The strength-based sport of lifting weights is also referred to as powerlifting. A version of this sport, Olympic weightlifting, is a regular part of the summer Olympic Games.

While the goal of powerlifting competitions is the lifting of weights themselves, weightlifting is used as an end to achieve different goals in weight training, a type of exercise using weights to increase muscle strength, and specifically in bodybuilding, a form of body modification for aesthetic reasons. Although bodybuilding has been closely associated with weightlifting, it is possible to engage in a bodybuilding training regimen using exercises or equipment other than weights.