I
do not doubt that, in spite of the aforementioned, most people perceive women's
weightlifting as a rather dangerous job. Apropos of this, we can observe that
there exists other sport in which the momentary strength resistance is
considerably higher than in weightlifting. Such examples can be found in the
track and field athletics - jumping, throwing, running 100m, acrobatics,
gymnastics, rowing etc. It is also important that the technique of the
competitive and auxiliary exercises in the weightlifting sport provide the
possibility for muscles and parts of the body under power strain to work in a
most convenient position, favorable from a biomechanical point of view. At the
same time power strain in a number of sports involves unfavorable position of
body parts, twisting of the joints and unfavorable impact on woman's internal
organs.
The
highest power strain developed in the weightlifting sport can reach up 165% of
the amount of the lifted weight -at the moment of the maximum effort in the
second pull. The heaviest weight lifted by a woman so far is the achievement of
Karyn Tartner (USA) in the clean and jerk-137.5kg, hence the maximum power
strain could have been (theoretically) 226.9kg Though not knowing K. Tartner's
exact bodyweight we are sure that she achieved this result in the 82.5kg
bodyweight category. An acrobat (woman) who is doing a double back somersault
develops power that is 5-6 times bigger than her own bodyweight. If we assume
that she weighs 50kg, then the maximum power strain will vary from 250 to 300kg.
The
power strain in weightlifting sport observed with women is considerably lower
than the power strain involved in many disciplines defined as women's.
Certainly
the results achieved by women weightlifters will grow higher from now on, with
the application of correctly designed methods, however weightlifting is not
dangerous; even more it can become a very good vehicle to obtain physical and
health strengthening of women.
Through
the symmetrical loading of all muscle groups of the body, weightlifting can
contribute to the building of strong, well-shaped and proportionate athletic
figure, it can strengthen the joints and improve the physiological functions the
body.
This
determines the great merits of, and respect to, those who have already begun and
whom we speak of as pioneers: those who have turned over a new page in the
development of our sport.
Lifting
during the menstruation period
Complete
interruption of workouts during the menstruation period is not recommended. It
is normal to reduce the loading, however, exercises are to be continued,
provided the menstruation takes its normal course and no gynecological changes
occur. Certain physical exercises even ease the indisposition usually felt by
women in this part of the cycle. Weight training normally increases the blood
flow in the abdominal and pelvis areas and could cause prolonged bleeding and
injury to the whole cycle. That is why light training is recommended, arms to be
trained by lighter weights at a lying position.
However,
menstruation has a considerable impact on working capacity of women (especially
strength resistance). Though certain authors assert that the working capacity
during the menstruation period is not reduced (A. B. Handelsmann,K. M. Smirnov,
1963, H. Noak, K. Tittel 1955 etc.) the following regularity can be observed:
the working capacity curve is lowest, during the premenstruation period end the
first menstruation days.
It
is desirable that each workout ends with relaxation exercises.
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Then
it goes upwards to reach its peak in the first days of the postmenstrustion
period (S. A. Jagunov, L. N. Stattzeva). Our work with competitive women
athletes in the weightlifting, swimming, track and field athletics, tennis,
fencing and rowing doing weight training showed that the approach to women
athletes working to capacity during the menstruation is quite individual. Within
the competing experience of sportswomen we came upon some cases in which their
motivation placed them in such a position that in spite of the side effects of
menstruation they achieved results higher than their personal records.
Regardless of these cases, however, most women, athletes included, consider
menstruation as an obstacle to their preparation and participation in contests. |