Weightlifting

Weightlifting classes focus entirely on strength training, using a variety of weights and lift types to build strength and power through activation and resistance. The exact equipment and lift types used depend on the exact discipline practised – e.g. kettlebell classes will typically focus on bodyweight movements with external load, powerlifting classes will focus on the squat, bench press, and deadlift with lower numbers of reps, and Olympic weightlifting will focus on the technique-driven snatch and clean and jerk. 

Though contents differ from class to class, you should always be led by an accredited instructor, and be encouraged to work within your ability level. In the case of Olympic lifting – particularly when implemented by CrossFit gyms – a practice round using non-weighted bars or sticks may be completed in order to consolidate class participants’ understanding of the lift and technique prior to working with weights. 

Orwell Fitness are proud to offer a highly popular Olympic weightlifting class led by British weightlifting accredited instructors, alongside weightlifting-focused personal training. To find out more, read above. 

Olympic weightlifting is arguably one of the oldest and most performed weightlifting disciplines, performed in homes, gyms, and competitions across the globe – most famously, of course, in the Olympics. This discipline places a strong focus on correct technique, and aims to build a robust foundation in explosive lifting using two primary lift types: the clean and jerk (during which the weight is moved from the floor to shoulder position, then into an extended position), and the snatch (during which the chosen weight is lifted in a single movement from the floor to an extended position).

Weightlifting is generally defined as a sport or activity in which barbells or other weights are lifted. In modern and competitive weightlifting, there are two standard lifts: the snatch (during which the chosen weight is lifted in a single movement from the floor to an extended position), and the clean and jerk (during which the weight is moved from the floor to shoulder position, then into an extended position).

There are a number of ways to train in weightlifting, including both personal training, and weightlifting classes. Orwell Fitness’ inclusive weightlifting class is designed to take your confidence, technique and skills on the barbell to the next level, with a particular focus on the snatch, and clean and jerk. Developed and delivered by British Weightlifting accredited coaches, our weightlifting offerings provide a safe, empowering, and driven environment in which our members are able to progress their lifting ability, strength, coordination, balance, speed and mobility with ease.

Weightlifting is known to provide a wide range of benefits including but not limited to:

• Improved Mobility

Weightlifting in any form requires and develops more mobility than you may believe! Its demanding movements demand not only power and strength, but a significant level of mobility and body awareness. Regular weightlifters can expect to experience notable improvements in their range of movement – boosting lifting abilities regardless of strength. 

• Improved Strength

By pushing their bodies and physical strength in explosive lifts, weightlifters truly challenge their entire bodies – working effectively to improve body composition, overall strength levels, and general lifting ability. 

• Better Performance

The benefits of weightlifting can be seen far away from the bench or mat. Outside of strength and power, weightlifting requires and therefore builds, a large set of underlying skills including speed, flexibility, and dexterity.

• Injury Prevention

A strong, sustainable technique is key to preventing both minor and major injuries in weightlifting. With regular training and improved technique comes a diminished chance of significant trauma or setbacks.

Weight training is a hugely popular element of many athletes gym regimes, daily workouts, and competitive lifestyles – offering a great balance to cardio-focused exercise, and building strength arguably more effectively than any other individual exercise. In fact, a huge number of people outside of competitive weightlifters benefit from this discipline – experiencing improved strength and power, an increased range of motion, and general improvement in mobility levels. The many positive effects of weightlifting can be felt both in and out of the gym – improving performance across both complex exercises, and simple home tasks. 

Orwell Fitness are proud to offer a highly popular Olympic weightlifting class led by British weightlifting accredited instructors, alongside weightlifting-focused personal training. To find out more, read above.

Weightlifting is generally defined as a sport or activity in which barbells or other weights are lifted. In modern and competitive weightlifting, there are two standard lifts: the snatch (during which the chosen weight is lifted in a single movement from the floor to an extended position), and the clean and jerk (during which the weight is moved from the floor knee level in a deadlift, dipped as the athlete squats and aligns the elbows to a front rack position, moving the bar to shoulder level, then pressed into an extended position overhead in multiple distinct movements).

The clean and jerk has no time restriction and is known to challenge several muscle groups in just a few movements, including the core, quads, back, glutes, and shoulders. It’s a highly popular technique in both Olympic weightlifting, and in CrossFit programmes.

The Olympic lifts are the primary movement types used to complete lifts within the Olympic weightlifting discipline – one of the oldest forms of weight training. They consist of two standard lifts: the snatch (during which the chosen weight is lifted in a single movement from the floor to an extended position), and the clean and jerk (during which the weight is moved from the floor knee level in a deadlift, dipped as the athlete squats and aligns the elbows to a front rack position, moving the bar to shoulder level, then pressed into an extended position overhead in multiple distinct movements).

Olympic lifts are generally completed outside of the rack using a straight barbell.  Their technique-focused nature makes them an excellent training option for both newcomers and experienced weightlifters alike. 

Powerlifting and Olympic weightlifting may seem like similar disciplines to those who have never tried them – but they really are quite different. Whilst powerlifting focuses on 3 main lifts (the squat, bench press, and deadlift). Olympic weightlifting focuses on two different lifts (the snatch and the clean and jerk).

Olympic weightlifting places a great deal of importance on technique and speed, whilst powerlifters prioritise raw strength. 

One discipline is not better than the other – but each does place importance on different factors, and operate within a different atmosphere. 

At Orwell Fitness, a number of our weightlifting coaches are experienced competitors in both Olympic weightlifting and powerlifting, however, we currently only offer Olympic weightlifting classes and personal training in line with our facilities. 

Weightlifting is a safe sport when trained and performed responsibly, and with correct form. Your gym, training facility, or coach should work to ensure their weightlifting training sessions operate as safely as possible. 

To ensure you’re training as safely and effectively as possible, particularly if you’re new to the weightlifting scene, our coaches highly recommend attending some weightlifting classes or booking in with a certified weightlifting trainer in order to establish your abilities, limits, and goals – in addition to perfecting your technique. 

Orwell Fitness are proud to offer a range of weightlifting training options, including group classes, open gym, and personal training. To discover more, read above.

Weightlifting, when performed safely and effectively, can be incredibly good for the body and mind. This popular, highly scalable exercise offers its participants a brilliant level of variety using just a few simple pieces of equipment – alongside a number of benefits including improved strength and body composition, muscle mass development, improved power, and increased mobility. These benefits can be experienced by individuals training at any level – from world-class competitors to average gymgoers. 

With this being said – working incorrectly with heavy weights can prove dangerous. In order to ensure weightlifting has a positive impact on your body and mind, it’s important to ensure that the lifts and exercises you perform are suited to your experience, ability, and strength levels in order to minimise the risk of injury. Coaching and group classes will assist in this.