While used generically for many barbell and strength-training movements, weightlifting is actually an Olympic sport that includes just two lifts: the snatch and the clean & jerk.
The payoff in fitness for practicing and performing the Olympic lifts is significant. They’ll help you become stronger, faster, more powerful, more coordinated, more flexible, and improve your overall balance. Due to their technical nature, the snatch and clean & jerk take some time to truly appreciate.
Whether you’re a novice, intermediate, or advanced lifter, the key to improving the Olympic lifts is getting better at the basics. Movement quality is of much greater importance than the weight on the bar. Be safe, be consistent, be patient, be relentless and remember to have fun!