Strength standards

Anatomy and Physiology: Understanding the different muscle groups and how they work together to perform exercises.

Biomechanics: The study of movement and force on the human body, and how it can be used to improve performance.

Strength Programming: The process of designing and implementing a strength training program that is tailored to the individual's goals and abilities.

Compound Movements: Exercises that target multiple muscle groups, such as the squat, bench press, and deadlift.

Assistance Movements: Exercises that support the primary compound movements, such as the overhead press, pull-ups, and rows.

Nutrition and Hydration: The importance of proper fueling and hydration to support recovery and performance in strength training.

Recovery and Regeneration: The importance of rest, sleep, and other techniques for recovery and injury prevention.

Strength Standards and Goals: Understanding the different levels of strength and how they can be used to set realistic goals for progress and improvement.

Warm-Up and Cool-Down: The importance of proper preparation and recovery before and after strength training sessions.

Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation: Techniques and strategies for preventing and recovering from injuries that may occur during strength training.

Mindset and Motivation: Developing the mental toughness and motivation needed to stay committed to a strength training program and achieve long-term success.

Equipment and Accessories: Understanding the different types of equipment and accessories used in strength training, such as belts, wraps, and shoes.

Record Keeping and Tracking Progress: The importance of tracking progress and tracking PRs (personal records) to measure progress and maintain motivation.

Stretching and Mobility: Understanding the importance of flexibility, mobility, and dynamic stretching in improving performance and injury prevention.

Rest and Active Recovery: The importance of rest and active recovery in maintaining progress and preventing overtraining.

Raw: Raw powerlifting refers to lifting without any assistance from equipment such as knee wraps, lifting suits, or other gear that might provide additional support or stability.

Equipped: Equipped powerlifting uses mechanical equipment such as belts, wraps, sleeves or lifting suits, to provide additional support to the lifters.

Bench-Only: Bench-Only events focus solely on the bench press with no squat or deadlift.

Push-Pull: Push-pull powerlifting includes two lifts, bench press, and deadlift with no squat.

Three-lift: Three-lift powerlifting includes the squat, bench press, and deadlift.

Age categories: Age categories break up lifters into groups, typically in ten-year increments, so that people can compete against others in their same age group.

Weight classes: Weight classes break up lifters into groups by their body-weight, so that people can compete against others with similar body-weight.

Novice or beginner: This standard is for new lifters who are competing for the first time.

Masters: This standard is designed for older lifters who are typically over 40 or 50 years of age.

Elite: Elite standard is the highest strength standard category, reserved for only the strongest powerlifters. This standard is typically reserved for powerlifters who have achieved certain weightlifting numbers, and it is based on the lifter's total weight lifted across all three lifts.