form. It takes a while to get used to. Hope this helps.

[Matt Nickerson]

Anyway, any suggestions on how to improve my push jerk?

Front squat with the log. It should help with building the explosive power needed to shoot the log right off your chest.

[J.D. Snyder]

Without seeing the vid, you more than likely don't have your elbows high enough at the start and the log is wanting to go forward instead of back over your head. You really have to exaggerate getting your elbows up.

This is a pretty common mistake on the log when learning to jerk.

Drop the weight and practice form. It takes a while to get used to. Hope this helps.


Should I be having them at such a height that the openings for the log (where the handles are) will be facing , not downward, but away from me?

[benjamin d. moore]

Yes, the handles will be tilted back toward your face. I always think about pushing the log in to my neck and it seems to put it in the right spot.

[Mike O'Connor]

front squating with the log will def help.. it takes awhile, but your initial start will be so much better.. although your legs will kill so bad.. you wont be able to walk for a week.. hahaah.. at least thats what happens to me..

[J.D. Snyder]

front squating with the log will def help.. it takes awhile, but your initial start will be so much better.. although your legs will kill so bad.. you wont be able to walk for a week.. hahaah.. at least thats what happens to me..


I will have to try out the front squat as well.

I also wanted to make sure I understand where the log handles are to be placed before the press. I THINK that I want to have the handles facing away from me so I can be shoving the log backward toward my neck...is this correct?

[benjamin d. moore]

When the log is on your chest, elbows should be high, and the tops of your fists should be pointed toward your face. Does that make sense?

[Ian Duggan]

Watch some videos of overhead stuff, like this one - http://youtube.com/watch?v=2q_A8-bF-Yg (hope you don't mind Dane).

Nice angle of a log press or three about half way through to show what Benjamin was talking about.

[benjamin d. moore]

Yep, thanks Ian.

[J.D. Snyder]

I got it...appreciate the help/patience guys! :)

Just out curosity, why does one split jerk the axle, but push jerk the log.