Powerlifting Sport

If you currently have the highest professional level in this kind of sports or you have just started training, this article would be definitely useful. So lets have a picture of some basics. The squat is both a competitive lift and an essential movement in the powerlifting sport or a traditional weight training exercise for a lower body. As a lift, the squat has small variations according to the powerlifting federations' rulebooks. In general terms, it consists of a combined flexion of knee and hip joint with a loaded bar over the lifter's trapezius. The bar-downward flexion goes until either a position where hip and knee joint are parallel, or hip joint has "broken" the parallel line, in a knee flexion smaller than 90o. The upward movement then begins, with knee and hip extension until the lifter has resumed a locked-knees straight position. As an exercise, the squat has a myriad variations, using linear guided motion apparatus such as the Smith machine and other devices that basically change the center of gravity of the "bar-lifter" system (traditionally, vertical over the lifter's feet). These variations allow for playing with the joint forces operating in the flexion-extension movements in a way that the "lift-squat" does not allow (Abelbeck 2002). The lift-squat generates important forces on the knee and hip joints that may be soothed or modified with the exercise devices.

On the whole, the squat is considered one of the most complete and significant exercises because the recruitment during the movement involves a great number of muscle groups. There has been, however, for many years, some concern over the great forces imposed on the knee and hip joints during the lift squat.

More to the point, the main forces implied in the squat movement are: the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL - one of the four major ligaments of the knee) tensile forces, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tensile forces, Tibiofemoral (TF) compressive forces and patellofemoral (PF) compressive forces. All such forces are increased with increased knee flexion (Escamilla et all 2001), and further augmented under external resistance (Wallace et al 2002). Particularly, TF and PF tend to assume greater values with increased knee flexion (Escamilla 2001). Squat stance also alters the forces operating on the lifter's body. A wider stance tends to increase the movement on both hip and knee joint, thus aggravating the PF/TF augmentation.

One of the most noteworthy studies regarding this article's focus is Senter and Hame's biomechanical analysis of tibial torque and knee flexion angle (Senter & Hame 2006). According to the authors, there are many knee injuries in sports in general associated with hyper-flexion of the knee joint. At such angles, PCL and meniscus are normally compromised. PCL deficient knees exhibit greater external tibial rotation, which is also detrimental to joint integrity. In conclusion the authors claim that the reduction of forces over PCL, ACL and meniscus should be sought through correct protective equipment, proper training and the surface as harmless as can be.

Powerlifting is a strength sport that involves three events: the squat, the bench press, and the deadlift. Powerlifting is comparable to the sport of Weightlifting as both disciplines involve lifting heavy weights in three attempts.

Originally powerlifting was conceived as a pure test of strength. Powerlifting origin has pretty modern roots, with the initial formal competitions occurring in the mid 1960s. Draw attention to the fact that powerlifting differs from weightlifting. The last one, also called Olympic weightlifting or Olympic-style weightlifting is a sport made up of two lifts: the Snatch and the Clean-and-Jerk, where the weight is lifted above the head, whereas powerlifting comprises three lifts: the Squat, Bench Press and Deadlift. Powerlifting competitions may be comprised of one, two or all three of the lifting disciplines. Athletes are categorised by sex, age and bodyweight. Each competitor is allowed three attempts at each lift, the best lift in each discipline being added to their total. The lifter with the highest total is the winner. In cases where two or more lifters achieve the same total, the person with the lightest bodyweight wins.

Powerlifters use loads of training methods. Conventional Powerlifting or Progressive Overload training was once the most use type of training in the sport. This type of lifting consists of a Gradual increase in weight over time as one lowers one repetition level. For instance, one week may be one maximum set of twelve, the next week eight, and the next week five reps, and back up again breaking ones personal best each time. Today there are many methods including the newest edition the "Westside" system. Using this system, explosive speed is emphasised rather than slowly moving progressive near-maximal weight. This kind of training more closely aligns with weightlifting.

A powerlifting competition occurs in this way:

Each competitor has 3-4 attempts on each lift depending on their standing and the organization they are lifting in. The lifter’s best valid attempt on each lift counts toward his competition total. If two or more lifters achieve the same total, the lighter lifter ranks above the heavier lifter.

Competitors are judged against other lifters of the same gender, weight class, and age. This assists to guarantee that the accomplishments of lifters like Lamar Gant, who deadlifted five times his own weight, are recognized alongside those of Andy Bolton, the present-day World Powerlifting Organization squat, deadlift, and three-lift world record holder. Comparisons of lifters and scores across different weight classes can also be made using handicapping systems like the Wilks formula.