Random Post 1

 

Random Post #1 Powerlifitng

 

Growing up I was always in to playing sports. I played almost every sport from football, soccer, baseball, basketball, boxing, and even gave hockey a try (it only lasted about week). I would say I was decent in every sport that I played. I never was this athletic freak, and I wasn’t the biggest, but I would say I had speed. As I got older though I no longer had speed as an advantage, because the competition I started facing had size, power, and speed. After high school I didn’t play in organized sports and instead turned to going to the gym. I mainly went just to be fit and look good, but my sophomore year at USC that all changed. I discovered the sport of powerlifting and joined the Trojan Barbell Club.

 

 

 


 

What is Powerlifting?

 

It is a sport that focuses on strength, that is tested out with three main lifts: barbell squat, bench press, and deadlift. You get three attempts on each lift, and the lifts that are completed are added up at the end. The highest total score wins. You compete based off sex and weight class, so if you weigh around 170lbs you won’t be facing any competition in the 200’s or 150’s. You have many different federations, some that are local and some that are international. Some of the main differences between these federations is that some conduct drug test to ensure fair competition while others may not test. There are also differences in what equipment you are allowed to use; for some you can use knee sleeves and straps.  

 

Popular Federations

-USPA

-USAPL

-IPF

-100% RAW

 

 

Essentials

 

I started doing powerlifting just for fun and didn’t compete until this year. You don’t have to compete many people just like hitting personal records for themselves and to feel good. There are a couple things that I believe you do need, however. The first being a good, structured program. There are many free programs you can find online, most of them are novice programs. If you have been lifting weights for quite some time you may want to look into intermediate programs. You then want to get yourself a pair of flat shoes with thin soles, such as vans or converse. I use converse for all my lifts, you don’t want any cushion for deadlifts or squats, because the cushion can cause some imbalance. Depending on your ankle flexibility you may need some weightlifting shoes, they have a raised heel, and they help to get depth on your squat.  The next thing would be a weightlifting belt, to support your back and it also allows you to brace your body for your lifts.

 

I have enjoyed powerlifitng very much and the community is welcoming and supportive. I am glad I came across this sport and I encourage anyone that is into fitness or just wants to find a new hobby to get involved.

 

Comments

  1. UnknownFebruary 27, 2022 at 10:53 PM

    Angel,

    It's really interesting that you're into a niche sport that isn't well-known and the story of how you got into it. A lot of people lift at the gym but that seems completely different to competitive powerlifting. I never realized that there were different events or that you could do each lift three times. Thank you for introducing me to this sport. It's one I won't partake in (I'm afraid of hurting myself).

    - Ellie

    ReplyDelete
  2. Brooke HillFebruary 28, 2022 at 1:39 AM

    Hey Angel,

    It was funny you wrote about this because I've been looking to get into more weightlifting. While I've done my fair share of Crossfit back home, it's not very convenient to go here since I don't have a car. Therefore, weightlifting at the gym seemed like the next best thing. I recently joined an organization called Girl Gains which focuses on women's weightlifting. Maybe I can get some pointers from you in a bit!

    Best,

    Brooke

    ReplyDelete
  3. elanfahFebruary 28, 2022 at 12:04 PM

    Hi Angel,

    I too used to be involved in so many sports when I was younger, but I never even thought about getting into powerlifting. That's a really intense sport and requires a lot of dedication so I commend you for doing that. Although I won't be getting into powerlifting, this post was a reminder to myself that I need to get back to the gym and start lifting weights so thank you for that.

    Elan

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousFebruary 28, 2022 at 3:27 PM

    Hi Angel,

    I found this post very interesting as I am not very into powerlifting, but have noticed many more men and women beginning to start! I love that you have been able to transfer your athletic abilities from sports you played when you were younger into something that you love as an adult. I found this very informative and it definitely motivated me to work out!

    Zoë

    ReplyDelete
  5. AnonymousFebruary 28, 2022 at 11:08 PM

    Angel,

    Good for you man! Though I am not a powerlifter, I started my own lifting program recently and have loved the way it has made me feel. Like you, I have played almost every sport that is available to a high schooler. I was never the best, but I would say, like you, I was at least I was above average. It is hard when your competition is 30 pounds heavier and 4 inches taller than you! Haha. I totally related to that. I am happy for you that you have found your niche in athletics and I wish you the very best in your powerlifting journey.

    Thank you for sharing,

    Mason

    ReplyDelete

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