About Powerlifting

You don't need to powerlift to train at Gainesville Barbell, but we encourage it.

What is powerlifting?

Powerlifting is a strength sport, an extreme sport, that tallies the total of the highest of an athlete's three squat attempts, three bench press attempts, and three deadlift attempts and compares that total to other lifters in an athlete's weight class and age group.  Highest total wins.   The goal of powerlifting is to get as strong as possible.  Powerlifting is a skill sport.  It is not just about getting adrenaline up to push the weight; powerlifting requires skill practice in order to produce the greatest amount of force.  

Who is powerlifting for?

Powerlifting is for all bodies.  It just so happens that those who lift tend to see the physique side effects of adopting a strength-building lifestyle--but instead of chasing a lighter weight on the scale--powerlifting is about becoming as strong as you can.  It will change the body:  muscles build, fat decreases; but, those physical differences seem minor compared to how lifters, particularly women, come to see their bodies in relation to strength when they begin to realize they are strong. It is the nature of powerlifting to manifest a psychological change that focuses less on how the body looks and more on what the body can do.  

Still on the fence about whether or not training or competing in powerlifting is for you? Especially if you've never lifted weights or if you're in your late 40s or if you feel like you're too heavy or too thin? Here are some examples of a few of the impressive athletes I've witnessed:  I've seen a 9-year-old boy compete alongside his mom.  I've seen a 94-year-old woman compete at my first meet.  I have a 65 year-old friend who is still beating her highest numbers from years ago.  I've seen a guy with one leg pull more weight than most people with two. One of the fastest squatters I've watched at competition weighed over 300 lbs.  I've seen a 132-pound woman pull a 400-pound deadlift.   I've seen a guy who squats 900 pounds spot other lifters who are just learning how to squat the bar.  Strength is for everybody.  

Not sure where to begin?

If you'd prefer an individualized approach, we offer in-person training and remote coaching that includes programming specific to the athlete, technique feedback, and nutritional guidance.  Our coaches specialize in powerlifting and general fitness.

If you're comfortable in the weight room and want programming direction, we offer beginner, intermediate, and advanced 8-week programs to take athletes through hypertrophy, strength, and power blocks.