The sport of powerlifting is one that was spawned from bodybuilding training as many of the desired outcomes are essentially the same for both sports. The techniques and practices in bodybuilding training and powerlifting training can benefit each other, however the major difference is in the competitions which powerlifters and bodybuilders enter. As a bodybuilder the aim is to look as big and as defined as possible, whereas in powerlifting the aim is to lift as much weight as possible.
If you want to enter powerlifting competitions you’ll have to compete over three sections, the squat, the bench press and the dead lift. The winner of the competition unlike bodybuilding is no based on how good you muscles look but how much weight you can lift in total. If you enter a competition you’ll be put in a certain category or class depending on a number of factors such as age and experience. You don’t have to worry about your body’s aesthetics as you do in bodybuilding, so you can focus 100% on training your strength instead.
Like bodybuilding, powerlifters still need to eat well balanced healthy diets incorporating plenty of protein and enough calories to ensure optimum muscle growth. Avoid fried foods, fast foods and other sources of bad fats and bad carbohydrates. Try and eat plenty of vegetables, pasta and high protein sources such as turkey and chicken. Don’t forget that powerlifting is not about having the lowest body fat percentage or having the highest muscular definition, so you don’t have to worry about a bit of extra fat.
If you want to power lift you need to follow a strict training program as you would if you were training to be a bodybuilder. Make sure that you schedule rest days into your training program to allow your body and muscles to grow and repair between training sessions. Many serious powerlifters and bodybuilders often take a rest week, every twelve weeks or so to reduce stress and allow the body to rest and recover which will enable you to keep training harder and longer and give you a chance to properly reassess your goals and training routine.
Like any sport, you need to set goals and have a detailed training program as a power lifter to keep you focused and on track. Reassess your goals often; stay positive and dedicated and you’ll be winning competitions in no time.
