Weightlifting is recognized as an essential activity to build and tone muscles as well as improve endurance and explosive strength. But not all weightlifting is Olympic weightlifting. What is Olympic weightlifting, exactly? It is a competitive weightlifting event governed by the rules and guidelines of the U.S. (and International) Olympic Committee.
Olympic Weightlifting Objective
Of course the object of competitive weightlifting is to lift the more weight than your competitors, but there is more to it than that. The amount of weight attempted varies by weight class, which is different for men and women. All lifts must be executed according to Olympic standards, and there are two or three judges who evaluate if a lift is successfully completed for failed.
Olympic Weightlifting Lifts
There are two types of lifts performed for Olympic weightlifting events:
• Snatch
• Clean and Jerk
While both movements require lifting a weighted barbell from the floor to an overhead position, the manner in which it is done varies. In the snatch, a lifter will attempt to move the barbell from the floor to an overhead position in a single movement. Most often, lifters will do so by positioning their legs more than hip-distance apart with their feet in line (i.e. the squat snatch). However, some lifters may prefer the split squat in which they enter into a squat position with one foot positioned forward, the other back.
In the clean and jerk, lifters complete two distinct lifting motions—raising the barbell from the floor to chest level, then from chest level to overhead with feet directly under the hips and shoulders.
Olympic Weightlifting Training
Athletes preparing for an Olympic weightlifting event need to do more than just increase the weight they attempt to lift in order to improve their performance and prevent injury. Proper Olympic weightlifting training will include a regimen of weightlifting exercises as well as cardiovascular endurance training, isometrics and other strength training techniques that build explosive strength and ensure proper body alignment.
The professional trainers at ICWA have the experience to create a weightlifting training program that can take your performance to the next level. We are also a U.S. Olympic Weightlifting Club, giving our athletes the benefits of competition eligibility/access and team support.
Olympic weightlifting can help more than weightlifters. Training programs can improve performance in nearly any sport. To learn more, contact ICWA
