What is the difference between bodybuilding, powerlifting and weightlifting?
Over the past 20 years, the traditional uses of strength training and weight training in fitness and competition-terms that had one meaning-have changed. Weight training is increasingly used as a means of promoting health - for weight loss, for the prevention of osteoporosis, to increase strength, agility and mobility in old age, for general physical fitness. Weights are even offered as a treatment for various established diseases, such as diabetes, arthritis, Parkinson's disease, and many others.
The old, established forms of weight training with weights are still very popular and include
* Bodybuilding
* Olympic Weightlifting
· Powerlifting
Strength training and fitness
Most people train with weights to improve their health, fitness, and appearance, as well as to prepare for athletic competitions.
* Type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, arthritis, and heart and lung diseases.
* Fat burning, weight control, and body shaping for health and appearance.
* Fitness to participate in other activities, such as sports and the military
* General physical fitness, including strength, balance, aerobic fitness, blood glucose, blood pressure, cholesterol, and bone density control, as well as psychological well-being.
Strength training in sports
Improving athletic performance by developing strength, power, and agility is the goal of strength training for various sports. The best programs to achieve this goal are widely discussed. Some coaches prefer exercises that mimic the actions of a sport, while others focus on developing overall strength as the foundation on which results will be improved.
For example, performing one-leg squats for training in a cyclical sprint reminds us that cycling often uses the strength of only one leg, alternating between them. However, a trainer who prefers general strength and power training may not find such specific limb training necessary.
Bodybuilding
Bodybuilding is not only a hobby, but also a sport. Bodybuilders competing in competitions develop extremely muscular bodies, and some compete for recognition in official championships. Their bodies are characterized by extremely low levels of body fat and large muscle size and shape.
Bodybuilders use a wider range of exercises, including free and machine weights, than any other disciplines, because they need to develop even smaller muscles to improve body performance. It is worth saying that bodybuilders focus more on muscle size and body features than on actual strength.
Bodybuilders usually don't have much experience with powerlifters or Olympians. However, they are more familiar with the health and nutrition issues inherent in general fitness and health training. Nutrition aspects play a leading role in bodybuilding training programs, especially with regard to achieving a low percentage of body fat.
Powerlifting
Powerlifters compete to see who can lift the heaviest weight in just three exercises:
* Bench press-pushing the bar up while lying on the bench.
* Deadlift-lifting the bar from the floor.
* Squats - squatting or on full feet with a barbell on the shoulders.
Powerlifters don't usually switch to Olympic weightlifting - at least not while they're competing in powerlifting. Technology and culture differ significantly.
Olympic Weightlifting
Olympic athletes do only two exercises in competition: lifting the bar with a push and from a squat, although the training exercises consist of a much larger number of exercises. Each of them is high-tech and requires a lot of practice and training.
Unlike competitive bodybuilders, who must gain as little fat as possible to release muscle, weightlifters carry more fat - 10 to 15% of their body weight. It does no harm and can give an advantage to their sport. Powerlifters are probably somewhere in the middle when it comes to body fat.
Where do they train
Most gyms and health clubs have facilities for weight training with free weights and exercise machines. Performing Olympic exercises with light weights is also possible if there is enough space.
For serious professional powerlifting and Olympic athletics, where very heavy weights are required, specialized studios are best suited, taking into account the necessary safety measures, including teams of insurers.
Culture Wars
On Internet forums, there are often heated discussions and disagreements between bodybuilders, powerlifters and weightlifters. However, they all contribute in one way or another to the rich culture of weight training, while the more astute trainers use techniques and tips from all disciplines.
Understanding the different approaches and requirements for these sports can be useful when setting goals for weight training. Just starting a weight training session? Start with the basics to get started, and then move on to more complex exercises.
