Technique. Is it worth it?

Though the answer to this question is seemingly obvious, our actions often differ from our immediate responses. 

"Yes, yes, of course it is," you tell me, as you round your back and pull your arms early on a heavy snatch attempt (which you both missed and hurt yourself attempting). 

Technique, in one specific way, is relatable to Christianity. People look at Christianity and say, "oh, but look at all the things they can't/won't/don't do. God just wants to suck all the fun out of life." What these people don't realize, however, is that the life God has laid out is actually the most fantastic life ever. "Give money to the poor? That sounds lame. I'd like to keep my money for myself, thank you," one thinks. But it's so much better to give. So much better. Not only do you change the life of whomever you've given to, but scripture says multiple times that you'll be blessed for your actions. 

How does this parallel technique? No athlete likes to hear a coach tell him or her to take weight off the bar in order to correct an underlying issue. No athlete likes to modify a movement because he or she can't do it correctly as-is. No athlete likes to work on little drills on the side in order to perfect a movement. Looking from the outside, taking the time to drill technique is just flat out lame. What these athletes don't realize, however, is that the movement patterns their coaches have laid out are actually the greatest ways to move ever. "Keep my elbows relaxed when I pull? That sounds lame. My biceps are huge and I'd rather not back off my weight, thank you," one thinks. 

Technique does two things for you. First, it ensures that you're doing a movement in the safest way possible. No one likes to get injured, so this seems like an attractive pursuit. Second, it allows you to move in the most efficient and powerful pattern possible. No one likes to be inefficient or sub-maximally powerful either, so again, technique wins. Sometimes we just have to lay down our pride, take weight off the bar, and know that we'll be better for it down the road. 

You can only be so good with bad technique. You will never, I repeat never, reach your maximum potential if you're not moving in the most efficient manner.

Technique is worth the chase. Fix it early on and you'll reap the reward. Ignore it until later and you'll also reap the reward. The reward of sub-optimal numbers and injury-prone movements. Though technique sounds lame and boring, I can promise you it's worth it.