Powerlifting - history and classification of exercises

Author: Timko Ilya - master of the whole project and fitness trainer.
2011-01-16

The history of powerlifting spans about 50 years. As a sport, it emerged in the mid-20th century. Athletes who could not or did not want to engage in weightlifting, along with weightlifters who were injured and could no longer compete in weightlifting, began to compete in pure strength exercises (Squats with a barbell on the shoulders, bench press, and deadlift). This is how powerlifting was born. The first World Championship in this sport took place in 1971.

The history of this sport in our country spans almost 30 years. Powerlifting only reached the USSR in the early 80s, and at that time, it was referred to as athletic gymnastics (B. I. Sheiko – "Powerlifting"). Athletes often competed in squats, bench presses, and long jumps. There were no professional powerlifters in the USSR at that time, and almost all athletes competing were weightlifters. In September 1990, the Russian Powerlifting Federation was established (B. I. Sheiko – "Powerlifting"). By the mid-90s, our country had become a leader in this sport on the international stage. In general, powerlifting is perhaps the most strength-oriented sport. If you simply want to be strong and do not possess the flexibility, coordination, and speed of a weightlifter – then focus on powerlifting.

According to the state program, children from the age of 9 are accepted into powerlifting sections at sports schools. However, people typically start engaging in it during their teenage years. In this regard, it is a relatively "old sport." This is primarily because strength is a motor quality that reaches its peak in adulthood. While flexibility begins to decline by the age of 17-18, and speed of muscle contraction and endurance decline by the ages of 20-22, strength typically begins to diminish only after the age of 30 (provided that the person is not training). Thus, this type of sport becomes accessible at any age. Those who are contraindicated from axial loads and have issues with the spine (such as osteochondrosis or hernia), knees, etc., can only engage in bench press. Separate competitions are held for this exercise.

But don't think that this is a "free" sport. The standards are very high. To achieve at least the third category, you'll have to work hard. Some may take more than a year. In training, you will have to do not what you want, but what you need. You will have to squat and deadlift a lot, and train your legs at least as much as your arms.

All exercises in powerlifting (as in any other sport) are divided into three types.

1. Competitive (CUs). These are the three exercises: Squats with a barbell on the shoulders, bench press, and deadlift. The result in competitions is determined by the sum of the best successful attempts in each movement. Therefore, a good powerlifter is not the one who can lift or pull the most, but the one who can "collect" more in total than others.
2. Specially Prepared (SPUs). These are exercises that have one or more similar elements to the competitive ones and are aimed at increasing strength, muscle mass, and results in competitive exercises. Among them, we can also highlight closely related exercises. They differ from competitive ones by just one element. For example, box squats, bench press with a long pause, deadlifts from a low start, and so on.
3. General Preparation (GPUs). These are exercises that do not directly affect competitive exercises and have nothing in common with them but are necessary for the athlete's overall development. These can include stretching exercises, swimming, running, and much more.

Currently, there are four international powerlifting federations operating in Russia, each with its own nuances in rules and standards. Athletes now have the opportunity to compete with or without equipment. In amateur versions (with doping control) and professional versions (without doping control). Some federations (WDFPF) hold Russian Championships in individual movements (awards are given separately for each of the three exercises). Additionally, all federations also conduct separate competitions for bench presses. Each federation has standards for the bench press, except for the IPF.