A Beginners guide to powerlifting
Are you new to weight training? Are you confused by all the different types of weight training you’ve heard people talk about? Don’t fret, that’s a very common question we get. As there are several different types of weight training, each focusing on a different specific goal, it can be hard to know where to start. Today we’ll focus specifically on powerlifting, what it is, what you get out of it, and if it’s right for you.
What is powerlifting?
Powerlifting is a strength and conditioning sport that looks to maximise your muscle strength, which means developing the most amount of power your body is capable of producing. If you talk to powerlifters, they’re devoted to training and pushing themselves to their max physical capability. But as much as it’s a physical battle it also builds mental strength and can be truly transformative.
There are three fundamental workouts among powerlifters:
Deadlift
Squat,
Bench press
Whilst that may seem restrictive, there is a lot of opportunity in those workouts to learn a lot about the process, the technique, how to perfect the movements, and how to get the most out of yourself.
Should I try powerlifting?
If you’re still unsure if powerlifting is right for you some of the benefits we tend to see include:
Fat burn
Weight training has a great ability to burn fat and get you burning calories and losing fat. Powerlifting is a high-intensity workout and as such your body will look to burn your fat stores to create energy.
Mental toughness
Powerlifting requires mental toughness, you’ll need to battle with yourself to push through the physical pain. It will also encourage you to be disciplined, to keep showing up when it gets tough and to push through when you’ve hit the wall.
Increased strength
This seems like a no-brainer, but it cannot be understated. Weight training will build your strength, but powerlifting specifically will build strength like no other form of weight training. Through progressive overloads, you’ll build your strength and this will ripple through your entire life. It’s a valuable investment to make.
Conclusion
In conclusion, powerlifting is a great way to get into weight training if you’ve thought about it but don’t know where to start. It values techniques which will ensure you don’t get injured, and once you start a journey to build muscle strength you’ll also see benefits in other areas of your life.
