Possible solution to low ceilings for snatch?

[mikeylikey]

This thread:

http://startingstrength.com/resource...t=32798&page=1

Gave me an idea:

I have a low ceiling in my garage where I lift. I can't put standard sized plates overhead. There is just enough room, however, to use 25's (iron ones, that is) since they have ~ a 2" smaller radius. I don't see myself pressing or snatching more than I can load up with 25's any time soon, so bar capacity isn't an issue.

Why not just make myself a pair of boxes 2" or so thick (haven't worked out the exact dimensions) with a lip around the edge, and just weight up the bar with 25's and snatch away.

It seems too easy...

[gjsuicide]

Do it. You can fit over 500 lbs or so with those same 25 plates. I think you will be fine.

[veryhrm]

While power cleaning with iron plates is ok, can the same be said for snatches ? I get the impression that one has to bail out of those (and even overhead squats) more often than other lifts when they don't go quite as planned.

[mikeylikey]

Well I tried it the other night with just some stacks of boards. I survived, so I guess I have a building project in my future.

I did have to bail on a rep with a poorly timed jump, just didn't let go of the bar, it was fine. Not sure what I'd do if I lost one behind me; that could get ugly. Cross that bridge when we get there I guess.

[Mr_Rogers]

Not a big issue at light weights, but I'd be careful holding on to the bar if you're bailing on a rep. You could seriously hurt yourself, especially if you're losing it behind.

Could you not get a couple of horse stall mats, cut them in half and stack them?

[Cail]

Do split snatches. These are very rarely lost behind. They also are easier to master for lifter with less experience (don't know if that applies to you).

[allent]

Do you have a driveway? Or a yard? Or a local gym, if you have neither of those? Or a bar you don't mind replacing when you eventually have to bail?

[mikeylikey]

Do you have a driveway? Or a yard? Or a local gym, if you have neither of those? Or a bar you don't mind replacing when you eventually have to bail?

I don't have bumper plates, so the only thing the driveway/yard buy me is the ability to use 45's and not prop up the bar. Plus the driveway is sloped enough to be pretty much out of the question even w/bumpers. I am keeping an eye out for some used ones.

A thought did occur to me that I should perhaps measure the bar height with a snatch grip... since it's much wider than my press grip, the bar should be a couple of inches lower... might just buy me enough room to put the big plates on there for snatches anyway. Hmmmm.

There are no local gyms. There are plenty of fitness centers, but to my knowledge nothing in the greater Indianapolis area that is open to the public and has oly lifting facilities. I've looked, a lot.

I'm not doing full snatches here, just the power variety, and so far not even with my max press weight so I think I'll be ok for awhile. Will re-evaluate down the road.