What are the different types of weightlifting?

Answer 1

There are basically two types. It depends upon whether Weightlifting is considered as an end in itself or as a means to another end. 'Bodybuilders' use weightlifting as a means to another end. Their goal is to attain the most magnificent physique possible. They use weightlifting only as a means to that end. Bodybuilders, then, are not focused on how much weight they can lift for a single repetition. A bodybuilding contest is not an athletic competition; it is an aesthetic one. By way of contrast, some lifters simply want to lift as much weight as possible. Their goal is to lift as much weight as possible in a single repetition. They are usually called 'weightlifters.' Like boxers, in a competition they are divided up by weight class. The winner is the strongest participant in a weight class. There are two kinds of weightlifters. (1) The goal of power lifters is to have as high a total as possible in three lifts, namely, squat, deadlift, and bench press. A total is just the sum of a lifter's best single squat, best single deadlift, and best single bench press. (Power lifting competitions are almost never televised.) (2) The goal of Olympic lifters is to have the best single snatch and clean-and-jerk. (If you've ever watched a competition from the Olympics, you've seen Olympic lifters.)