Benefits of Powerlifting
This article is a guide to the benefits of powerlifting and why you should consider participating in this sport.
What is Competitive Powerlifting Anyways?
Competitive powerlifting is a strength sport testing your maximal strength levels in the back squat, bench press and deadlift. You will have three attempts for each lift. You will be compared to lifters of your similar age, sex and weight to determine the strongest lifter in each class. You will also earn a Wilks Coefficient, which will help to compare lifters of different weight classes, to determine your strength relative to lifters in different weight classes.
If you have more questions about competitive powerlifting or want to read more about what to expect at your first meet, click HERE
Why Should you Consider Powerlifting?
Powerlifting is a great sport. Here are some reasons you should consider powerlifting.
Powerlifting is Objective
Powerlifting is an objective sport. Your performance is easy to quantify and its easy for you to compare your current strength to your previous strength.
Additionally, you will always perform the same lifts in the same order at each competition. This makes it even easier to determine if you are improving or not.
Contrary to bodybuilding, where your performance is subjective, and Crossfit, where the standards or movements may change every competition, powerlifting has objective standards that remain the same each competition.
Powerlifting Builds Patience
Powerlifting also helps you build patience.
Powerlifting is a sport of patience and persistence. It can take months or even years to get stronger and improve your competition performance.
You cannot rush powerlifting or the results because this type of training is really taxing on your tissues and you need to allow proper recovery. It takes a long time to gain strength.
You also need to master your technique, which can take years. You will be improving your technique for your entire career.
Powerlifting is also a sport that favors a mindset of continual improvement. This is because it takes a long time to improve your technique and strength and because you will not always improve in a linear way.
Additionally, competing in powerlifting also allows you to train with a purpose. Instead of just going through the motions, you must train on a consistent basis. Instead of switching your program every couple weeks, you must stick to a regimented program for months.
Adding structure and discipline to your training program can make it seem more worthwhile. Having a goal can mean the difference between wafting through your exercise routine and attacking it with purpose.
Powerlifting is Good for your Health
Also, powerlifting can improve your physical health. You can build work capacity, strength and even endurance if you work hard and follow a structured program.
You might even eat better, sleep better, stop drinking so much and give up any recreational drugs in order to improve in your strength and fitness.
You can Compete against Drug-Free Lifters
Many sports, especially strength sports, are not rigorously drug tested. However, the USAPL and IPF are extremely strict in terms of drug testing and following the WADA approved substances list.
If you want to compete in a sport in which the majority of competitors are drug free, powerlifting through the USAPL is the way to go.
However, if you do use PEDs and want to compete in federations that do not test for drug use, you can do that too.
Whether you want to compete clean or not, there are options for you to compare your performance to similar lifters.
Age, Sex and Weight Classes
Powerlifting is a sport of relative strength and allows you to compete against those similar to you.
You can compete against people of your own sex, age and weight. This opens up competition to more people and allows people of various shapes, sizes and ages an opportunity to compete.
One of the best parts of competitive powerlifting is that you can compete against yourself. You control your performance and you can compete simply to see if you can beat your previous bests.
Powerlifting Improves Body Composition
Powerlifting builds muscle mass and can reduce fat mass at the same time. Train with a good program for long enough and you are sure to end up with more muscle and less fat.
Keep in mind though, that lifting will only enhance your natural body composition. Natural lifting and good nutrition will only enhance your physique. You will never look bulky or too muscular.
Powerlifting Helps you Age Better
Building and maintaining strength at any age is so important to maintain strength and independence in old age and help prevent falls and fractures. Regular exercise is so good for every part of your body and it can help you have more longevity.
Lifting is even really good for your bone health and can help prevent osteoporosis later in life.
Meet New Friends
Powerlifting is a great way to meet like minded people who also want to get stronger and are committed to training hard. You will likely meet friends from all over the country.
While powerlifting can be challenging at times, it is a great sport you will probably grow to enjoy. You will have a new healthy and enjoyable hobby that you can enjoy for years to come.
Powerlifting competitions give you the chance to challenge yourself, but also give you a chance to travel and experience new places. If you work hard enough to qualify for a national or international competition, you will also have the opportunity to see new parts of the country and the world.
Final Thoughts
Powerlifting is a great activity with a ton of benefits. What has been the biggest benefit you have experienced so far?
