powerlifting?

TygyrLily
TygyrLily Posts: 5
edited January 9 in Fitness and Exercise
Hi all,

After a year plus of training for distance jogging I did a marathon in November (jogging and walking intervals), and subsequently developed plantar fasciitis (not my first time) I'm still working on. My podiatrist suggests trying some new sports lol A physical therapist commented that I have a good build for weightlifting or bodybuilding, and I do love strength training.

I recently learned about power lifting. Does anyone here do this, and if so, have any advice for a newbie? I'm all ears and would appreciate anything :)

I'm new to this site so I don't have much info for you to look at - but I've lost about 40lbs from my highest weight, and have about 90lbs to go. I'm 33yo and female, and generally considered "strong" or "solid," though overweight.

Thanks!

Replies

  • DavPul
    DavPul Posts: 61,406 Member
    try this group

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/507-powerlifters
  • taso42
    taso42 Posts: 8,980 Member
    I recently learned about power lifting. Does anyone here do this, and if so, have any advice for a newbie? I'm all ears and would appreciate anything :)

    Make sure your gym or home gym have a power rack (safety first!), and some bumper plates, and allow chalk.
  • Awkward30
    Awkward30 Posts: 1,927 Member
    I'm gonna try to get up the nerve to compete next year. Maybe. So I can't really tell you anything about it as a sport. However, I would highly recommend starting a lifting program like New Rules of Lifting or Strong Lifts and using that to get stronger and acquainted with lifting.
  • jimmmer
    jimmmer Posts: 3,515 Member

    I recently learned about power lifting. Does anyone here do this, and if so, have any advice for a newbie? I'm all ears and would appreciate anything :)

    Use of a power rack or spotters is essential.

    It is imperative to learn to breath properly before going too heavy. Correct breathing techniques engage the abdominals and protect your spine.

    There are technique pointers that are specific to certain lifts. I would recommend you buy Starting Strength and Practical Programming by Rippetoe and read them cover-to-cover more than once. They will be invaluable for you to understand how lifts are performed and why and how strength programmes are put together and why.

    Have fun!
  • HelloDan
    HelloDan Posts: 712 Member
    Powerlifting is OK, I guess, but weightlifting is where it is really at!
    You should give weightlifting a try.
  • nexangelus
    nexangelus Posts: 2,080 Member
    I don't powerlift, but I lift as heavy as I can : ) Heavy lifting gives one a real sense of satisfaction and achievement. Well it does me and I really enjoy it more than cardio based exercise/sport.
  • TygyrLily
    TygyrLily Posts: 5
    Thanks you guys! I appreciate your suggestions, and motivation to hit the gym today - my legs feel like jello :)
  • TygyrLily
    TygyrLily Posts: 5
    Powerlifting is OK, I guess, but weightlifting is where it is really at!
    You should give weightlifting a try.

    Do you mean lifting weights generally, or is there a specific world of weightlifting (competitive?) I'm unaware of? Go on...
  • TygyrLily
    TygyrLily Posts: 5
    I'm gonna try to get up the nerve to compete next year. Maybe. So I can't really tell you anything about it as a sport. However, I would highly recommend starting a lifting program like New Rules of Lifting or Strong Lifts and using that to get stronger and acquainted with lifting.

    Just ordered New Rules - can't wait to get it!!
  • taso42
    taso42 Posts: 8,980 Member
    Powerlifting is OK, I guess, but weightlifting is where it is really at!
    You should give weightlifting a try.

    Do you mean lifting weights generally, or is there a specific world of weightlifting (competitive?) I'm unaware of? Go on...

    I think he was probably refering to Olympic Weightlifting, meaning the Clean & Jeck, and the Snatch.
  • taso42
    taso42 Posts: 8,980 Member
    I'm gonna try to get up the nerve to compete next year. Maybe. So I can't really tell you anything about it as a sport. However, I would highly recommend starting a lifting program like New Rules of Lifting or Strong Lifts and using that to get stronger and acquainted with lifting.

    Just ordered New Rules - can't wait to get it!!

    If powerlifting is truly your aim, a more direct approach for your training would be Starting Strength or StrongLifts 5x5, followed by something like Wendler's 5/3/1, Texas Method, or Westside. IMO.
  • TygyrLily
    TygyrLily Posts: 5
    I'm gonna try to get up the nerve to compete next year. Maybe. So I can't really tell you anything about it as a sport. However, I would highly recommend starting a lifting program like New Rules of Lifting or Strong Lifts and using that to get stronger and acquainted with lifting.

    Just ordered New Rules - can't wait to get it!!

    If powerlifting is truly your aim, a more direct approach for your training would be Starting Strength or StrongLifts 5x5, followed by something like Wendler's 5/3/1, Texas Method, or Westside. IMO.

    Thanks - I'll definitely look into these. Though, the more I learn, I think I may benefit from overall strength training before focusing specifically on powerlifting. ...the sport of it is enticing, though.
  • HelloDan
    HelloDan Posts: 712 Member

    Do you mean lifting weights generally, or is there a specific world of weightlifting (competitive?) I'm unaware of? Go on...

    I think he was probably refering to Olympic Weightlifting, meaning the Clean & Jeck, and the Snatch.

    Yes, Weightlifting is actually it's proper name, but many people call it Olympic Weightlifting. What most people call weightlifting is actually just weight training.

    As if that's not confusing enough, the sport of powerlifting came along, and it actual requires less power than weightlifting, but I guess strengthlifting wouldn't sound right!
  • taso42
    taso42 Posts: 8,980 Member

    Do you mean lifting weights generally, or is there a specific world of weightlifting (competitive?) I'm unaware of? Go on...

    I think he was probably refering to Olympic Weightlifting, meaning the Clean & Jeck, and the Snatch.

    Yes, Weightlifting is actually it's proper name, but many people call it Olympic Weightlifting. What most people call weightlifting is actually just weight training.

    As if that's not confusing enough, the sport of powerlifting came along, and it actual requires less power than weightlifting, but I guess strengthlifting wouldn't sound right!

    Haha, most definitely. In Starting Strength, Rippetoe states that (Olympic) Weightlifting would make better sense being called "Powerlifting", and Powerlifting would make better sense being called "Strength-lifting". He also grants that the namings probably aren't going to change any time soon. :smile:
  • HelloDan
    HelloDan Posts: 712 Member
    Haha, most definitely. In Starting Strength, Rippetoe states that (Olympic) Weightlifting would make better sense being called "Powerlifting", and Powerlifting would make better sense being called "Strength-lifting". He also grants that the namings probably aren't going to change any time soon. :smile:

    Never read it, but I funny how I made the same comment about the names.
    I agree on both points that the names are now illogical, and they're here to stay!
  • username_misso
    username_misso Posts: 50 Member
    Thanks - I'll definitely look into these. Though, the more I learn, I think I may benefit from overall strength training before focusing specifically on powerlifting. ...the sport of it is enticing, though.

    the 3 power lifts - squat, bench press and deadlift - are awesome compound moves which will do wonders for overall strength training. Grab a copy of starting strength, and check out youtube for some of Rippetoe's instructional vids.

    you could also check out http://www.usapowerlifting.com/ or http://www.powerliftingwatch.com/node/4420 to see if theres any clubs or gyms near you that might be able to help show you the ropes.
  • wmagoo27
    wmagoo27 Posts: 201 Member
    http://www.nasa-sports.com/index.html

    Look up a powerlifting meet in your area and attend, even if just as an observer. See the sport in action and meet some of the people. Powerlifting can get to be a complicated thing once you get into advanced training, geared lifting, and different federations.There are a lot of options out there, and you don't have to restrict yourself to just one. The most important rule of powerlifting is that first and foremost, you are competing against yourself.
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