Weightlifting is a sport that involves lifting weights with the aim of developing muscular strength, power and endurance. The sport is divided into different categories and techniques, each with its own rules and specific characteristics;
The practice of weightlifting requires not only physical strength, but also technique, discipline and in-depth knowledge of the movements and equipment used. As a result, the sport has a number of terms that need to be learned in order to gain a deeper understanding of it.
To help you with this mission, it’s time to check out the weightlifting glossary, which contains the main terms used in the sport that you need to know. See what they are and what they mean!
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Weightlifting glossary: complete list
- Squats
- Warm-up
- Throwing
- Snatch
- Bench press
- Bar
- Biomechanics
- Maximum Load
- Core
- CrossFit
- Deadlift
- Performance
- Dumbbell
- Lateral Lift
- Stability
- Muscle fiber
- Flexibility
- Hypertrophy
- Olympic Lifting
- Deadlift
- Mobility
- Bodybuilding
- Overhead Press
- Bodyweight
- Plate
- Powerlifting
- Repetition
- Series
- Bench Press
- Technique
Weightlifting glossary: get to know the terms
Check out what each term in the weightlifting glossary means!
Squatting
The squat is an exercise used in weightlifting training, as it is responsible for working the leg and gluteal muscles intensely. This movement is essential for developing the strength and stability of the lower limbs.
Warm-up
Warming up is a crucial step before any weightlifting session. A good warm-up can prevent injuries and improve performance during lifts.
Throwing
Throwing is one of the two main disciplines of Olympic weightlifting, alongside snatching. It consists of two phases: the first is the clean, when the weight is lifted from the floor to the shoulders, and the second is called the jerk, when the weight is pushed above the head until the arms are fully extended.
Jerk
The snatch is a movement in which the athlete must lift the weight from the floor to above their head in a single, continuous and explosive movement. The snatch requires excellent coordination and flexibility.
Bench press
The bench press is a piece of equipment used for the bench press exercise, in which the athlete lies on their back and pushes the bar with weights upwards from their chest.
Bar
The barbell is one of the main pieces of equipment used in weightlifting. They can vary in weight and size, the most common being 20 kg for men and 15 kg for women.
Biomechanics
Biomechanics is the study of the movements and forces that act on the human body during the execution of exercises, and in weightlifting it is crucial for optimizing technique, preventing injuries and improving performance.
Maximum load
The maximum load is the most weight an athlete can lift in a single movement, without any help.
Core
The core is the group of muscles that includes the abdomen, the lower back and the stabilizing muscles of the spine.
CrossFit
CrossFit is the name of a training program that combines weightlifting, aerobic exercise and gymnastics.
Deadlift
The deadlift is an exercise in which the athlete lifts the bar from the floor to hip height. It is considered one of the most complete weightlifting movements.
Performance
Performance is the efficiency and effectiveness with which an athlete performs weightlifting movements. Improving performance involves optimizing technique, increasing strength and endurance, and minimizing errors and injuries.
Dumbbell
Dumbbells are free weights used in various weightlifting exercises. They allow for a greater range of movement and are effective for developing the athlete’s muscular strength and stability.
Lateral raise
The lateral raise is an exercise that mainly works the shoulder muscles. It is an important movement for strengthening and defining the deltoids.
Stability
Stability is the ability to maintain control of the body and weights during the execution of movements, and is crucial for safety and effectiveness in weightlifting, preventing injuries and improving performance.
Muscle fiber
Muscle fibers are the cells that make up muscles. They can be classified into two main types: slow twitch fibers (type I) and fast twitch fibers (type II).
Flexibility
Flexibility is the ability to move the joints through their full range of motion. In weightlifting, it is important to execute movements correctly and avoid injuries.
Hypertrophy
Hypertrophy is the increase in muscle size due to resistance training. To achieve hypertrophy, you need proper training and nutrition.
Olympic lifting
Olympic lifting is a weightlifting discipline that includes two disciplines: the snatch and the throw. Together, they are a combination of strength, technique and speed.
Deadlift
Deadlift is another name for deadlift, one of the most important exercises in weightlifting. It works the muscles of the back, legs and core.
Mobility
Mobility is the ability to move the joints freely through a wide range of movements. Mobility exercises help to improve flexibility and stability.
Weight training
Bodybuilding is strength training that uses free weights, machines and resistance exercises to develop the body’s muscles. It is a common practice both to improve body aesthetics and to increase strength and endurance.
Overhead press
The overhead press, or shoulder press, is an exercise in which the bar is pushed upwards from the shoulders until the arms are fully extended. It is essential for developing the shoulder muscles and triceps.
Body weight
Body weight is the total weight of an athlete’s body. Maintaining the ideal body weight can significantly influence performance.
Plate
Plates are weight disks added to the bars to adjust the total load lifted. They vary in weight and are essential both for training progression and for achieving different strength objectives.
Powerlifting
Powerlifting is a weightlifting sport that focuses on three main movements: squats, bench presses and deadlifts.
Repetition
A repetition is the complete execution of a weightlifting movement. The number of repetitions performed in a set can vary depending on the training objectives, such as strength, hypertrophy or muscular endurance.
Series
A set is a number of repetitions performed consecutively, followed by a rest period.
Bench press
The bench press is an exercise performed on the bench when the athlete pushes the bar up from the chest. This exercise is essential for developing the pectoral muscles, shoulders and triceps.
Technique
Technique is the correct way to execute weightlifting movements.
Weightlifting glossary: complete list
- Squats
- Warm-up
- Throwing
- Snatch
- Bench press
- Bar
- Biomechanics
- Maximum Load
- Core
- CrossFit
- Deadlift
- Performance
- Dumbbell
- Lateral Lift
- Stability
- Muscle fiber
- Flexibility
- Hypertrophy
- Olympic Lifting
- Deadlift
- Mobility
- Bodybuilding
- Overhead Press
- Bodyweight
- Plate
- Powerlifting
- Repetition
- Series
- Bench Press
- Technique
Weightlifting glossary
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