Competitive weightlifting machine and methods for using the same

A competitive weightlifting system for tracking and comparing weightlifting performance of a user with weightlifting performances of other users, the system comprising:

• a. a frame including a rack for a lift bar and having a plurality of sensors positioned thereon operable to determine a position of the lift bar as said user moves said lift bar during said weightlifting performance;
• b. a controller in electronic communication with said plurality of sensors and operable to identify positions of said lift bar during said weightlifting performance and generate positional data based on data from said plurality of sensors;
• and
• c. a user interface operable to allow said user to create a user account and sign into said user account prior to said weightlifting performance, wherein said controller collects said data from said weightlifting performance and stores said data in a memory, wherein said user interface is operable to display information regarding said weightlifting performances of said other users for competitive comparison of said weightlifting performance of said user and with said weightlifting performances of said other users.