Introduction During training, a weightlifter`s body weight usually surpasses his or her category weight or the category weight is approached to ensure a high level training load. Problems have existed regarding weightlifters` ideal weights and some progress has been made regarding the underlying diagnostic basis. However, the criteria for ideal weight still confuse coaches, athletes and researchers due to of lack of a uniform standard. Consequently, this paper attempts to provide a better understanding of these issues by measuring several morphological and biochemical indices using elite weightlifters of China. Methods The test subjects included 67 elite weightlifters (39 females and 28 males) who were chosen from the Chinese National Weightlifting Team (Beijing) in 2004—2005. Statistics of the female subjects included mean age 21.8±2.9 years, with height 160.0±5.9cm and weight, 70.0±19.3kg. For men, the statistics included mean age 23.2±3.1 years, with height 163.4±8.4cm and weight, 77.1±17.8kg. At 6:00 am every Monday during the test period, the morphological and biochemical indices were measured under the condition of an empty stomach. The indices included weight, triceps skinfold, scapular skinfold, body density, body fat ratio, hemoglobin, red blood cell, white blood cell, blood urea, serum creatine phosphokinase, testosterone and cortisol levels. Results The weightlifters` body masses had changed during one training period which correlated to weight changes associated with changes of the athletes` competitive state. In the women`s 48—75kg weight category, bodyweights in daily training were 1.27—3.14kg heavier than their category weights and average body fat ratios were 18.03±2.80%. In the men`s 56—105kg weight category, bodyweights in daily training were 2.45—4.50kg heavier than category weights and their average body fat ratios were 13.92±4.50%. When the subjects` weight was within the ideal range, their training and physical function states showed changes alongside the implementation of a training plan in the period of precompetition. All biochemical indices measured were within an ideal range one week prior to the 10th National Games. Conclusions The ideal above-category weights of Chinese elite female weightlifters were 2—6% of their category weights, and the males, 3—7%. The ideal body fat ratios of Chinese elite female weightlifters should be maintained between 12% and 18%, and the males, 5 and 14%. To judge whether a weightlifter`s weight is ideal or not, his/her training and physical function states should also be monitored. This assessment would be more accurate if athletes` subjective psychological indices were also evaluated simultaneously. The criteria for a weightlifter`s ideal weight should include the ideal weight changing range, ideal body fat ratio, adequate training exercise state and normal change of physical function.
© Copyright 2008 2008 International Convention on Science, Education and Medicine in Sport: Proceedings, Vol. II. Veröffentlicht von People´s Sports Publishing House. Alle Rechte vorbehalten.