The Difference Between Bodybuilding, Powerlifting, and Weightlifting

What’s the best key in of weight training for you?

Find out the differences between bodybuilding vs. powerlifting vs. weightlifting and the benefits of each.

One of the incredible things about resistance training is just how many styles exist.

There are literally hundreds of ways just to pick up a weight.

a strength coach with the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM).

And all of them can help you develop strength and power in different ways, he explains.

One aspect that makes these training formats stand out is that they’re all competitive sports, too.

What Is Powerlifting?

Each lift uses a barbell loaded with weight plates.

The weight of your highest successful attempt at each lift is added together for your total score.

Participants are usually judged in different categories, separated by sex, age, and weight class.

the weight you’re lifting, that aren’t just about aesthetics or losing weight.

If you’re a runner, powerlifting can also benefit your training in a big way.

[should you build a base of strength before you really go ham with a PL program?]

Whenworking with heavy weights, King advises enlisting a spotter, especially for the bench press and squat.

“The spotter’s first job is to help you get your weight into position,” he explains.

Communication with your spotter is key, says King.

Or do you not want me to touch the bar until it starts dropping?"

Look for someone certified byUSA Powerlifting’s coach certification program.

Also, get inspired bythis woman who started powerlifting and loves her body more than ever.

Participants are judged in categories based on their age, weight, and gender.

Both lifts require you to lift a loaded barbell explosively overhead.

This sort of conditioning is required, as Olympic lifting is done at a faster tempo.

Thislean musclewill help to burn fat.

It also requires ample room to drop the barbell, so it may not be available in all gyms.

(Get inspired by following theseOlympic Weightlifting Women on Instagramas well.)

That leaves a lot of room for creativity in training.

This protocol is efficient for developing muscle mass, he explains.

Exercises could include the bench press, lat pulldowns, biceps curls, triceps extensions, and squats.

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Once you’re comfortable with light to moderate weights, you’re able to try more advanced styles.

(Next read:How to Create Your Own Muscle-Building Workout Plan)