Weightlifting

Weightlifting, sport based on the lifting of a series of progressively heavier metal weights. Participants engage in the sport for competitive or recreational purposes or as a form of muscle-building. As a competitive sport, weightlifting is popular internationally, notably in the United States, the countries of the former Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), Germany, Bulgaria, Romania, Poland, Finland, Turkey, and Cuba. The sport of weightlifting is organized worldwide by the International Weightlifting Federation. Weightlifting is also one of the sports in the Olympic Games.
The chief item in weightlifting is the barbell, a steel rod to which plates (also called discs) of different weights, usually made of iron or heavy rubber, may be attached by means of clamps. The plates are interchangeable.Participants in weightlifting contests are usually tested in three types of lifts: the press, the snatch, and the clean and jerk. The press has two distinct phases. In the first phase the contestant grasps the rod (handle) of the barbell and raises it to shoulder level; in the second phase, with minimum back bend, the contestant raises the barbell overhead, extending both arms fully. The lifter must keep both feet on the same plane throughout the lift and during the second phase must hold both legs perfectly straight.
In executing the snatch the contestant grasps the barbell and in one continuous motion lifts it to a position of arm’s length overhead; both legs may be flexed or moved at any time during this lift, but must be returned to the same plane to complete the lift (that is, to stand upright from a squatting position).
The clean and jerk involves lifting the barbell to shoulder level in one motion and above the head in a second, separate motion. It differs from the press in that the legs may be flexed or the feet may be moved to facilitate the lift; most competitors gain power for the final, upward thrust by bending and then suddenly straightening the knees, then lowering the body under the barbell.
Male weightlifters compete in eight classes, which are based on bodyweight. These classes, designated by the maximum bodyweight allowed in each class, are: 56 kg/123 lb; 62 kg/137 lb; 69 kg/152 lb; 77 kg/170 lb; 85 kg/187 lb; 94 kg/207 lb; 105 kg/232 lb; and 105+ kg/232+ lb. There are seven classes for female weightlifters: 48 kg/106 lb; 53 kg/117 lb; 58 kg/128 lb; 63 kg/139 lb; 69 kg/152 lb; 75 kg/165 lb; and 75+ kg/165+ lb.