Top 10 Powerlifting Myths

What is powerlifting? Well, from these stereotypes, misconceptions and myths you might gain an idea what it's not about...

1) “All powerlifters are just angry, aggressive and lift stuff.” Not all of us are loud and intimidating, just for the sake of it. Powerlifting is a very intense sport and can require a lot of ‘hyping up’ before a big lift, so, if you see a powerlifter preparing themselves for lifting something heavy, don’t be scared- maybe just stay out of their way for a second… I promise, we’re all lovely people really.

2) “Powerlifters are all fat.”

Powerlifters come in all shapes and sizes and that’s kind of the whole point. Powerlifting does not care what you look like, it cares whether you lift a weight or not. We prefer the term ‘powerful’ anyway...

3) “Powerlifters are lazy.” Again, another common stereotype. Just because we rest more in between sets and do fewer reps doesn’t mean we don't put in just as much work as any other lifter. Powerlifters usually train by doing less reps but lifting heavier weights. Our workouts may take longer but we’re not complaining - this shit is hard.

4) “It’s cheating if you wear wraps/a suit/briefs.” It’s not really that straight forward. If you know anything about powerlifting already you may be aware that there is a slight division between ‘raw’ and ‘equipped’ lifters. It’s pretty much about the lifter’s preference to what equipment they like to lift in. Basically, some people like just sleeves (raw lifters) and then some lifters (equipped) like to use wraps, a squat suit, briefs, or a bench shirt. Equipped lifters, ultimately, can lift more weight due to the equipment aiding them.

5) “Arching like that is bad for your back.” This is a common misconception concerning the bench press. Powerlifters generally arch their back to tuck their shoulders back, to save them from getting injured (as well as for stability reasons) and they can get more out of the lift. It is not unsafe if you practice this with good technique and form, it does help to be mobile though. Another benefit arching can potentially do for a lifter is limit their bench’s range of motion and therefore, can lift heavier.

6) “Lifting/squatting is bad for your knees.” I think this is the one that puts people off lifting in the first place- especially the squat. Again, with a good technique, form and equipment (such as sleeves) it shouldn’t really give you much pain. But generally, it shouldn’t. Lifters learn how to lift correctly in order to lift for a long time and benefit them in the long run. If you do experience pain- at a light weight or just bodyweight alone- then maybe think about taking a step back and thinking about if you have any mobility issues, experiment with your squat stance (the position your feet are when you squat) and make sure you are fully warmed up before you start lifting!

7) “Girls who powerlift are manly and muscular.” *Rolls eyes* This one, unfortunately, carries the stigma that girls who lift weights automatically turn into Arnold Schwarzenegger’s twin sister. It takes A LOT to get to that stage anyway, regardless of sex. And look, it’s 2020- women can do whatever and look however they like. Women can still look feminine with muscles- and look badass doing it too!

8) “Everyone is on steroids.” No, not everyone is on steroids *sigh* and even if some lifters are, does it really matter? Not that I can speak from personal experience but I feel that performance-enhancing drugs have got a bad reputation because of those who abuse them. In the context of fitness, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with them if they’re used correctly- some of the strongest top athletes do. Plus, it is crazy (and cool) to see what the human body can physically do...

9) “Powerlifters never do cardio.” Well, it depends on what you define as ‘cardio’ really... because like 5 or more reps of any exercise pretty much counts, right? (Okay, probably not helping the ‘powerlifters are lazy’ myth...) Some programmes put cardio in, some don’t, but lifting heavy weights burns even more energy than cardio does alone- my coach loves to put in sets of 100 in at the end of the workout so I’m counting that. On a serious note though, personally, I warm up 5 minutes or so on the bike- especially for legs- just to get everything moving and the blood flowing.

10) “Powerlifting is for advanced lifters.” Not true- you can start powerlifting at any level! Although a lot of lifters do have some kind of lifting experience- such as bodybuilding- before they get into it, it’s not essential. As long as you learn the efficient and safe ways to execute the lifts (and accessories) then what’s stopping you? A good coach or friend with experience in this field to show you the ropes may be beneficial!