How should lifters prepare for their lifts in terms of safety?

Lifters should prioritize being familiar with the lifting commands as part of their preparation for a lift because understanding the commands ensures they know exactly when to execute their movements and how to respond during their lifts. This knowledge is crucial for safety and performance, as missing a command could lead to unintended errors, resulting in disqualification or increased injury risk.

Having a clear understanding of commands also contributes to an organized lifting environment, where lifters can anticipate what to expect from the referee and feel more confident in their performance. Proper command awareness helps facilitate smoother communication between the lifter and the officials, which is essential during competitions.

In contrast, training with heavier weights than normal, performing high repetitions without breaks, or skipping warm-ups all carry significant risks. These practices can increase the likelihood of injury or result in inadequate physical preparation for the demands of competition. Prioritizing familiarity with lifting commands directly aligns with enhancing both safety and performance.