- "Powerlifting is a strength sport that consists of three attempts at maximal weight on three lifts: squat, bench press, and deadlift."
The rules, format, and expectations of Powerlifting meets, which determine the validity and ranking of lifts and lifters.
Powerlifting competition rules: Understanding the protocol, rules, and regulations of powerlifting competitions.
Divisions and weight classes: Knowing the differences between divisions and weight classes and how they affect the competition.
Powerlifting equipment: Understanding the necessary equipment and how it differs from regular gym equipment.
Different lifts: Learning about the squat, bench press, and deadlift—the competition’s three main lifts, and their variations.
Technique and form: Mastering the proper form and technique for each lift to ensure safety and maximal performance.
Programming and periodization: Creating and following a training plan that prepares the body for competition and boosts performance.
Nutrition and supplementation: Knowing how to fuel the body properly for optimal powerlifting performance.
Mental preparation and mindset: Developing mental toughness, focus, and resilience to handle intense competition environments.
Training accessories: Learning about equipment and accessories that can enhance training, such as lifting belts, knee sleeves, and wrist wraps.
Recovery and injury prevention: Incorporating proper recovery techniques such as stretching, foam rolling, and massage to prevent injury and increase performance.
Raw Powerlifting: Competitors wear only a singlet, belt, and wrist wraps. No other supportive gear is allowed.
Equipped Powerlifting: Competitors are allowed to wear supportive gear such as specialized suits, knee wraps, and bench shirts.
Classic Powerlifting: Similar to raw powerlifting, but with a few additional restrictions on gear and lifts allowed.
Push-Pull Powerlifting: Juggernaut Lifters compete in bench press and deadlift only.
Full Powerlifting Meet: Competitors perform all three lifts: squat, bench press, and deadlift.
Bench Only Powerlifting: Competitors only perform bench press.
Deadlift Only Powerlifting: Competitors only perform deadlift.
Multi-Ply Powerlifting: Similar to equipped powerlifting, but with additional layers of supportive gear allowed.
Special Olympics Powerlifting: For athletes with intellectual disabilities who compete in the squat, bench press, and deadlift.
Adaptive Powerlifting: For athletes with physical disabilities who compete with adaptive equipment and modifications.
International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) Powerlifting: A standardized set of rules and guidelines for powerlifting competitions, used in international and Olympic-level competitions.
- "Powerlifting evolved from a sport known as 'odd lifts', which followed the same three-attempt format but used a wider variety of events, akin to strongman competition."
- "In competition, lifts may be performed equipped or un-equipped (typically referred to as 'classic' or 'raw' lifting in the IPF specifically)."
- "Equipment in this context refers to a supportive bench shirt or squat/deadlift suit or briefs."
- "In some federations, knee wraps are permitted in the equipped but not un-equipped division; in others, they may be used in both equipped and un-equipped lifting."
- "Weight belts, knee sleeves, wrist wraps, and special footwear may also be used."
- "Competitions take place across the world."
- "Powerlifting has been a Paralympic sport (bench press only) since 1984."
- "Under the IPF, powerlifting is also a World Games sport."
- "Local, national, and international competitions have also been sanctioned by other federations operating independently of the IPF."
- "Powerlifting is a strength sport that consists of three attempts at maximal weight on three lifts: squat, bench press, and deadlift."
- "In competition, lifts may be performed equipped or un-equipped (typically referred to as 'classic' or 'raw' lifting in the IPF specifically)."
- "Powerlifting evolved from a sport known as 'odd lifts', which followed the same three-attempt format but used a wider variety of events, akin to strongman competition."
- "Equipment in this context refers to a supportive bench shirt or squat/deadlift suit or briefs."
- "Powerlifting has been a Paralympic sport (bench press only) since 1984."
- "Weight belts, knee sleeves, wrist wraps, and special footwear may also be used, but are not considered when distinguishing equipped from un-equipped lifting."
- "Powerlifting has been a Paralympic sport (bench press only) since 1984."
- "In competition, lifts may be performed equipped or un-equipped (typically referred to as 'classic' or 'raw' lifting in the IPF specifically)."
- "Under the IPF, powerlifting is also a World Games sport."
- "Local, national, and international competitions have also been sanctioned by other federations operating independently of the IPF."