Strongman training uses a variety of unusual equipment you wont find in your average commercial gym.
Whats the difference between powerlifting and just…lifting?
Powerlifting is a competitive sport that involves the barbell squat, bench press, and deadlift.
you’re able to do these exercises without considering yourself a powerlifter.
Theyre popular for building strength and muscle for any purpose.
Football players do them.
Instagram models do them.
So do millions of people who just want to be strong for general health and fitness reasons.
Since squats, bench presses, and deadlifts are all excellent strength builders, theyre worth learning.
What if youve been lifting, and youre curious about getting competitive?
Well, then its time to learn the details of whats allowed in competition and what isnt.
(For example, your squat has to hit a certain depth or it doesnt count.)
Youll want to do your gym lifts to competition standard, at least some of the time.
Finally, you may eventually want to change your training program to approach the lifts strategically.
What are the lifts?
There are three lifts you have to practice if you want to be a powerlifter.
Then you stand back up.
Weve gota post on all the details about the squatfor further reading.
Some things you should know about the powerlifting-style bench press:
You cant bounce the bar off your chest.
before you could push the bar up again.
you could, and should,arch your back.
Youll use your legs.
There are requirements about your body position.
Some things you might want to know about deadlifts in powerlifting:
Straps are not allowed in competition.
If you cant hold onto the bar, you wont get credit for the lift.
Souse a mixed or hook grip, and start working on your grip strength now.
Belts are frequently used here too, for the same reasons as in the squat.
What is a competition like?
I wrote aboutmy first (and, to date, only) powerlifting competition here.
Those lifts (your best of each) are added together to get your total.
Highest total within a weight class wins that weight class.
Yep, lifters are separated by body weight, so that tiny people arent competing directly against huge people.
There will be a weigh-in either the morning of the competition or the day before.
Your first attempt should be a safe number, something you 100% know you could make.
If you succeed, obviously you would ask for more on your next attempt.
In the typical flow, the bar starts with the lightest opening weight that anybody has asked for.
That person does their attempt, and then the loaders add weight for the next person.
How do I get started?
The first step is learning how to squat, bench, and deadlift.
For that reason, getting a powerlifting coach is going to be really helpful, as well.
