Russian weightlifting champion Vasily Polovnikov is currently based in New York City and has been spending the summer making some seriously impressive muscle snatches.
The -94kg athlete (who appears to be around that weight right now) has lit up the internet with two monstrous muscle snatches that he claims are world record for his weight class. First up, this 151kg (332.9lb) lift that he made over at JDI Barbell in Queens, where he’s been coaching every Friday. It’s the second lift in the video.
And from another angle with cooler music!
[Polovnikov’s 160kg lifts were some of our favorite barefoot snatches ever.]
After hitting what may well be a world first (records are pretty hard to verify for muscle snatches), most people would probably take a deload week or three. But Polovnikov decided to head back to the barbell less than a week later to try his luck with 152 kilograms (335.1 pounds). There are two lifts in this video, 150kg and then 152kg.
[Is the muscle snatch or the power snatch superior for your goals? Find out in our comparison of the two movements.]
The muscle snatch, of course, is a great movement primer for heavier snatches, a useful way to train around certain injuries, and a great way to add some technical snatch training on lighter training days. With a big emphasis on upper body strength, it can also help lifters to boost strength in the second and third pulling phases of the snatch.
Now you might think that if you’re spending all week hitting new PRs and unofficial world records that you’d put other exercises on the backburner, since you’re honing in on a pretty specific lift.
Nope, Polovnikov actually just PRd his deadlift with a monstrous 370 kilos (815.7 pounds). Without a dang belt.
This has been quite a week for the guy. Hopefully he knows that he’s earned a rest day or three.
Featured image via @vasily_polovnikov on Instagram.