Knowing the Basics - The Best Weight Lifting Tip

Weight lifting is a sport that combines power, strength, technique, speed, and flexibility, control, and concentration.

The lifter attempts a maximum weight of a barbell with weight plates in one try. It has become not only an exercise, but a worldwide sport as well.

More and more people have gotten into weight lifting not only to train, but to compete as well. There aren't too many competitive Olympic weight lifters out there, but eventually the more health-conscious chunk of the population will get into training and competing.

Weight lifting is said to be one of the most unappreciated sports. It is often confused with body building. Knowing the basics and essentials of this sport is probably the best weight lifting tip for beginners and professionals alike.

Weight lifting is basically composed of two critical motions - the snatch and the clean and jerk. The snatch consists of pulling the bar in one swift motion from the floor the length of a full arm overhead. Bending the legs quickly as the bar is raised makes the lift easier. This enables the athlete to catch the bar at an arm's length. The combination and strength and speed is perhaps the most important part of the snatch. The clean and jerk motion consists of lifting the bar to full arm's length as well. The clean and the jerk are technically two different actions.

However, it is also considered as one since one action should be completed immediately after the other. An athlete pulls the bar in a swift motion from the floor to a point of rest just about the shoulder level. This is the "clean" part of the action. In the jerk, the legs are bent and both arms and legs are extended to bring the bar to full arm's length overhead in one swift and strong motion.

Athletes usually engage in a "split" position, in which they bend their legs rapidly while raising the bar to catch it at an arm's length. In essence, lifting in the clean and jerk motions is done in two stages. As a result, heavier weights can be lifted as compared to the snatch. Another important weight lifting tip also states that as a general rule, bending both legs to catch the bar is required in both the snatch and the clean and jerk.

It is also deemed physically impossible for the bar to be lifted continuously, without stops. This can only be done if the body is lowered quickly just as the lift is being completed and just as its growing speed is slowing down.

Weight lifters should bear in mind that the strength mainly comes from the legs. The quadriceps and posterior chain muscles are the primary areas that need to be strengthened. The back, anterior, and shoulders are secondary. Being a whole body sport, weight lifting also tackles and strengthens the minor muscles. Before an esteemed weight lifter gets more complex with the positions and stances, getting familiar with the basics should come first.

For tips on weight lifting and reviews on body building guides visit: http://www.MyWebFitness.com





weight lifting tip