Powerlifting

Powerlifting is a strength sport focused on three maximal lifts: the squat, bench press, and deadlift. Competitors attempt to lift the heaviest weights possible in each lift during a single competition day. The sport emphasizes maximal strength and technique and is distinct from Olympic weightlifting, which uses the snatch and the clean and jerk.

In competition, lifters have three attempts for each lift. A lifter's best successful attempt in each lift is summed to form the total, and the lifter with the highest total wins within a given weight class. Lifts must be performed in order: squat, bench press, deadlift. Judges enforce depth, pause, lockout, and other technique rules; a lift can be disqualified for faults. In the case of a tie, tiebreakers typically include body weight and the number of successful attempts.

Equipment and divisions: Competitions are governed by national and international bodies, with the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) being the largest. There are raw (unequipped) and equipped divisions. Raw divisions generally allow minimal supportive equipment such as a belt, wrist wraps, and knee sleeves, while equipped divisions permit supportive gear like bench shirts and squat suits that can enhance performance. Standard competition equipment includes a powerlifting bar, plates, a lifting belt, knee sleeves or wraps, wrist wraps, and appropriate footwear. In most meets, lifters wear a singlet.

Records and culture: World records exist for each lift and total in each weight class. Major events include world championships and regional championships. Training emphasizes progressive overload, technique refinement, and periodization, with many lifters using peaking programs to maximize performance for a given meet.