Warming Up for Squats and Do I Have to Clean at my Age?

[TommyGun]

Coach,
Enjoyed your article about you warming up and seeing se guy start squatting with 135. You mentioned it takes you 30 minutes to warm up. I am 49 so I think I know what you are saying. So here'sy question: I cannot squat with an empty bar to anything resembling to appropriate depth. Waste of time. I cannot air squat either.

So my first warm up set is with 25's on the bar and go up from there. I don't think this is a problem, as I get full depth and ROM once I get some weight on the bar. Do I have a flexibility problem? I have full ROM against the load however.

2. At my age can I blow off cleans? If my squats, presses, and DL's are going up consistently, do I really need an Olympic movement at my age? Do U need to display power? Give it to me straight. Time is also an issue in the gym. But I am injury free.

[Mark Rippetoe]

What are your injuries?

[TommyGun]

What are your injuries?

Coach, no injuries that would prevent me from performing the movement.

[Mark Rippetoe]

Then, here we go...