Weightlifting Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
🏋️♂️
weightlifting
[ˈweɪtˌlɪftɪŋ ]
Definition
sports activity
Weightlifting is a sport in which individuals lift heavy weights competitively. It aims to increase muscle strength and endurance. Typically, it involves two main lifts: the snatch and the clean and jerk, performed in a strict manner.
Synonyms
powerlifting, resistance training, strength training.
Examples of usage
- She excels in weightlifting competitions.
- He started weightlifting to improve his fitness.
- Weightlifting requires proper technique to avoid injuries.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The practice of lifting heavy objects for strength can be traced back to ancient Greece, where athletes competed in tests of strength.
- In the early 20th century, weightlifting became a formal sport included in the Olympics, emphasizing strength and technique.
Health and Fitness
- Regular weightlifting can increase muscle mass, improve bone density, and boost overall metabolism.
- Studies show that strength training can also enhance mental health by reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Pop Culture
- Weightlifting is often featured in movies and television as a symbol of personal strength and heroism, influencing many to start training.
- Bodybuilding competitions showcase weightlifting as not only a test of strength but also of aesthetics and discipline.
Psychology
- Engaging in weightlifting can create a sense of accomplishment and improve self-esteem through visible progress.
- Weightlifters often experience a phenomenon called 'runner's high' after training, which boosts mood due to endorphin release.
Science
- Research indicates that resistance training, such as weightlifting, can help combat age-related muscle loss.
- Weightlifting activates different muscle fibers; fast-twitch fibers help with explosive strength, while slow-twitch fibers aid endurance.
Origin of 'weightlifting'
The term 'weightlifting' dates back to the early 19th century, originating from the combination of two English words: 'weight' and 'lifting'. The word 'weight' comes from Old English 'waiehta', meaning a measure of heaviness, while 'lifting' stems from Old English 'lyftan', meaning to raise or elevate. The practice of lifting weights can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where people used heavy stones for strength training. In modern times, weightlifting evolved into a standardized sport, with established competitions and categories. The increasing popularity of bodybuilding in the 20th century further influenced the sport's development, leading to specialized training techniques and equipment. Today, weightlifting is recognized as both a competitive sport and a form of fitness, embraced by individuals worldwide for its health benefits.