Cleans, Snatches and Lifter Age

[J.Hensley]

Hi, all. First post.

I'm 49 y/o male. 5'6", 209lbs.

Current numbers:

Squat 290x5x3
Deads 370x5
Bench 240x5x3
Press 170x5x3

My question is: Should I incorporate snatches and cleans into my training session or am I too old? If I am too old, what are alternate exercises to incorporate into my program en lieu of snatches and cleans?

A little helpful context might be: I have not done anything like a snatch or clean since my time on the high school weightlifting team, when our two events were bench press and clean and jerk. So, I would have to learn new techniques for the other two lifts.

Thanks,

Jonathan Hensley
Orlando, Florida

[Mark Rippetoe]

Unless you are injured, you can power clean. Snatches may be a little ambitious at 49 having never done them before.

[J.Hensley]

Thanks, Rip!

[w35773]

Same answer for 56 y. o. pretty rank novice?

[Mark Rippetoe]

Try it and see, but be careful.