Powerlifting
Powerlifting is a strength sport, consisting of three events: the squat, the bench press, and the deadlift.
Powerlifting resembles the sport of olympic weightlifting, as both disciplines involve lifting weights in three attempts. It evolved from a sport known as 'odd lifts' which followed the same 3 attempt format but using a wide variety of events akin to Strongman events. Eventually odd lifts became standardized to the three events (squat, bench, deadlift) and became known as Powerlifting.
Powerlifting meets take place across the world but mostly in the USA, UK and Russia. Powerlifting has been a Paralympic sport since 1984 and is also a World Games sport.
Training
Powerlifting requires specialized training techniques that are focused on strength and explosive power. Traditional training methods dictated low repetitions with maximal weight. These practices are still true today, however training methods have advanced to include emphasis on explosive power. This may be achieved through dynamic exercises which utilize lighter weight and alternating repetition patterns.
A well known training method is known as the Westside Barbell method developed by Louie Simmons, or the high volume routines developed by Boris Sheiko. Other alternatives exist, notably the Smolov Squat Routine from Russia.
Regulations
Although powerlifting always uses the squat, bench press and deadlift as events, different federations have different rules and different interpretations of the rules, leading to a myriad of variations.
The ADAU and 100% Raw Federation allow no supportive gear to be worn by the lifter while the IPF, AAU, NASA, U.S.A.P.L and the ADFPF only allow a single-ply tight polyester squat suit, deadlift suit and bench shirt, wraps for knees and wrists, and a belt. Other federations, such as the APF, APA, IPA and WPC and WPO, allow opened or closed back bench shirts, multi-ply gear, and a wide array of gear materials such as canvas, denim, polyester etc.
In an IPF bench press, the barbell can go as low as the xiphoid process and no further in the lift, whereas in other federations, the barbell can touch the abdomen. (This shortens the distance in which the barbell is moved and is an advantage to the lifter.)
