Weight Class Meaning in Weightlifting

A weight class is a specific body weight category that groups similar sized athletes together for fair competition. This system prevents a very large person from having an unfair advantage over a much smaller person. Weightlifting has several standard classes for men and women ranging from very light to super heavyweight. Athletes often choose a class where they can be as strong as possible while remaining lean. A woman competes in the fifty nine kilogram class because her body weight is fifty eight. This organization allows for multiple sets of medals to be awarded across the different size ranges. Coaches help athletes manage their diet to ensure they stay within the limits of their class.