Should I power clean still?

[Rick M]

I've read the SS BP & PP twice. As I know the default answer to most questions is read the god dam book. :-) I been doing SS for about 9 months so starting to transition to intermediate. I'm 245Lbs Squat 429 (195Kg) Press 154 (70Kg) Bench 253 (115Kg) and Deadlift 440 (200Kg). I'm 53 year old, I've lost a lot of my power and I have a touch of arthritis is my shoulders.

My Question is Should I drop power cleans?

Normally I would drop them for bent over rows or chins, but I considering doing my platform test and going for the starting strength coaching exam.

Would I be best of keeping them in for the benefit of coaching in the future and just doing what I can or following Barbell Prescription and dropping them?

The 2nd pull is uncomfortable but not so I can't do it.

Your help with this is much appreciated.

Oh yes I'm in the UK hence the Kgs

[AndrewLewis]

Sully has a good video about this which I agree with.

For older lifters, you should clean or snatch if
1) you can do them
and
2) you want to
and
3) they don't ruin your slow lifts or daily life.

They are not a requirement for masters athletes like they are for 20, 30, or even early 40-year-olds.

That said, you must have experience with the power clean and snatch if you want to coach them effectively.
You'll have to decide for yourself. We're not going to force you to do them, but the quick lifts are hard to coach and you'll be hindering yourself as a coach by not having experience as a lifter doing them.

Keep in mind that you don't have to train them like the slow lifts to get experience doing them.

[Rick M]

Thank you Andrew Lewis,

I think I'll add a few sets once a week after rows and just work on my techneque rather than increasing my lifts.

[AndrewLewis]

My pleasure. Make sure to check back in on the technique forums so we can help you.

[stef]

I think I'll add a few sets once a week after rows and just work on my techneque rather than increasing my lifts.

Before would make more sense. PC don't trash your low back like rows - the low back stress is one reason rows are not a good sub for PC - and doing rows immediately before may interfere with keeping your arms straight.