What is Weightlifting?

The basic lifting of weights as a training activity predates many ancient societies.  The sport of Weightlifting gained significant prominence internationally when it was featured in the first Modern Olympic Games in Athens (1896).  According to the International Weightlifting Federation, Weightlifting is the only sport whose “history of world-wide competitions spans across three centuries.” 

The sport of Weightlifting involves two lifts, the snatch and the clean and jerk.  The snatch involves movement of the barbell from the floor to the overhead position in one movement. The clean and jerk involves movement of the barbell from the floor to the overhead position in two movements.  The first movement is the clean (barbell to the shoulders) and the second movement is the jerk (barbell to the overhead position).

Why Weightlifting?

There are several reasons to pursue Weightlifting.  First, Weightlifting is an effective means of training for classic American sports.  Second, Weightlifting is the best means of increasing explosiveness.  Third, Weightlifting provides a unique opportunity to compete nationally and internationally.

Training for American Sports (SPORT PERFORMANCE)

Football, basketball, soccer, softball, baseball, volleyball, wrestling and track and field are considered to be some of the more popular American sports.  Although each sport is unique, several common characteristics can be identified.  First, each of these sports is considered to be an anaerobic sport.  That is, the ability to move quickly and explosively will improve the likelihood of success.  Second, each sport involves “triple extension” of the lower body.

Triple extension is the straightening of the hip, knee and ankle joints and can be observed during sprinting, jumping, batting, wrestling and tackling.  This same movement can be observed during both the snatch and clean and jerk movements.  The bottom line is that in order to maximize improvement in sport ability, the training movements should mimic the most important movements that occur in the sport. 

BOTTOM LINE: No other training methodology develops the “triple extension” better than Weightlifting.

Explosiveness

Explosiveness is a difficult term to define.  Simply put, it is the ability to generate force at high velocities.  Although strength (the ability to generate force) is an important component, strength alone does not make an athlete better.  It is the generation of force in a very short period of time that improves running speed, jumping ability, agility and overall explosiveness. 

Research demonstrates that the best way to improve explosiveness is to generate great amounts of power output while training.  Power is calculated by taking into consideration both force and the speed of the movement.  The greatest power outputs that have ever been recorded are during the Weightlifting movements.

BOTTOM LINE: No other training method can improve explosiveness better than Weightlifting.

Unique Opportunity 

Compared to other club sports, the sport of Weightlifting is very under represented.  With top level coaching and hard work, most youth have a legitimate opportunity to compete at a regional, national or international level.  Coach Jianping Ma has coached numerous champions at each competitive level.  He is extremely excited to begin the development of champions in the Cedar Valley. 

BOTTOM LINE: No other sport may have greater opportunities for recognized achievement than Weightlifting. 

Programs

Junior Weightlifting Program: Children ages 10-18 are eligible to participate in the Junior Weightlifting Program.  Activities include a weightlifting specific warm-up, performance of the proper Weightlifting movements (snatch, clean and jerk) and supplementary exercises such as partial weightlifting movements, squats, presses, pulls and core exercises.  Exposure to basic Weightlifting techniques, flexibility training and general strength development can be expected in this program.
Elite Weightlifting Program: Children ages 10-18 and adults who have the desire and the physical potential to compete at a Regional, National and/or International level are eligible to participate in the Elite Weightlifting Program.  Exposure to advanced Weightlifting techniques; greater training intensities, more complex periodization strategies and aggressive development of flexibility, strength and power can be expected in this program.