Olympic Weightlifting - Background and benefits

Olympic Weightlifting is a sport that requires high levels of strength and skill. Becoming proficient demands commitment, quality practice and a dedication to continually set goals and evaluate progress along the way.

Mastering the lifts requires proper training and supervision, and it’s crucial for beginners to seek appropriate guidance before attempting them. As the UK's recognised Governing Body for weightlifting and para powerlifting, British Weight Lifting are here to help you achieve your weightlifting goals, whether that be at your local gym, or on the international stage.

History of Olympic Weightlifting

The pursuit of lifting heavy weights is a timeless endeavour, with roots tracing back to ancient Greece and Egypt. These early forms of weightlifting were integral to military training, religious rituals, and public displays of strength.

The modern incarnation of Olympic weightlifting debuted at the 1896 Athens Olympics and has evolved significantly since. Today, the sport centres around two primary lifts: the snatch and the clean and jerk. Governed by the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF), competitions worldwide adhere to standardised rules and regulations. Derivatives of the Olympic lifts are commonly performed in different training settings, most notably in functional fitness training settings, where performance of the snatch, clean and jerk movements make up regular workouts. 

Why perform the Olympic lifts?

Performing Olympic lifts can offer numerous benefits, including: Increasing motor skill competence

• Increasing strength, power and mobility
• Enhancing bone mineral density
• Increase in fat free mass
• Increase confidence, self-efficacy and self-worth
• Positive transfer to other sport activities (improving sprint and jumping ability)
• Helping to reduce sport and physical activity injury risk

There is also the benefit that individuals can set self-referenced goals based on their stage of development and current level of fitness. On this basis, everyone’s progress can be celebrated whether they are lifting 20kg or 200kg. There are not many other sports that allow for the combining of participants at different levels of ability in this way.

Key point: When practiced and performed with an effective technique, the Olympic lifts carry a low risk of injury, making them a safe and effective option for enhancing physical fitness.

British Weight Lifting Courses

At British Weight Lifting, we offer a variety of industry-recognised courses designed for different aspects of Olympic weightlifting and strength training. You don't need to be a member to attend, but a membership offers discounts on our courses. We partner with Focus Awards, a regulated awarding body, to accredit our qualifications.

Coaching Pathway - Olympic Weightlifting

Our coaching pathway provides the only qualifications recognised for our exclusive coach licence scheme, integrating the official BWL Technical Models.

For more information on our coaching courses, including the course module breakdown, prices, and booking, click here.

Coaching Pathway - Strength Training

If you're looking to expand your strength training knowledge and skills, especially as a Personal Trainer, CrossFit Coach, or Strength & Conditioning Coach, this pathway is ideal for you.

For more information on our strength training coaching courses, including the course module breakdown, prices, and booking, click here.

My Lifting Pathway

We offer courses designed to help you improve your lifting technique and performance, taught by the best educators and coaches in the sport. Become a fitter, stronger, and more effective athlete.

For more information on our My Lifting Courses, including modules, prices, and booking, click here.

Technical Officials Pathway - Olympic Weightlifting

Technical officials are essential to our sport and competitions. They serve as referees who adjudicate lifts, speakers who drive competitions, and marshals who manage teams and lifters.

For more information on our Technical Official Courses, including modules, prices, and booking, click here.