The central physical exercise in Olympic weightlifting is the snatch and the clean and jerk. These two lifts require a combination of strength, speed, flexibility, and technique. In the snatch, the barbell is lifted from the ground to overhead in one continuous movement. The clean and jerk involves two stages: lifting the barbell to the shoulders and then pressing it overhead. Both lifts are crucial in developing power and core strength, foundational elements for successful weightlifters.