Should I get into powerlifting?

**LiftGirl** · 05-Sep-07, 12:58 PM

So, a small group of powerlifters was at the gym at the same time I was. Their coach saw me squatting, and the long and the short of it is, he wants to train me. I told him I would think about it.

I think powerlifting could be fun, but I'm not sure it fits my goals. My goals are more general health and fitness. But picking up heavy things is fun, and strength fits in with general health and fitness goals, too.

I'd like to hear from some of the people into powerlifting on this board, the pros and cons of it if you will.

tim_mcf · 05-Sep-07, 01:22 PM

yes (short answer)

Makes sense to me. You're working out for "general health and fitness". What is the point of lifting weights for you? Getting stronger. You're not a bodybuilder who wants to gain mass and symmetry and all that jazz, you want strength. You run (I assume) in order to improve your conditioning, you lift (I assume) in order to get stronger. Powerlifting-style training will get you stronger faster and more efficiently than bodybuilding-style training.

F_Mac · 05-Sep-07, 01:30 PM

You probably already know what I'm going to tell you.

But here it is anyway. The main reason I like powerlifting is that I really like lifting heavy weights. There are few feelings better than hoisting a weight that you thought was impossible. Also, I find it difficult to train without a purpose (i.e. a goal) and Powerlifting gives me that goal (whether it be a total, or a specific lift).

Pro's - chance to learn something new, meet new people, have some fun, get stronger, and maybe win a few awards

Cons - in the long term, hardcore strength training is not "ideal" for general health and fitness, greater chance for injury (goes along with the previous comment)

The cons considered, I will say this. I have been training powerlifting for only about 2 years or so, but I have not had ANY training related injuries or health issues to date. Ask me again in 10 years and I might be singing a different tune, but if you train smart there's no reason you should be getting hurt.

Bottom line.........I say DO IT.

:

Besides........the only other PL around here since Dark left is Firehawk and he's developed an incurable case of annorexia lately. Your total is likely higher than his right now and you haven't even started.

Dan C · 05-Sep-07, 02:10 PM

I would say do it. You'll no doubt learn some new training techniques, and getting stronger is always a good thing.

The only thing I would caution about is getting too wrapped up in numbers. Although the goal in powerlifting is to lift increasingly heavier weights, I don't think you should use artificial aids to do that. I don't mean just power suits, but knee wraps, super-duty belts, straps, etc. If you're going to do it, do it to get stronger first and foremost. Should you decide to compete, keep everything in perspective and always keep exercises for the whole body in mind; not just bench, squat & dead.

And don't let them powerlifters talk you into doing those half squats! LOL!

xtremetris · 05-Sep-07, 02:25 PM

I wouldnt reccomend it but who am i to say not to :P. I use to be into powerlifting until i tore my tricep and hamstring and strained my neck.

I think doing heavy weight does nothing but cause damage, eventually your going to hurt something. Id stick with medium weight medium reps if i were you.

Btw about squatting... Doesn't that hurt your back in the long run? I talk to many big guys in the gym and they say their back is screwed up because of squatting. Thats one of the main reasons why ive tried to stay away from it and just do leg press.

F_Mac · 05-Sep-07, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xtremetris

I wouldnt reccomend it but who am i to say not to :P. I use to be into powerlifting until i tore my tricep and hamstring and strained my neck.

I think doing heavy weight does nothing but cause damage, eventually your going to hurt something. Id stick with medium weight medium reps if i were you.

Btw about squatting... Doesn't that hurt your back in the long run? I talk to many big guys in the gym and they say their back is screwed up because of squatting. Thats one of the main reasons why ive tried to stay away from it and just do leg press.

You likely were doing something wrong if you injured yourself.

Quote:

I think doing heavy weight does nothing but cause damage, eventually your going to hurt something.

What are you basing this on? Just curious.

Also (and i'm sure Liftgirl knows this already) squatting properly will actually help your back, not hurt it. How many middle-aged guys/girls out there have you seen that have back problems all the time? I see tons of them and if they would do some strengthening exercises they'd likely have no problems at all.

If you're not squatting you're doing yourself a disservice.

xtremetris · 05-Sep-07, 06:36 PM

Squatting is good short term, but long term effects are going to suck. Ill stick with my leg presses and hack squat machines to be on the safe side.

And about me getting injury of the tricep i had a crappy spot while lifting 250 for the first time, and still attempted to lift it even when my tricep was torn.

Strained Hamstring from doing squats
Also strained my neck from doing squats.

Never had problems on leg press, extentions, lunges or hack squats.

JMike · 05-Sep-07, 08:01 PM

I'm a little at a loss as to what to say, but xtremetris, you shouldn't be dishing out advice.

xtremetris · 05-Sep-07, 08:15 PM

Lol whatever you say

**maverick** · 05-Sep-07, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xtremetris

Squatting is good short term, but long term effects are going to suck.

I think Clarence Bass and Fred Hatfield would disagree.

xtremetris · 05-Sep-07, 08:25 PM

Heh whatever you say man, all i know is that squats ruin your back, its not healthy to put 100's of pounds on your back. Im not going to argue anymore my dad is a doctor and hes seen plenty of this.

So therefore unless you prove to me that squatting does no harm what so ever to your back. Then this conversation about squatting is over.

Dan C · 05-Sep-07, 10:12 PM

Haha!

tim_mcf · 05-Sep-07, 10:47 PM

uh huh

**maverick** · 05-Sep-07, 11:52 PM

I like lifting heavy, but not necessairly powerlifting. A majority of my aches and pains are from trying to push, pull, or move in some fashion a 1 RM weight. Form tends to loosen up, as you will see in any true 1 RM deadlift video, and I thnk thats where my "this isn't a long term plan" thinking comes from when I think about testing a 1RM.

DaRkAnGel · 06-Sep-07, 03:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xtremetris

Heh whatever you say man, all i know is that squats ruin your back, its not healthy to put 100's of pounds on your back. Im not going to argue anymore my dad is a doctor and hes seen plenty of this.

So therefore unless you prove to me that squatting does no harm what so ever to your back. Then this conversation about squatting is over.

Xtreme... you really are a nutcase bro haha.

I lift heavy! No, lifting heavy is bad! No but I benched a lot! No, but it causes liver damage!

Seriously, which is it?

I know you are liking the attention... hehe.

All I can say is that I have been lifting 4 years and the only major injury ive ever had in those 4 years is torn cartilage which resulted from wrestling and not lifting.