The plates are the same size, but the Olympic weight plates have a larger diameter than the standard one. The Olympic weight plates are also made of cast iron and weigh more than the standard weight plate. In order to compete in the Olympic Weightlifting events at the Olympics, men and women must have a Total result of at least 400 kg, or total of two lifts at least 8 times their bodyweight. The snatch will be lifted three times while the clean and jerk is lifted once. This equates to a total of approximately 2% of the lifter's bodyweight (or if they are male and female 30% of their bodyweight). In general, male weightlifters are about 60% stronger in absolute strength than female weightlifters. Weightlifting has been a part of modern Olympics since its inception in 1896. In 1896 and 1900, weightlifting competitions were event within the "All-Around" category. Since 1904, weightlifting has been a sport with its own category. The International Weightlifting Federation was founded in 1905 and it has been the governing body of Olympic Weightlifting since 1988. The IWF is responsible for recording all results, and setting guidelines for the competition. 
There are two types of competition in which weightlifters participate: the snatch, and the clean and jerk. Both are compound exercises that use similar mechanics but differ depending on whether one is performing them as separate lifts or in combination (the clean and jerk). Olympic weightlifting is called "Snatch" and "C&J". The lifter grabs the barbell with an overhand grip that is beyond shoulder width. They pull the weighted bar in a vertical line, slightly diagonally upwards, until their arms are fully locked, while they are in a deep squat position. The best results with the snatch is to receive the bar in a high position on the neck or collar bone and then lower it down below the knee. Next, the athlete must stand up from this deep squat position in one motion of lifting under and standing up without rotating their body or raising their feet. The weight is then quickly dropped back down to the lifter's hips in a deep squat position to receive the jerk. The jerk is a quick raising of the barbell from below waist level by extending both legs and pushing with the arms. The bar will be overhead, arms extended, with feet flat on the floor for just two seconds in order for it to count as a successful lift. At first glance, it is easy to mistake weightlifting for bodybuilding because of its use of weights and its emphasis on muscularity. 
Weight plate
Weight plates are typically made of metal, plastic, or rubber and are used by weightlifters to add weight to a barbell. A weight plate is a flat circular object with a hole in the center that is used to increase the total weight of an Olympic barbell set. Weight plates are usually made of metal, plastic, or rubber and come in various sizes ranging from 2.5 pounds to 45 pounds (1 kg). They are often secured to the bar by clips on either side. The size and shape of a weight plate can vary depending on its intended use. For example, bumper plates have handles for easier lifting and dropping over the head during overhead lifts such as snatches; these types of plates also have raised edges around the hole so that they do not slide off from the bar when dropped. Competition plates are larger, have a smooth bottom to prevent slipping in the hands and are used for general overhead lifting; competition plates usually weigh in at 35 pounds or more. Lifting straps, also known as weightlifting straps, are used by weightlifters to lift the weights of an Olympic barbell set. They can be made of varying lengths and different materials such as leather or webbing. Some weightlifting straps are designed with a fixed length, while others allow the weightlifter to adjust the length from a shorter size to a longer one. 
The use of weightlifting straps is controversial, with some coaches claiming that they can be used as a form of assistance to the lift; others argue that this constitutes as a violation of the rules. The use of straps is not forbidden in competition, but it is seen as unsportsmanlike when they are used to help finish a lift at maximum weight. Weight plates can be weighted in two different ways. Bumper plates are inserted into the holes of an Olympic barbell set and secured by clips or collars on both ends. Once a weight plate is inserted into the barbell, it will not move on its own due to the rubber bumpers around the outside edge of it. Weight plates are sometimes also made in a drape form that are held by collars or rings on both ends. Weight plate collars are typically used for non-powerlifting events such as the bench press or bent-over rows; these collars can be set up so that the plates drop into a bucket when not being used, but are still secured to an Olympic barbell set. In most weightlifting competitions, lifters will have access to either two 45 pound (1.5 kg) or three 10 pound (0.4 kg) plates. 
Standard weight plate
A standard weight plate is a weight plate used for resistance training. They are made of metal, usually steel or iron, and come in various weights. The most common form of standard weight plates are circular plates. The use of standard weight plates is to increase the difficulty of exercises by adding or subtracting them from the barbell or dumbbell to make the exercise more challenging. Standard weight plates can be used in many ways and in many different exercises. Some exercises involve holding a standard weight plate tight against the chest, shoulders or arms while the knees are bent. This motion is similar to a reverse curl. These exercises include push press, overhead press and overhead triceps extensions. Exercises that use standard weight plates include barbell curls with wrist straps, barbell biceps curls, hammer curls and dumbbell curls. In these exercises the standard weight plate is held close to the chest and pushed up as far as possible using palms or arms for support. Lifting with a deadlift requires use of both hands to lift the weight off the ground before lowering it again. The standard weight plate is used in this exercise as a support for weight lifting. By holding the plate against the legs or hips, a barbell can be raised to perform a deadlift. 
In order to make an exercise more difficult, standard weight plates are added to the barbell or dumbbell. These exercises include dumbbell bench presses, dumbbell curls, dumbbell tri-lateral raises and neutral grip bench presses. A variation of the special deadlift consists of using large plates instead of undefeatable plates; however, because using large plates makes it harder for weak lifters to lift the same amount of weight, this is not recommended in training beginners or those overtraining. The use of standard weight plates is a useful method of increasing the difficulty of exercises and allowing for slow increases in weight. Standard weight plates are commonly used in CrossFit training to increase the difficulty of exercise by adding or subtracting them from the barbell or dumbbell. Many exercises require holding standard weight plates tight against the chest, shoulders or triceps while the knees are bent. These include push press, overhead press and overhead triceps extensions. Exercises that use standard weight plate include barbell curls with wrist straps, barbell biceps curls, hammer curls and dumbbell curls. In these exercises the standard weight plate is held close to the chest and pushed up as far as possible using palms or arms for support. 
Olympic weight plate
The Olympic weight plate is a type of weight plate used to increase the weight of a barbell. It is designed to be used with Olympic bars and weights. The plates are usually made from cast iron, steel or rubber and can be bought in different weights. They are available in different sizes and in a variety of surface finishes. The diameter of the hole in which they are placed to secure them on the bar can also vary, depending on the model or brand. These weight plates are often used as part of an exercise routine, such as resistance training. Many models, but not all of them, have holes at each end for securing the weights to the barbell. There are several different types of weight plates being sold online through various websites and even from retail stores around the world: cast iron weight plates and rubber weight plates. One of the best known models of weight plates is the Olympic Weight Plates. These plates are generally made up of steel, although they are also available in rubber. The standard O-shape weight plate is made up of two discs, with a center hole at each end. They are usually used with barbells that have either a collars or sleeves for grip aids. 
Olympic plates, sometimes called "deadlift" plates or "squat" plates (for their use during squats), are designed to be used in powerlifting exercises, such as front squats and overhead squats and deadlifts. Another common type of weight plate is the rubber weight plate. This is a special kind of weight plate that may or may not be used with barbells. Rubber weight plates are often used during bodybuilding exercises, such as bicep curls and lunges. They are also often used in powerlifting exercises, such as bench presses and squats. Police officers, firefighters and other people working in rescue services also use weight plates to strengthen their upper arms, especially during take-down maneuvers or while dragging an injured person on a stretcher. Indoor climbers or outdoor rock climbers use these plates to add resistance to their climbing routines by hanging them on their harnesses or around their waists.