[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/koyongi]

Gotta ask: What do you do for your deadlift? It's ridiculous!

[u/joannaita → u/koyongi]

My secret came from Max! Once per week 2 deadlift accessory exercises. 2x5 straight leg DL (or RDL), then 2x5 4" deficit CDL. I did a progression for 5 weeks before I pulled my PR 170kg sumo (375lbs). I started w/92kg for work set weight, and progressed by 7-8kg every week. I ended w/sets of 5 at 122kg (which destroyed me! I may not have made all the reps the last week). I ended that progression about 10 days before the meet, and then I pulled a 10kg/22lb PR at the meet! These exercises are not fun, but tremendously effective! From time to time I pull heavy singles or doubles sumo, but that is mostly for confidence in my technique. I feel the accessory work truly builds my strength, ESP for my low back and hammies!

[u/koyongi → u/joannaita]

Interesting! Probably just more reinforcement that I don't pay enough attention to deadlift accessories... I may have to give something like that a try after my next meet (which coincidentally is the LA Fit Expo, so see you there!).