Records are concepts that apply to professional competitions or personal evolution, but in both cases there is something motivational about them. In the much wider sense of weightlifting contests, records are meant to stimulate every athlete to perform better in his or her category. Moreover, the idea of absolute strength corresponds to the same tendency to set weightlifting records as an athlete keeps trying to lift more and more weight. Calculations per sports category matter for the expression of weightlifting records, but they also serve for other purposes too. Based on these ratings, formulas are further used to determine the weightlifters' strength level.

The speed is relevant for the execution and the performance of the exercises. Not only the weights but also the capacity to keep the barbell in the lifted position for as long as possible is also highly important. The official weightlifting records are kept by special organizations and anyone interested can check the archives and find out the details of one competition or another. Olympic weightlifting records are by far held in the highest esteem, although we should also refer to the importance of personal records too.

The peaks of force training can be identified and analyzed based on personal training logs. All beginners start from a standard level, but mass building evolution is different from case to case. Some weightlifters improve physical condition sooner than others. Personal world weightlifting records can best reveal the progress made and the time in between results. The very purpose of bodybuilding is to enhance strength, grow more muscles and help one enjoy a great body shape. The objective analysis of the success is not possible unless personal weightlifting records are taken seriously.

Don't forget the fact that weight training is just one part of a complex muscle growth process. Lifestyle, diet, rest and overall program play a role in physical development. Weightlifting records have no purpose in particular unless you take them for future reference and as a means to stimulate your personal evolution. An alarm bell should ring for anyone who tries to achieve great muscle mass fast and chaotically. In the absence of a clear technique, approach or bodybuilding program, the weightlifting records have little significance in themselves, and can merely point to the existence of some mistakes in training.