Who's who, in the Zoo !!!

“A guide to knowing your weight training Sports”

By

RYAN ERASMUS

Anyone who frequents a Fitness Centre or Gymnasium will have heard the
terms Bodybuilder, Powerlifter and Weightlifter, but how many actually
know what these three distinctly different sports are? Surprisingly,
there are plenty of people, including those who work in the fitness
industry who don’t. Below is a short description of what these sports
are, and how they differ from one another.
Bodybuilders train to develop their muscles in order for them to be
judged on a stage based on the overall quality of their muscular
development. Judging is based upon the presentation of the following;
•       MASS
•       DEFINITION
•       PROPORTION
•       SYMMETRY
•       STAGE PRESENCE
While the ultimate goal of Bodybuilding is to win a competition, the
sport itself is comprised of months, if not years of dedicated
training. Athletes are large and muscular, and generally train
specific body groups on individual days. It is not uncommon for a
chest workout to include up to 8 separate exercises. The “Push/Pull”
principle is synonymous with Bodybuilding. They are also the masters
of Supplementation. Most will eat up to 8 times a day and use a
variety of supplemental products. If you have questions about diet,
eating or supplementation, you should defiantly talk to a Bodybuilder.

Powerlifting is a competitive sport comprised of THREE lifts: the
Squat, Dead-Lift and Bench Press. Athletes attempt a one repetition
max in all three disciplines with the winner being the athlete who
lifts the highest accumulative total of all three lifts. Athletes will
train specific “Brute Strength” exercises’ for these events.
Powerlifters are usually rather bulky individuals. These three lifts
are considered to be the “Essential Strength Training” Techniques.
•       SQUAT
•       DEAD-LIFT
•       BENCH PRESS

Weightlifting is the only one of the sports featured as an Olympic
Event. Hence, it often is referred to as Olympic Weightlifting, or
simply Olympic Lifts. Weightlifting consists of two lifts:
•       THE SNATCH,
The bar is lifted from the ground to directly overhead in one
movement, while either splitting or squatting under the bar
•       THE CLEAN & JERK
The bar is first lifted or cleaned to the shoulders and then Jerked
overhead while either splitting or squatting under the bar.
The winner will be the athlete who lifts the highest accumulative
total of both lifts combined.
Ironically when looking at the names of the three sports, it is
weightlifting that provides the highest amount of explosive strength
and power. Weightlifters will train specific variations of these two
lifts with the emphasis being on explosiveness and power. Most
professional athletes will incorporate Olympic weightlifting
techniques into their strength training schedules.

So, Bodybuilders have amazing physiques and an in depth knowledge of
Dieting and Supplementation. Powerlifters, have amazing brute strength
and physical presence. Finally, weightlifters are extremely compact
and powerful.

So next time you go to the gym, hopefully you will know “Who’s who in the Zoo”