Powerlifting Guides

Evidence-based guides covering technique, programming, nutrition, and recovery for strength athletes.

beginner-powerlifting

  • Bench Press Form for Powerlifting: Setup, Arch, and Execution

    Complete guide to powerlifting bench press technique — proper setup, leg drive, bar path, and competition pause.

  • 10 Common Powerlifting Mistakes Beginners Make (and How to Fix Them)

    The most frequent beginner powerlifting mistakes — from program hopping to ego lifting — and practical fixes for each.

  • How to Deadlift: Conventional and Sumo Technique for Beginners

    Learn the deadlift from the ground up — hip hinge, grip, bracing, and how to choose between conventional and sumo.

  • Your First 12 Weeks of Powerlifting: What to Expect

    A week-by-week overview of what happens when you start powerlifting — from first barbell session to real strength gains.

  • How Strong Do You Need to Be Before Starting Powerlifting?

    You don't need to be strong to start powerlifting. Here's why the empty bar is the perfect starting point.

  • How to Start Powerlifting: A Practical First-Steps Guide

    Step-by-step guide to starting powerlifting, from finding a gym to your very first barbell session.

  • The Complete Beginner's Guide to Powerlifting

    Everything you need to start powerlifting: the three lifts, programming basics, equipment, and your first training plan.

  • How to Pick Your Starting Weights for Powerlifting

    A practical guide to choosing your first working weights for squat, bench press, and deadlift without ego or guesswork.

  • Powerlifting for Women: What You Actually Need to Know

    A straight-talk guide for women starting powerlifting — debunking myths, addressing real concerns, and covering programming.

  • Powerlifting vs Bodybuilding: Which One Is Right for You?

    Key differences between powerlifting and bodybuilding — training, goals, mindset, and results compared.

  • Squat Form for Powerlifting: Technique Guide for Beginners

    Learn proper powerlifting squat technique — stance, depth, bracing, and common errors explained simply.

  • Powerlifting Terminology: Every Term You Need to Know

    A plain-language glossary of powerlifting terms — from RPE and 1RM to peaking and commands.

  • How to Warm Up for Powerlifting: A No-Nonsense Protocol

    The right way to warm up before squats, bench press, and deadlifts — general prep and specific warm-up sets explained.

  • When Should a Beginner Start Using a Lifting Belt?

    Honest advice on when a belt helps, when it doesn't, and how to use one properly for powerlifting.

equipment

  • Barbell Buying Guide: What Makes a Good Powerlifting Bar

    What to look for in a powerlifting barbell. Shaft diameter, knurling, whip, tensile strength, and which bars are worth buying.

  • Best Powerlifting Belts in {/* YEAR_AUTO */}2026{/* /YEAR_AUTO */}

    Honest recommendations for the best powerlifting belts in 2026. Lever vs prong, 10mm vs 13mm, and which belt actually fits your needs.

  • Best Powerlifting Shoes in {/* YEAR_AUTO */}2026{/* /YEAR_AUTO */}

    Best shoes for squat, bench, and deadlift in 2026. Flat vs heeled, when each matters, and specific models worth buying.

  • Best Budget Home Gym Under $1,000 in {/* YEAR_AUTO */}2026{/* /YEAR_AUTO */}

    Build a complete powerlifting home gym for under $1,000 in 2026. Exact items, prices, and where to find deals.

  • Chalk vs Straps vs Hook Grip: Deadlift Grip Solutions

    Compare chalk, straps, hook grip, and mixed grip for deadlifts. Which grip method works best for powerlifting training and competition.

  • Home Gym Setup for Powerlifting: Minimum Viable Equipment

    Exactly what you need for a powerlifting home gym. Minimum viable setup, recommended upgrades, and what to skip entirely.

  • Equipment Guide for Powerlifting: What You Actually Need

    Complete guide to powerlifting equipment. What to buy first, what to skip, and what matters for squat, bench, and deadlift performance.

lifestyle

  • Lifestyle and Nutrition for Strength: The Complete Guide

    Practical lifestyle and nutrition advice for powerlifters. Sleep, calories, protein, stress management, and training structure that actually works.

plateaus

  • Breaking Through Powerlifting Plateaus: The Complete Guide

    Why your lifts stopped going up and exactly what to do about it — comprehensive plateau-busting guide for powerlifters.

programming

  • What Is Auto-Regulated Powerlifting Training?

    Your program should adjust to you, not the other way around. Here is how auto-regulated training works and why it keeps you getting stronger without burning out.

  • Programming Guides

    Learn how smart programming keeps you getting stronger. Auto-regulation, linear progression, and the science behind Strena.

  • Linear Progression for Powerlifting — When It Works and When It Stalls

    Linear progression is the strongest way to get strong — until it stops working. Strena tells you when to push and when to hold, so you keep adding weight to the bar.

programs

  • Powerlifting Program Comparison Chart

    Side-by-side comparison chart of popular powerlifting programs — frequency, volume, progression, and difficulty at a glance.

  • Best Powerlifting Programs Compared: Find Your Perfect Fit

    In-depth comparison of every major beginner and intermediate powerlifting program — GZCLP, 5/3/1, Starting Strength, nSuns, and more.