Powerlifting

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Powerlifting News

Best Powerlifting Programs

These powerlifting program will help you to to improve your one rep max in the squat, bench press, and deadlift. 

Exclusive Interviews

What is Powerlifting

Powerlifter Movements
Squat by Kirk Karwoski, Jim Williams doing Bench Press, and Benedikt Magnusson doing Deadlift (left to right).

Powerlifting is a strength sport that involves performing three main lifts: squat, bench press, and deadlift. There are multiple weight classes and athletes have three attempts at each lift depending on the individual and organization; in an effort to achieve the highest total possible.

And this is what distinguishes it from other sports that may utilize the same tools but training and competition has its uniqueness. The workouts are heavy and utilize low reps to build maximum strength.

There are equipped and un-equipped (Raw and Classic) competitions which means athletes can use supportive gear like shirts and suits, while knee wraps, shoes, belts, etc aren’t considered when differentiating between requirements in both categories.

But powerlifting is a global sport which is becoming increasingly more popular with many incredible performances witnessed every year from some of the very best competitors around the world; which has no doubt spurred the huge following and more lifters are even beginning to adopt this style of training.

It’s an exciting time to be a powerlifter and the fact that the many athletes which we often follow throughout the year are really pushing human capabilities to an incredible level is simply mind-blowing; which is why we enjoy covering the current events happening in the world of powerlifting.

Powerlifting Federations

With so many (IPF, SPF, USPA and others) to choose from, selecting a powerlifting federation can be challenging. However, it’s crucial that you choose the right one for you, check out the Federation Recommendations for every type of powerlifter here.

Understanding Powerlifting Weight Classes

Powerlifting is a weight class strength sport. In order to maximize your chances of success, it is imperative that you compete at the right class. Learn more about Powerlifting Weight Classes.

Powerlifting Tools

Key Movements

Back Squat

The ‘back squat’ is the lift of choice for powerlifting competition which also precedes the bench press and deadlift. Now, there are two variations of the back squat that are typically performed which are the high-bar and low-bar squat.

The high bar squat is when the bar rests on the trapezius muscles of the neck while the low-bar squat involves placing the bar a few inches lower on the rear-deltoid. The higher the bar on the neck, the more quad dominant the movement. But the lower the bar, the more your hips are involved in the movement. 

Although, any squat variation will involve your quads and hips. But different lifters will utilize their own unique technique which will allow them to perform the movement most efficiently.

Read also: Average Squat By Weight, Gender, and Experience Level

Bench Press

Up next is the bench press which is the ultimate test for determining pressing strength. Now, many lifters may not be as proficient in this movement as they are pound for pound with the squat and deadlift. But it’s still just as important when it comes to achieving a competitive total.

And yes, the bench press is a more complex lift when it comes to competition but more perfect practice will ensure more consistent performance.

Read also: Average Bench Press By Age, Weight, Gender, and Experience Level

Deadlift 

And lastly, the deadlift. It’s a full-body lift that requires your upper and lower body to work together in order to drive upward and pull as much weight as the human body is capable of. 

There are also several different ways to execute this movement due to the many body types so hand and feet placement will vary between individuals. But it’ll serve any competitive lifter very well to get the deadlift down pat for maximal numbers.

Read also: Average Deadlift By Weight, Gender, and Experience Level

Top Powerlifting Athletes