Enkeltløft

Enkeltløft is a term used in Norwegian strength sports, particularly in powerlifting and strongman competitions. It refers to a single, stand‑alone lift that an athlete performs, as opposed to a combined effort such as the 3‑lift total in powerlifting or a series of events in a strongman meet.

The concept of the enkeltløft arose in the early 1990s when the Norwegian strength community began testing athletes on individual capabilities. In a powerlifting context, it is usually one of the three lifts—squat, bench press, or deadlift—where the athlete is judged solely on the maximum weight he can lift in that one movement. In strongman contests, an enkeltløft event can take many forms; a common example is the “Kettlebell Swing” or “Log Press” where competitors aim to lift the heaviest single weight in one cycle.

Technique and training for the enkeltløft mirror the discipline’s specific lifing mechanics. Squat focuses on bar‑bell positioning, hip drive, and deep range of motion. Bench press emphasizes rib‑cage stability, triceps activation, and even shoulder coordination. Deadlift requires raw posterior chain strength, grip endurance, and perfect spinal alignment. In strongman enkeltløft training, athletes incorporate accessory movements such as farmer’s walks, sled pushes, and overhead carries to target the specific lift’s demands.

Notable Norwegian athletes who have excelled at enkeltløft competitions include Pål Tøien, who set a national record in the single‑lift category during the 1995 Norwegian Open, and Bjørnar Møller, known for his dominating performance in the kettlebell swing event at the 2003 Strongman World Cup. The enkeltløft remains a popular feature in national meets, often attracting spectators with its pure demonstration of strength in a single, visually striking movement.