All About Weightlifting
Dear faithful Readers,
For those of you who may be glancing at this entry as you search for blogs about other sports (eating, for example), I have compiled a list of popular but incorrect myths about weightlifting. Yes, you're right, nothing exciting happened to me this week.
01. Weightlifters are ninjas.
False
Contrary to the beliefs of basically everyone I know and most of those whom I don't, a clean&jerk isn't the same as a left hook. I don't even know what a left hook is, although I'm sure it has something to do with the hand that makes the "L" shape. Weightlifting is not: boxing, karate, judo, taekwondo, jujutsu, or any form of martial arts I've omitted. Just because I can snatch your bodyweight doesn't mean I can beat you up or even have any inclination to do so. Yes, most weightlifters are terrifically well-rounded athletes who can probably outjump and outrun you, but the feigned fear of our supposed similarities to Bruce Lee was old fifteen stupid jokes ago. Of course, I can't really threaten you effectively unless you're an IWF-certified 15-kilo barbell, preferably Eleiko Werksan.
02. Weightlifting is synonymous with wrestling.
False
I'm always astonished by the frequency of this one. They don't even start with the same sound. Okay, they're the only two sports in the Olympics that begin with "w," but I don't see anyone confusing triathlon with table tennis. Both sports have weight classes, are very old, and usually compete indoors; but the similarities really stop there.
03. Weightlifting is simply the best sport in the Olympics.
False
It's also better than all non-Olympic sports (sorry, eating fans).
04. Weightlifters are snobs.
False
Okay, nevermind, that's true. But for good reason.
05. Weightlifting = benching
False
No.
06. Weightlifting and powerlifting are really just the same thing.
False
Psh. Powerlifting isn't even in the Olympics. We incorporate squats and deadlifts into our training to improve our actually athletic movements that take much more than grunts and brute strength. Also, powerlifters bench.
07. Weightlifters resemble their brothers in sport, body-builders.
False
It's true that weightlifters tend to be much better looking than athletes in other sports and that weightlifters can have very impressive muscular structures, but weightlifters' bodies are built to be functional, not cool to look at. In conclusion: just because we're beautiful doesn't mean that's what we set out to be. It's an enjoyable by-product.
08. All weightlifters are on steroids.
False
Only the ones who beat Americans.
It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood for once, so I'm off to the Lake to play frisbee.
Winsomely yours,
Natalie
Passage of the Week from the book I just finished:
"Some woman writes about how she's started a prayer chain for me. A spiritual pyramid scheme. As if you can gang up on God. Bully Him around. The fine line between praying and nagging."
(from Chuck Palahnuik's Choke)
Comments
Blog fodder:
Can you say more about the nature of the satisfaction you get out of lifting? Is it a matter of beating your competitors? Is it satisfaction at achieving a difficult task (those professional eaters accomplish something difficult if silly)? If you achived a personal best but no one ever saw it (say, in practice with Gichael's back turned) how would that affect the satisfaction you get? Is it a matter of gravitating to something you have a shot at being the best in? Perhaps you get satisfaction out of the structure and discipline it imposes on your life. Is it the solitary nature of the accomplishment that is attractive (no pesky teammates to rely on)? Are weightlifters typically loners? Is it the clarity of the task, you either lift it or you don't, no ambiguity? (I envy you that clarity.) If it is some admixture of the above, a "weight" function would be appreciated:) Maybe on another day you can tell us if there is a weightlifting subculture, and if so, what its norms, mores and special handshakes consist of.
Posted by: Kevin | March 13, 2008 11:53 PM