One of the best things about my job is being able to meet and talk to people who enjoy competing. Bring me coffee and I will talk to you for hours. ha!
Over the last several months I've had people ask me questions regarding the sport of weightlifting and what training looks like for me.
Here are some of the repeat questions:
You only practice the snatch and clean & jerk?
Why are there so many rules in weightlifting?
You Only Practice the Snatch and Clean & Jerk?
My training sessions vary. When I go to my gym...I am student. I do whatever my coach tells me to do. Haven't trained in other gyms that are dedicated only to weightlifting. But I am going to assume, very much like the gym I train in, the weightlifters listen to their coaches.
Most days I work on either the snatch, clean or jerk. Mostly working off the pads (weightlifting blocks) with a focus on technique/form of course. Sets, reps, how I heavy I go will vary as well. In addition, I may do snatch pulls, cleans pulls, presses, squats... LOTS of accessory work. On any given day, a training session may last up 2.5 hours.
Why are there so many rules?
Why are the plates in kilos?
Why can't you walk in front a lifter while they are taking a set?
Why is it frowned upon if you curse on a weightlifting platform while competing?
Why are people required to wear a singlet when competing in a sanctioned weightlifting meet?
I have been weightlifting for little over a year (newbie) and I learned pretty quickly that weightlifting gyms and the sport itself has its own set of rules and unwritten rules that weightlifters follow. It's pretty simple.
Golf: You do not talk while someone is ready to take a swing. (You'd probably get a club to the head.)
Jujutsu: Don't walk on the mats with your shoes or flip flops on. (For sure a kick to the head for this one.)
Baseball: Some would say walking on the pitchers mound is a bad idea. Infielders should go around it, rather than walking over it. (Eh, maybe a baseball to the head.)
Weightlifting: While I'm on the platform don't tell me what your plans are for the weekend or what you are cooking for dinner later. (Guaranteed 10 kilo plate to the head). Just kidding...but not.
I think you get the idea.
All sports have their set of rules and common practice.
Do you enjoy weightlifting?
Not a question I am asked often.
I love it. I love it more than coffee.
