Training Powerlifting Vs Bodybuilding

Training for powerlifting is different in several ways to the classical Bodybuilding style training scheme.

Reps and Sets

Training for Powerlifting involves a much lower number of sets and reps compared to the average Bodybuilding routine. The weight used by Powerlifters is usually higher while Bodybuilders will have a lot of sets and reps to completely fatigue the muscle being worked hitting all the fibres within the muscle.

Time between Sets

The time between reps for a Powerlifter is also much greater than that of a Bodybuilder with 2-3 seconds between reps.

Training Cycles

A structured powerlifting cycle can be up to 16 weeks focussing on the competition lifts of Squat, Benchpress and Deadlift with each lift being trained twice per week, 1 heavy 1 light. The light days stimulating speed and power.

Over the training cycle reps become lower as the weight is increased

Bodybuilders usually do not periodise their training.

Exercise Selection

Powerlifting often involves very few exercises while a Bodybuilder will use a lot of isolation exercises to target each muscle from many different angles with slow controlled movement. This targets the more numerous slow twitch fibres for larger muscle growth.

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