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Climbing Rope Handling DVD - Knots and more...

6 highly experienced climb leaders from the Seattle Mountaineers teach you the basics of knot-tying and rope handling, including belaying, rappelling, fallen climber tie-off and z-pulley. Learn more

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Wilderness Sports > Strength Sport Training

Strength Sport Training

There are three primary strength sports, Powerlifting, Strongman and Olympic Weightlifting. All three require very different types of strength and technique. More information about each sport is listed below.

Powerlifting

Powerlifting consists of three separate lifts: the squat, bench press and deadlift. In meets people are grouped into weight classes where they compete against people of similar weight. Each lifter is allowed 3 attempts in each lift to lift the most weight they can. In order for a lift to be considered "good," at least two of three judges must agree that it was a "good" lift, meeting all the rules of the powerlifting competition for that lift.

Strongman

Strongman competitions consist of several tasks that must be done under specific circumstances. Typical events of a competition might be flipping a truck tire a certain distance for speed, pressing a log overhead for maximum reps, farmer's carry of two heavy implements a certain distance for speed, or lifting a large, heavy stone to platforms of different heights for time. Points are awarded in each event based on placing and the one with the most points at the end is the winner.

Olympic Weightlifting

The term weight lifting refers to anyone who participates in lifting weights, whether by using free weights, machines, bodyweight as resistance, or lifting objects such as trees, kegs, etc. Weightlifters (as one word) are people engaged specifically in Olympic Style lifting which consists of two lifts: the Snatch and the Clean and Jerk. The Snatch (right) is known as the fastest lift and involves pulling a substantial weight off the floor and over head in one smooth move, catching it in a full squat position and standing back up with arms straight over head. It's one of the most difficult lifts to master in terms of technique. The Clean and Jerk (left) is known as the most powerful lift and is done in two parts, the clean (lifting bar up to chest) and jerk (pressing up over head smoothly while quickly splitting legs forward and back.)