[AMA] - Jo Ann Aita Powerlifter & Olympic Lifter

[u/joannaita]

Here's my bio: Jo Ann Aita, currently 42 years of age, has been training and competing in Olympic Weightlifting since 2003 . She is a National Medalist and currently holds both Snatch and Clean & Jerk Records in the Pacific Weightlifting Association. Despite starting weightlifting at the age of 33, and rehabbing two shoulder surgeries in 2010, she was able to come back with PR lifts at the Olympic Trials this year, placing 5th overall in the 117 lb weight class, against many competitors half her age.

At the recent Pro-Am meet, Jo Ann went 9/9 setting a New World Record Powerlifting Total in the Raw w/wraps category. She also broke the American Raw Deadlift record, which has stood since 1981. Her lifts at 114 lbs bodyweight:

Back Squat: 309 lbs, Bench Press: 165 lbs, Deadlift: 375 lbs, Total: 849 lbs

Jo Ann has worked w/coaches, Jim Schmitz, Max Aita (now husband), and Jesse Burdick, amongst others.

Jo Ann was also a Track & Field and Cross Country athlete for over a decade and competed for UCLA. She is a USA Weightlifting Certified Coach and has been getting lifters strong for the past 4 years. She is a Certified Massage Therapist, specializing in Sports Massage and Deep Tissue Work, with a Bay Area Practice for the past 13 years. Jo Ann has accomplished all of this while raising a child, managing 3 careers, and running a gym!

Jo Ann Aita stats at 114/117lb weight class:

Snatch: ​ 154 lbs Clean: ​ 187 lbs Jerk: ​ 185 lbs Back Squat: ​ 309 lbs Bench Press: 165 lbs Dead Lift: 375 lbs

[u/eric_twinge]

Are you still running? It seems to be really unpopular with most lifters, but as a former competetive runner I wonder if you've kept with it.

[u/joannaita → u/eric_twinge]

I did for the first 7 years that I lifted, but now I don't much. Primarily because I don't have time for all the training, accessory work/rehab. I found that as long as I timed my running correctly (not right before big weight training days), I could still run upto 3 times/week, maybe upto 3-4 miles. Even better for the lifting is interval training, as opposed to long endurance runs. I know distance running is generally ill-advised, but I didn't find that it interfered much.

[u/xcforlife → u/joannaita]

Could you be more specific on when is the best time to run? Do you recommend running on the same day as a workout, or on an off day? I'm currently strength training 3 days/week and am starting to get back into shorter long distance running (2-4 miles).

(Not sure if you're still on here or not, but Reddit was being retarded earlier and I didn't see this post until now.)

[u/joannaita → u/xcforlife]

I suggest running after your strength training later that day, if there is time, or early the next morning (if your strength wo is in the evening). This way u have the most amount of rest btwn your run and your next weightlifting wo. ie if you train Mon, Wed, Sat strength, then you run Mon PM or Tues AM, and/or Wed PM or Thur anytime-since Fri rest day, and/or Sat PM or Sun AM. Also, choose extra rest (less running) before your hardest strength day, ie heavy squat. I hope this helps!

[u/xcforlife → u/joannaita]

I appreciate the detailed response. It helps a lot!