Bar Path Meaning in Weightlifting

The bar path is the imaginary line the barbell travels from the floor to the finish. An ideal path stays very close to the center of gravity of the athlete. Deviations from a straight vertical line make the lift much harder to balance and complete. A video analysis shows a curved bar path that causes the lifter to stumble. Keeping the chest up during the initial pull helps maintain a more efficient bar path. A straight path requires less energy and increases the success rate of maximum weight attempts.