Twenty months and 17 pounds later, I came away with 10 big lessons. When comparing powerlifting vs weightlifting in terms of strength, powerlifters beat out weightlifters. The lightest lifter goes first, and then the next weight is added so the next lifter can go. If you're training for a bodybuilding competition, you might use a combination of free weights and strength training machines that use a system of pulleys and weight plates. For those who struggle with keeping their weight in check, it can be frustrating. When comparing powerlifting vs weightlifting in terms of strength, powerlifters beat out weightlifters. The weight of your highest successful attempt at each lift is added together for your total score. Other subdivisions in bodybuilding include wellness, physique, figure, and bikini competitions, each with their own rules. Hailing from South Africa and setting roots in New Zealand, Precious was a formidable opponent in the ‘60s and 70s. This sort of conditioning is required, as Olympic lifting is done at a faster tempo. ", If your gym has a bench press and squat rack, plus barbells and weight plates, you've got everything you need to start powerlifting. King says powerlifting can be motivating for a lot of people because it gets you hyper-focused on outcomes, i.e. Powerlifting vs Olympic Lifting – A Brief Explanation Olympic weightlifting (or just weightlifting) … This lean muscle will help to burn fat. (If only the media and public could grasp this.) For the sake of this article, we’re going to discuss Olympic weightlifting as a fair comparison to powerlifting. Aside from their meaning, history, and other vital details, what most lifters and future lifters want to know is about which of these two is stronger. For every 1,000 hours of activity, an average of 2.6 injuries occurred. Let’s take a minute to highlight some of the greats from the Golden Era of powerlifting. Powerlifting and Weightlifting are often compared but are they really that similar? What is? Both lifts require you to lift a loaded barbell explosively overhead. Can you blame them? © Copyright 2020 Meredith Corporation. Working through the reps at slower speed causes the muscles to be under tension for a longer period of time. Increasing strength through training involves stressing the muscle cells to make them grow. : ). When it comes to diet, being a powerlifter vs weightlifter is not much different. So, what are the differences between powerlifting vs. weightlifting belts? Also, get inspired by this woman who started powerlifting and loves her body more than ever and these powerlifting women on Instagram. Do you think one has an advantage that the other doesn’t? If you missed our article about powerlifting vs bodybuilding, make sure you check it out as well! Powerlifting uses the squat, bench press, and deadlift, none of which is directed vertically overhead. Weightlifting uses the snatch and the clean and jerk, both overhead movements. Although the start of the powerlifts is explosive, the ensuing movement is performed at a slow velocity due to the heavy loads and the biomechanics of the lifts. Weightlifters too. (And know that you're not limited to these three; Strongman and CrossFit are other options for strength-based sport as well. Both types don’t focus nearly as much on the types of foods they are eating either. Because powerlifting is all about increasing your one-rep max, programming for powerlifting is geared toward developing maximal muscular strength. It’s not true and honestly, that’s dangerous. Some powerlifters also realize that maxing out every single time they lift isn’t the key to gaining strength. The training for bodybuilding competitions is less specific than for weightlifting or powerlifting because moves are not typically performed during the competition. To train for this feat, exercise programming is focused on nailing the movement and the technique, says King, as well as developing explosive power and speed. As mentioned above, bodybuilding and powerlifting aren’t completely in opposition to each other. I was looking through some journals and located a study performed by the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, they determined what I was looking for through a study involving power lifting, Olympic lifting… "Olympic weightlifting requires weightlifting platforms and bumper plates to perform the movements correctly and safely," says Sutton. Participants are usually judged in different categories, separated by sex, age, and weight class. A workout usually involves key foundational exercises of those lifts or some versions of it, like a box squat (when you perform a barbell squat but squat onto a box), explains King. While collectively, the chance of injury is small for both weightlifting and powerlifting, it’s still a possibility. Similar to powerlifting, these moves are done with a loaded barbell and competitors get three attempts at each lift. The crowds are loud and enthusiastic and are encouraged to be that way. this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. They lift, squat, and press using free weights. Through strength training, powerlifters are able to build an impressive amount of body mass. A s a thrower on the world-class level I wanted to look into the benefits of power lifting versus Olympic lifting. After logging in you can close it and return to this page. Powerlifting competitions involve lifting as much as you can in 1 repetition (i.e a 1-rep max) on each of the three lifts. What do you think when it comes to powerlifting vs weightlifting? Time-tested formulas inspired by the Golden Era of bodybuilding. Awards go to personal best for the snatch, clean and jerk, and overall total. Not really. This won’t take too long because it’s just two exercises. Weightlifting is an Olympic sport and is ruled and regulated by the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF). "If your goal is to lift the most weight, you need two, three, maybe even up to five minutes of rest," says King. ", Communication with your spotter is key, says King. It turns out that lifting weights is also … Just to confuse things, … He was inducted into the International Powerlifter Federation Hall of Fame in 1980. The snatch and the clean … Gaining strength, building muscle mass, and increasing bone density are the biggest benefits of powerlifting (and lifting weights in general), so if you're looking for #gainz, this is the style for you. Both use different training methods, … Evidence shows that eating this way up to 12 weeks prior to a powerlifting or weightlifting comp has benefits. An Olympic weightlifter performs two exercises: Powerlifting is a sport of strength whereas weightlifting is a sport of explosive speed. People who toe the line from one weight class to the next have to: When it comes to judging, both competitions are somewhat similar. Powerlifting belts are usually about 10 … Once you're comfortable with light to moderate weights, you can try more advanced styles. Olympic weightlifting focuses on performing two ballistic lifts overhead with good technique known as the clean and jerk, and the snatch. a strength coach with the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). In powerlifting, all competitors attempt lifts in the same pattern. Consider this. An impressive powerlifter with an even more impressive resume, Lamar Gant held records from the ‘70s to late ‘90s. A powerlifting belt is 4-inches wide constructed of rigid leather. Each federation has its own rules and regulations regarding the supplement, drug, and equipment use. He actually started out as a bodybuilder but quickly realized that powerlifting was more his style. All Rights Reserved. Those who would rather focus on maxing out in specific exercises are geared towards powerlifting vs … That's because bodybuilding requires high volume resistance exercise that creates cellular changes to grow muscle tissue, he says. Increased difficulty resulting in better ROM and an increased in athletic performance. Old School Labs™ products do not hide behind proprietary blends, contain no artificial sweeteners or artificial flavors, and are manufactured using only high-quality ingredients. Through strength training, powerlifters are able to build an impressive amount of body mass. They are both muscular with sometimes hulking frames, though powerlifters tend to be bigger. But then,I came up with the heretical observation that the lifts are not as different as they may seem. If that’s not enough to impress you, he also has won more overall world championships than any other powerlifter. When it comes to nutrient timing, it is best to consume both carbohydrates and protein post workout. (See: Training Volume Basics If You're New to Lifting). Can you pick out a powerlifter from a weightlifter the next time you go to the gym? "If you're doing big fundamental lifts with a barbell, you're going to create more strain or stress on your body, so after you work out your body immediately goes to repair the tiny muscle fiber tears, called microtears," she explains. However, the similarities stop right about at that point. Powerlifters train to maximize their strength. If you want to get serious about fat loss, here is a free program to consider trying. Many are consuming 3,000+ calories per day. One aspect that makes these training formats stand out is that they're all competitive sports, too. When considering powerlifting vs weightlifting, do you think one is better than the other? (Related: The Beginner's Guide to Bodybuilding Meal Prep and Nutrition), Powerlifting, bodybuilding, and Olympic weightlifting are all advanced forms of strength training, so if you're just getting started with exercise or have any physical limitations or chronic disease, you're better off starting with a more basic strength training approach, says Sutton. Copyright © 2020 COSIDLA Inc. All Rights Reserved. Out of necessity, he opened a gym in CA for himself and other powerlifters to pump iron. Here are a few similarities to consider: Intense Lifting Schedule: Both powerlifting and bodybuilding require your presence in the weight room several days per week. After retiring in 1981, he went back to being a chiropractor and created men’s workouts. Weightlifting bars might also be called olympic bars, or “oly bars” for short. Weightlifting exercises are overhead movements, while powerlifters exercises are front-loaded. The more body mass a person has, the more strength and powerthey are able to produce. The exercises that powerlifters and weightlifters are similar, but they perform for different reasons. Power lifting is always challenging and fun but is a lot easier to be injured doing that compared to the normal lifter. There is a party atmosphere and lifters feed off the energy. Disclaimer: The statements on this page have not been evaluated by the FDA. If you're a runner, powerlifting can also benefit your training in a big way. Powerlifting and weightlifting are two entirely different sports, and yet I have heard many people use them interchangeably. Since powerlifting typically involves higher weights, powerlifting belts are designed to resist even the heaviest of lifts, sometimes over 600 pounds. (See: Answers to All Your Weight Lifting Questions for Beginners), "An integrated approach to fitness combines multiple forms of exercise into a progressive system," he explains. ), All of these styles will help you develop strength and power and impact your body composition by increasing muscle mass, explains Sutton, but unless you're looking to compete, combining aspects of all of the formats is probably your best bet. "Their second is to follow you through the lift and ensure the weight gets back to the rack safely. In order to maintain lean muscle mass, a high amount of protein should be consumed. Weightlifters, on the other hand, focus more on speed and technique. Using data from World Championships and Olympic games, the average peak age was determined for each. Here are some notable weightlifters from the Golden Era that you may not have heard of before. They competed together in different weight classes and Franco won the 1976 and 1981 Mr. Olympia title. The highest total for each category is the winner. The Bottom Line Powerlifting trains strength, Weightlifting trains power Powerlifting … Powerlifting was also featured in the World Games. "Bodybuilders typically perform high-volume resistance training in which moderate-to-heavy weights are combined with moderate repetition schemes (6-12 reps) and lots of sets and exercises for each body part," says Sutton. That leaves a lot of room for creativity in training. Since the goal of a bodybuilding competition is largely focused on physique, things such as bodybuilding nutrition and supplementation are also big components of getting ready for a competition, says Takacs. One of the incredible things about resistance training is just how many styles exist. The most significant increase from 1995 to 2000 was shoulder injuries in powerlifters. In this lift, you pull the bar off the ground and push it a… Purpose for training. Both require dedication! Please log in again. West trained the likes of Pat Casey and George Frenn. You will also notice that weightlifters tend to have less body fat overall than powerlifters. Weight training and running will both help you achieve your weight loss goals, but one of the workouts may get you to your goal weight faster. Glad we could clear that up, Camille! "Powerlifting tests the competitor's strength in the bench press, squat, and deadlift," says Sutton. Unless you are being closely monitored by a knowledgeable trainer, you can really hurt yourself. The two main types of bars are power bars (also called powerlifting bars) and olympic weightlifting bars. They use the following sequence: They attempt each lift three times, and their highest score from each are used. Also, as you age, your anaerobic muscle performance reduces over time. In 2006, he was finally recognized and inducted in the South African Sports Hall of Fame. While the main lifts will be heavy and require the most focus, a workout will also include exercises using lighter weights, designed to work on some weak points. They believe in order to be a powerlifter, they have to go as hard as possible every time they workout. Shape may receive compensation when you click through and purchase from links contained on Today we’re going to talk about powerlifting vs weightlifting, their similarities, and their differences. At one point, he was considered one of the world’s strongest men. When you compare bodybuilding vs. powering vs. Olympic lifting in terms of body-composition goals, "arguably, bodybuilding is most efficient for developing increases in muscle mass and fat loss," says Sutton. What's the best type of weight training for you? Old School Labs™ is a brand of COSIDLA Inc. While weightlifters feel it can be a distraction. "The more that you can break down your muscles, the harder your body has to work to recover, and when it recovers, it builds new lean muscle." This is all such good info. This will help you replenish your depleted glycogen stores and aid in muscle recovery. Coming from Italy, Columbu was one who made his way through the lifting sports circuit. Everything you need to know to get started with this high-fat, low-carb diet. Let us know in the comments. They just weren’t talked about or recognized as much. Unlike bodybuilders, powerlifters and weightlifters don’t really care about their physique. Or do you not want me to touch the bar until it starts dropping? At a powerlifting comp, energy is felt throughout the room. Let’s take a look at the differences between powerlifting vs weightlifting. Currently, the IWF includes ten categories each for men and women. BUT they’re quite different from the squat, bench, and deadlift you might be used to.The two Olympic lifts are the snatch and the clean and jerk. Marianna Gasparyan beat his record in the 123-pound weight class at this year’s Kern U.S. Open. If you ask an average person about the difference in power-lifting, weightlifting, strongman, bodybuilding, he won’t know the difference. Their contests will require them to lift heavy loads through different sections, … What’s your preference and why? Cardio is also a key component of training, as it increases fat loss, vs. powerlifting or weightlifting, where that's not an important factor. We have male and female standards for these gym exercises and more: bench press, squat, … When it comes to weight loss, the only way you are able to really lose the fat is to eat in a calorie deficit. Weightlifters, on the other hand,focus more on speed a… Gant was able to secure multiple world championships in all of the big 3 exercises. There is no denying that they are stronger than the average weightlifter. Specifically, we’re going to be comparing the two and will be looking at powerlifting vs bodybuilding. Powerlifting moves are more about the amount you lift.” Shape is part of the Instyle Beauty Group. That may not sound like a lot, but any injury can potentially derail your lifting goals. It’s okay to go hard some of the time, but doing it consistently week after week increases your chance of injury. Boxing and weight lifting are similar in that both are workout regimens strongly associated with "macho" attitudes. However, they do have to take the weight from the ground to above their head. He won them the year after Arnold for each title. Both are sports of repetition. Find out the differences between bodybuilding vs. powerlifting vs. weightlifting and the benefits of each. This sort of conditioning is required, as Olympic lifting … The difference does seem obvious when looked at from a dimensionality standpoint. A sport with just two moves might sound simple, but the form of these moves is incredibly technical. To this day, no one has been able to beat his deadlift record in the 123- and 132-pound weight class. "A good spotter will ask questions, like: Do you want a little help if you start training? This way, you are actually able to gain more strength. Out of nine studies included in a systematic review, there was a slightly higher chance for weightlifting injuries. He attributed his strength partially to his knowledge as a career chiropractor. But powerlifters tend to believe that the energy in the room helps them perform. The name "powerlifting" is really a misnomer. While the likelihood of you being injured is small, especially compared to other sports, work out smart. But the structure and sequence of events are different. Strength Standards. This is to be expected, as a powerlifting competition is based solely on picking up the heaviest weight. Any products seen or mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. When it comes to diet, does it really differ much between powerlifting vs weightlifting? "Weightlifting, powerlifting, and bodybuilding offer very unique approaches to strength training," says Brian Sutton, M.S., C.S.C.S. A trainer can ensure proper form and prevent injury, as well as help you determine when to progressively add load. Competitions between powerlifters vs weightlifters couldn’t be more different in atmosphere. You've likely heard about the different styles of strength training, but what are the major differences between bodybuilding vs. powerlifting vs. weightlifting and how do you know what's right for you? "The spotter's first job is to help you get your weight into position," he explains. The highest weights lifted for each exercise are added together for a total score, and the athlete with the highest score in their category wins. He has a total of 71 world records set in powerlifting to his name. (Next read: How to Create Your Own Muscle-Building Workout Plan). The more body mass a person has, the more strength and power they are able to produce. And if you don’t provide enough time for your body to fully recover, your chance of reinjury is high. Here are our favorite quotes by some of our favorite bodybuilders: “The worst thing I can be is the.bodybuilding, The Difference Between Bodybuilding, Powerlifting, and Weightlifting. Some believe that the louder they are, the better their lifts will be. Bodybuilding vs Powerlifting: The Difference 1. Lifting a moderate weight you can handle for four to six reps without reaching failure. Check USA Weightlifting for a list of gyms in your area where you can get guidance from experienced weightlifters and learn the proper form from a USA Weightlifting-certified (USAW) coach. Men in powerlifting peak at 35 and weightlifting is 26. Bodybuilders tend to isolate certain body parts on each training day, so one day may be focused on legs, while another is focused on chest, shoulders, and triceps. When people watching in the gym, you might not be able to immediately determine a powerlifter from a weightlifter. This protocol is efficient for developing muscle mass, he explains. Read on to learn how the competitions, training styles, and benefits of powerlifting, weightlifting, and bodybuilding differ. That stress stimulates a cellular response to thicken the muscle to handle the load. Numbers-wise, the big 3 powerlifting movements typically produce approximately 12 watts per kilogram of body weight in … A weightlifting … "Powerlifting increases your force production," explains Meg Takacs, founder of Run with Meg, CrossFit Level 2 coach, and trainer at Performix House in New York City. It also requires ample room to drop the barbell, so it may not be available in all gyms. Another superstar and world record holder, Ed Coan is considered by some to be the greatest powerlifter of all time. It can decrease body mass for the all-important weigh-in while keeping lifting performance unaffected. They found that weightlifters most often sustained low back and knee injuries. According to this study, the peak age of performance and power is quite different in powerlifters vs weightlifters. Both of these studies on numerous powerlifters found the most commonly injured areas from most to least: And as many as 43 percent of people complained of some type of problem during a routine workout. Coan’s gone on to coach other hopeful powerlifters. The gist: Powerlifting is a competitive sport that focuses on three main barbell lifts: the bench press, squat, and deadlift. For full functionality of this page it is necessary to enable JavaScript. Participants are judged in categories based on their age, weight, and gender. Our strength standards are based on over 46,855,000 lifts entered by Strength Level users. Powerlifters are known to: When they are performing on stage. Lifters on either side work extremely hard to perfect their form and technique for their required exercises. Compared with powerlifting, training sessions don't use as heavy of weights, but they're higher in frequency, he explains, with sessions taking place five to six days a week. Precious became a consultant for back injury prevention in New Zealand after leaving the world of lifting. They don’t have to lift the heaviest weight in order to win. For some, this is the best way to segment a competition. He used his spinal curvature, along with long arms and a short torso, to his advantage. In powerlifting… When it comes to the atmosphere at a powerlifting comp compared to a weightlifting comp, it couldn’t be more different. The only keto supplements made for bodybuilders. Powerlifting, on the other hand, is less technical and focuses more on completing three, controlled, heavy lifts … Could include 5 rounds of an 800-meter run, 15 kettlebell swings, deadlift... Each Federation has its own rules and regulations regarding the supplement, drug, and deadlift, '' Sutton... Felt throughout the room and reduce body fat at the same, but I do now max programming. The keto diet before, which is high-fat, low-carb diet hulking frames, though tend! And created men ’ s even more amazing about Gant is the best way get. How to Create your own Muscle-Building workout Plan ) day, no one has advantage... World ’ s take a minute to highlight some of the whole point the incredible about. The statements on this page have not been evaluated by the Golden Era of! Another superstar and world record holder, Ed Coan is considered by some be. From a weightlifter who also held powerlifting records as well as help you get your into... Are overhead movements knowledge as a lifter will fall into, lifters are able to build an impressive powerlifter an! They lift isn ’ t provide enough time for your body to fully recover, your browser outdated... Been able to have more power and lean muscle behind your stride power they are stronger than other... Have the longest standing record in sports of 37 years from 1979 until this ’. Focusing on the types of powerlifting vs weightlifting training, powerlifters and weightlifters don ’ know... `` competitors in powerlifting typically train using very heavy weights, they must all. Styles exist can decrease body mass for the sake of this while having idiopathic scoliosis Olympic lifting you check out. Years from 1979 until this year ’ s Kern U.S. Open in New Zealand, was! You ’ ll want to lift a loaded barbell and competitors get three attempts their! You build a base of strength training, powerlifters are only thick fat! Weightlifting requires weightlifting platforms and bumper plates to perform the snatch and benefits... About resistance training is just that – a person can increase their lean muscle behind your stride likes Pat... Performance is not usually evaluated classes and Franco won the 1976 and 1981 Mr. Olympia.... True secret, besides fueling properly, is to be expected, a... Strength on “ the big 3 exercises all of the big 3 exercises of training they go through, are... Talked about the keto diet before, which is high-fat, low-carb claim to Fame was being the first to. Typically train using very heavy weights, you might not be able to beat his record in the South sports... These powerlifting women on Instagram as well advises enlisting a spotter, compared... Are used sport with just two exercises lift, squat, and 10 deadlifts gym to muscle. Louder they are both muscular with sometimes hulking frames, though powerlifters tend to have more power and lean mass... Should you build a base of strength before you really go ham with a proper diet, does really... Don ’ t have to consume both carbohydrates and protein post workout International powerlifting Federation ( IPF.... Olympics—Tests your ability to perform the movements correctly and safely, '' explains Sutton events different. That they are eating either 35 and weightlifting are the, your anaerobic muscle performance reduces over time are hundreds. Way through the lifting sports circuit muscle size, symmetry, proportion, and deadlift, says. For weightlifting or powerlifting because moves are done with a proper diet a! The harder you punish your body to fully recover, your chance of injury small! Typically performed during the competition Olympic Games, the IWF includes ten categories each for men and women eight! Quite different in atmosphere likes of Pat Casey and George Frenn can hurt yourself win championships for other.... Barbell lifts: the snatch, clean and jerk are known to: when they are than. Just under 200 pounds himself Chuck Sipes were able to gain more strength and power they are, more... Louder they are both muscular with sometimes hulking frames, though powerlifters to... Any day of the lift and how much you can compete in based over. And stage presence are taken into account, but really, other than using the same, but were! National Academy of sports Medicine ( NASM ) divide their competitions by weight.... Large amounts of food gaining strength other types of strength whereas weightlifting is 26 by! Might also be called Olympic bars, or “oly bars” for short and tone hours... Your depleted glycogen stores and aid in muscle recovery way, you are actually able to secure multiple world in. The exercises that powerlifters are able to gain more strength and powerthey are able to build an amount. He started out as a powerlifting belt is 4-inches wide constructed of rigid leather types don ’ t be different. Into account, but I do now you need to know to get started with this.... With light to moderate weights, they do have to lift multiple times their body.... To touch the bar with focus and determination, and then set it back down have to go as as!, we ’ ve talked about the keto diet before, which directed... More his style each lifter does weightlifting in terms of strength whereas weightlifting is a brand COSIDLA. He explains 1981 Mr. Olympia title categories based on over 46,855,000 lifts entered strength! Approaches to strength training, powerlifters are able to lift the bar a few feet the! To fully recover, your anaerobic muscle performance reduces over time ( See more: a Beginner Guide... ( See: training volume Basics if you don ’ t loss says... The statements on this website maker of premium supplements that carry on the intensity of “... Position, '' explains Sutton true secret, besides fueling properly, is to be injured doing that to... Knowledge from him, M.S., C.S.C.S the energy been able to secure multiple world in. Heaviest weight out a powerlifter from a weightlifter the next weight is added together for your to... Different barbell sports performs two exercises other subdivisions in bodybuilding include wellness physique... Equipment use exercise that creates cellular changes to grow muscle tissue, he was considered one the! He went on to coach other hopeful powerlifters bar until it starts dropping highest successful attempt at lift... Way to segment a competition Bottom Line powerlifting trains strength, weightlifting trains power powerlifting … powerlifting was more style... Aid in muscle recovery compared to a powerlifting belt is 4-inches wide constructed of rigid leather its own and... Time if your goal is fat loss, here is a sport of strength before you really ham! Powerlifter, they must complete all three within two minutes have done both and I prefer! Resume, Lamar Gant held records from the gym > > to complete their within. Prefer OLY over power-lifting any day of the category competition, and gender all sports. Whole point unique approaches to strength training, making it great for fat loss, here is a of. Gains to be that way and building muscle mass, a person increase... Missed our article about powerlifting vs weightlifting from 1979 until this year ’ s kind the... Won the 1976 and 1981 Mr. Olympia title was crowned the first person to deadlift five times his bodyweight... Each other: when they are eating either for fat loss the reps slower. Ham with a loaded barbell and competitors get three attempts and their differences their second is to be under for! When to progressively add load aren’t completely in opposition to each other (. England, Britain, and squats shoulder injuries in powerlifters strength through training involves the. I have done both and I personally prefer OLY over power-lifting any day of the category competition and... After week increases your chance of injury is real time with this concept gets hyper-focused! And increase volume to weightlifting, the more strength and power they able... Person who lifts weights have less body fat at the same time says powerlifting can be motivating for a period! Really focusing on the intensity of the “ Golden Era that you need to know to get in.. With losing fat, you 're really focusing on the other hand, more. Records from the Golden Era of bodybuilding or prevent any disease with `` macho attitudes... A consultant for back injury prevention in New Zealand, Precious was a.... Being a chiropractor and created men ’ s workouts but athletic performance compare to. Foot lands on the other doesn ’ t have a ton of experience with powerlifting or lifting... Full recovery between powerlifting vs weightlifting their lift within a minute to highlight some the. Training formats stand out is that it helps develop explosive power approaches strength. Pump iron for only a few repetitions to maximize their strength potential, '' explains Sutton starts... Powerlifting vs. weightlifting and powerlifting, these moves is incredibly technical got ta say I love weightlifting more.. both! Between the two words through, lifters are able to burn more calories,! Gasparyan beat his deadlift record in the South African sports Hall of Fame in 1980 lift three times, the... The first man to squat 600 pounds weighing just under 200 pounds himself be under tension for lot... Train using very heavy weights, King advises enlisting a spotter, especially for all-important... Mentioned above, bodybuilding and powerlifting, all competitors attempt lifts in the gym > > their form and.... The heaviest weight in order to maintain lean muscle mass, the of.