Powerlifting is a sport that has gotten more popular over the years and, in our opinion, for good reason. Though it may look or appear intimidating, powerlifting is highly accessible to athletes of all fitness levels due to its simplicity, adaptability, and focus on strength progression. Additionally, the powerlifting community is overwhelmingly welcoming to novice and advanced lifters. In other words, powerlifting is a sport that can fit into any fitness journey.
The “power lifts” consist of the squat, bench press, and deadlift. All three of these lifts are compound movements, meaning they engage multiple muscle groups simultaneously and mimic everyday functional movements. For example, the squat and deadlift can be used functionally to move from a standing to a sitting or bent over position, while the bench press can improve pushing movements and upper body stability, such as opening a heavy door or controlling a steering wheel. So while one of the main goals in powerlifting is to progress in weight, the three power lifts can also help improve functional movements in daily life.
Additionally, while the goal is to progress in weight, powerlifting tends to be more about personal progression. In other words, beginner powerlifters can start light or with no weight at all to learn proper form and technique. As beginners advance, weights can be gradually increased over time. This helps athletes, both beginners and advanced, see clear and measurable progress. Seeing progress through small, incremental increases in weight also has the added effect of boosting motivation. Being able to focus on measurable achievements makes powerlifting rewarding for newcomers and seasoned lifters alike.
Though competing powerlifters can compete based on their weight class, age group, and experience level, movements can be modified during training to suit the individual athlete’s needs. For example, bands can be used to progress the lifts or give support, such as a band supported bench press or squat. If an athlete is struggling with range of motion, some lifts can be modified to accommodate for partial range-of-motion, such as spoto presses or adjusting grip or stance for better joint comfort. All three lifts, as well as the majority of accessory work, can be modified to an extent to meet the needs of the individual athlete.
For these reasons, we’re excited to promote The Resilient Fitness Powerlifting Club! This club will follow a structured powerlifting program instructed by Coach Josh Perez, a seasoned powerlifter with a Master rank and years of experience. If you’re interested in joining the Powerlifting Club, drop us a comment or DM! We’re ready to help you stay strong for life!
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