Beginner’s Guide to Weightlifting

Athlete performing a weightlifting move

Wondering how to start weightlifting? It might look pretty cool to see someone lift a weighted barbell overhead, but where do you begin? In our beginner’s guide – we’ll cover everything you need to know before strapping on your first pair of weightlifting shoes and getting started.

Fastlift Power sketch


What is weightlifting?

Weightlifting can be traced back to prehistoric times, when our ancestors proved their status by lifting special rocks. These days, things are a lot simpler, but the basic idea remains the same: any type of training where weights are used for added resistance is often deemed weightlifting.

There are 3 recognised types of weightlifting:

Olympic weightlifting – where athletes lift a weighted barbell over their head, using either the snatch or clean-and-jerk movements. Olympic weightlifting is often referred to simply as weightlifting.

Powerlifting – where athletes perform three types of barbell lift: the squat, bench press, and deadlift. As with Olympic weightlifting, these are single-lift efforts for maximum weight.

Weight training – where athletes use various types of weights (dumbbells barbells, and weight machines) to perform a series of repetitions (reps) or sets. Often using varying weights to achieve their desired increases in strength, endurance, and size.


Fastlift Power Powerheel


How do I start weightlifting?

Impressed by someone powerlifting in the gym and keen to see how much you can lift? Hold right up. Unless you’ve got some experience lifting in the past and are under the guidance of a certified coach, we’d recommend you start by following these steps:
  • Start light – it’s important to build up gradually
  • Perfect your form – improper technique can cause injury, so getting your form and technique right first is crucial.
  • Get a coach - work with a coach to help you achieve the correct form and who can offer a personalised weight training program to help you maximise your gains.
  • Warm up and cool down – you’ll be putting your body under enormous strain, a good warm up and cool down helps minimise strains and injury.
  • Use a spotter – If you’ve started to increase the weight and are lifting heavy, find a reliable spotter to help you in the gym.


Fastlift Power Powerheel


And what about the gear?

You’ve seen the big weightlifting belts, knee wraps and specialised weightlifting shoes? Do you need them to begin weightlifting? You’ll be relieved to know that, for someone starting out in weightlifting, the answer is no. You will start by lifting lighter weights, so your gym clothes and a good set of cross training shoes will do the trick initially. However, if you’re keen to get a step ahead fast – a pair of our FASTLIFT lightweight lifting shoes will help benefit your form and performance right from the get-go. Once you start lifting heavier, speak to your coach about implementing the use of equipment such as belts and knee wraps.


Fastlift Weightlifting shoes


Read more on the blog:

* Master the Dumbbell Overhead Press with Rob Kearney
* Behind the design of the FASTLIFT POWER G 380
* How to deadlift - Rob Kearney's Top Tips




FASTLIFT POWER G 380