THE RISE OF WEIGHTLIFTING AS A SPORT
BY ABBY JOYNER ILLUSTRATION BY KENDALL WIFF
The phenomenon of weightlifting is twofold. First, there is the sport of competitive weightlifting, where one trains tirelessly to perform two movements and lift as much weight as possible. Then, there is lifting weights, a recreational activity meant to bolster personal strength and develop a long-lasting healthy body.
Modern weightlifting, as it currently exists, began with “strong men” competitions in the 18th and 19th centuries. Men would perform the same style of movements as weightlifters do now: the clean and jerk and the snatch. However, instead of taking place under a sporting body, these competitions occurred in circuses and theaters. By 1896, weightlifting entered the Olympic games, making it one of the first sports to be included in the modern Olympics.
As the years progressed, the pieces of the competition became specified, including the addition of weight classes and a standardization of lifts. In a snatch, the lifter will pick the barbell up off the ground and raise it over their head in one fluid movement. The clean and jerk sees the lifter first hoisting the barbell to their shoulders with an overhand grip, then in a second motion jerks it overhead. These two moves, the only two present in Olympic competition, are extremely difficult to master, and require full-body strength and balance.
A more recent development is the ability for women to compete in Olympic weightlifting competitions; this began at the Sydney games in 2000. At the 2021 Tokyo games, Chinese female weightlifter Li Wenwen broke the record for most total weight lifted by a woman at the Olympics between her snatch and clean and jerk performances. She lifted 705 pounds total, a feat only achievable through extremely hard work and focused training.
On a level more attainable for mere mortals, weightlifting is on the rise as a recreational activity for many. Studies show that aerobic exercise, or cardio, alone does not suffice in a fitness regime. Compounding cardio with strength training yields the best results for one’s health. The benefits of strength training include increased bone strength, reduced risk of death from cancer or heart disease, and improving mental health.
It is easy to become overwhelmed at the gym, with a myriad of equipment and machines surrounding you and tall men with washboard abs taking up space. Thankfully though, one doesn’t have to press over 300 pounds above their head to begin lifting weights.
Due to the heightened presence of weightlifting content on social media, especially for women (the tag #gymgirl on Instagram has 18.4 million posts), finding a set of exercises that works for you is very accessible. Gym-based social media tags are so prevalent that one can find a specific routine for a specific muscle group with ease. For example, user @kailen-fit on Instagram posted a weekly workout split for beginners unsure how to structure their workouts.
If you do not want to brave the sprawling cable machines or barbells just yet, finding a quiet corner in the gym with a set of dumbbells is a great starting place to build both confidence and strength. When beginning weighted exercises, it is important to ensure they are performed properly so one does not induce an injury. Much of the online content produced surrounding the gym also offers helpful tips on how to improve exercise form.
It is nice to see an online trend that has proven, lasting positive effects on people’s lives.
