Powerlifting Training: Top 5 Reasons to Try It

Written by Coach Wei Jian on 3/4/2023

Powerlifting is a strength sport that involves three main lifts: the squat, bench press, and deadlift. While it may seem intimidating, powerlifting training can provide many benefits for people of all fitness levels. Whether you are looking to compete in your first Powerlifting Meet, or just want to be fitter and healthier, there are many benefits to implementing powerlifting training into your wellness routine. Here are the top 5 reasons why you should train like a powerlifter:

#1 Build strength and muscle mass

Powerlifting is a great way to build strength and muscle mass, as the sport focuses on heavy compound lifts that work multiple muscle groups at once. The squat, bench press, and deadlift are all exercises that target the lower body, upper body, and back, respectively, resulting in a full-body workout that can lead to significant increases in strength and muscle size. Besides the 3 big lifts, powerlifting training involves bodybuilding movements as well, commonly known as 'accessory movements' among powerlifters, which aims to build muscles and address weaknesses to get stronger in the main lifts.

#2 Improve athletic performance

Powerlifting training can also improve athletic performance, as the strength gained from powerlifting can carry over to other sports and activities. For example, a stronger squat can help improve running speed and jumping ability, while a stronger bench press can improve upper body strength for sports such as rugby.

#3 Boost confidence and mental toughness

Powerlifting requires mental toughness and a never-give-up attitude, which can translate to other areas of life. As you push yourself to lift heavier weights and overcome physical challenges, you'll develop a sense of confidence and mental fortitude that can help you tackle any obstacle that comes your way.

#4 Burn fat and increase metabolism

Powerlifting is also a great way to burn fat and increase metabolism, as the heavy lifting involved in the sport can help boost your metabolism after your workout. Additionally, the increased muscle mass from powerlifting can help increase your basal metabolic rate, allowing you to burn more calories even at rest. Paired with proper diet, powerlifting training is a great programme to aid in your fat loss journey.

#5 Objective Goals and Sense of Achievement

One of the unique benefits of powerlifting training is the presence of clear, objective goals that can be measured and achieved over time. Unlike other forms of exercise that may focus on subjective goals such as aesthetic appearance, powerlifting training centers around getting stronger in the squat, bench press, and deadlift - with clear standards for performance and progress. Achieving those goals will provide a great sense of achievement, which will be a great motivator for us to keep going. Nothing beats the feeling of hitting your first 100kg bench press, that's for sure!

If you are interested in the benefits of powerlifting training and want to give it a try, consider visiting us at Strength Mastery Gym in Johor Bahru. Our Certified Powerlifting Level 1 & 2 coach, Wei Jian, can help guide you through the basics of powerlifting training and provide personalized support to help you achieve your fitness goals. Don't be intimidated by the heavy weights or competitive atmosphere - powerlifting is a sport for everyone, regardless of age, gender, or fitness level.

Coach Wei Jian

Certified TPF Powerlifting Level 1 & 2 Coach

Wei Jian has over 3 years of coaching experience and has helped athletes of various backgrounds to achieve their fitness goals, be it for competitive powerlifting, general strength training, muscle gain, and fat loss.