Powerlifting

Powerlifting is a strength sport that takes place all over the world although it is more popular in countries such as the United States, UK, Russia and Ukraine. It orginated in the US and UK in the 1950's but before was recognized as 'odd lifts'. These 'odd lifts' eventually developed into the three specific lifts Bench Press, Squat and Deadlift although it was originally Bench Press, Squat and Curl. The First British championship was held in 1966. Although it varies depending on what federation you lift in the competition is broken down into weight categories and also age categories.

In the competition the lifter announces what weight they will be taking as there opening lift for the squat which is normally the first event. If they complete the lift then that lift gets added to there total, and they can go for a 2nd lift of something higher. If they fail they have to stay at that weight or go higher they may not go lower, they get a total of three attempts. This process happens for each lift the squat bench and deadlift, although if at any point a athlete fails to complete any of the 3 attempts for a particular lift they "bomb out" which means they are out of the competition and will not record a total. A total is the highest lifted amount in each lift added together. Some federations run on points calculators that are calculated on the amount lifted and your bodyweight.

Powerlifters are allowed to wear different types of equipment depending on categories and federations. Equipped powerlifting will allow you to wear certain equipment this could be a suit, wraps, sleeves, belt etc. Raw is normally defined as belt only lifting. Rules for each lift do vary slightly depending on federation for example squat depth in some federations is higher than others