Powerlifting

Powerlifting – power sport which problem consists in overcoming weight of the maximum burdening. Unlike bodybuilding, a main objective of powerlifting is not esthetic beauty of a body, but development of physical force.

The concept of powerlifting came from two English words - "power" (force) and "lift" (to lift). This sport is called differently power triathlon: it is connected with the fact that it as competitive disciplines includes three main exercises:

• Squats with the bar located on an upper part of shovels;
• Bar press, lying on a bench;
• Draft of a bar.

These exercises are basic and are recommended to the beginning athletes for development of force and a set of muscle bulk.

Joint results of powerlifting on three disciplines during the competitions define qualification of the athlete. Assessment of indicators occurs on total weight in all three exercises. In case of identical results the victory is awarded to the athlete with a smaller weight. If there is a need of comparison of athletes with various weight categories, Glossbrenner and Wilks's formulas are applied.

The powerlifting as sport, is not included in structure of the Olympic Games, however it is a part of the World games which are taking place under supervision of the International Olympic Committee.

Classical powerlifting

Classical powerlifting call power triathlon (a press, draft and squats) with participation in which the minimum set of equipment is used. Originally equipment in powerlifting appeared for the purpose of protection of the athlete against injuries, however in recent years producers improved the products, having provided due to rigidity of fabric and other "cunnings" an increase from 5 to 15 kg of weight in each movement. So, Ryan Kennelli could squeeze out in equipment 487,6 kg, and without equipment - only 294,8 kg. Similar results on powerlifting caused rapid growth of standards of this sport over the last 10 years.

At the moment in powerlifting the following equipment is applied:

• Protective bandage on knees and wrists;
• Overalls for squat;
• Undershirt for a press lying;
• Overalls for stanovy draft and some other.

Initially International federation of powerlifting held equipment powerlifting competitions, however in recent years the bezekipirovochny or classical powerlifting won recognition of athletes in spite of the fact that standards for this kind of sport are in a development stage so far.

Powerlifting trainings

As it was already told above, this sport includes performance of three main exercises:

• Squats with a bar on spin. The starting position - a signature stamp is on trapezoid muscles of a back, a leg at shoulder length, the weight of a bar is evenly distributed on both extremities. We take a deep breath and, having held the breath, smoothly we fall down. At the same time knees are bent, and buttocks "go" down and back. As soon as hips become parallel to a floor, it is necessary to strain muscles and to return to a starting position;
• Press lying on a bench. The starting position - a bar keeps on the hands extended over a breast. Then the bar falls by a breast, is squeezed out of this situation on outstretched arms. After exercise performance the bar is returned to an emphasis;
• Draft of a bar. A starting position - the torso is inclined forward, a little bent in a waist. The signature stamp of a bar is before shins. We take a breath, we hold the breath and we tighten a bar to a stomach. At the same time elbows move up and strictly back. It is necessary to aim to raise elbows as it is possible above. Having tightened a shell to a belt, make an exhalation and smoothly lower it on a floor.

Based on long-term experience, specialists recommend:

• to divide powerlifting trainings on zhimovy, prisedovy and traction (such method leaves to the athlete of force on performance of auxiliary exercises);
• to vary intensity of loading, dividing trainings on easy, average and heavy. Intensity of loading is understood as the number of raising of a bar, carried to its average weight (as a percentage).

Auxiliary exercises about which it was told above have a certain value: they are used for increase in level of the general physical training of the athlete. Also promote formation of such qualities of the powerlifter as force, endurance, speed, flexibility, and also to development of separate groups of muscles of a body, exerting impact on the results on powerlifting received at competitions. Trainings with weights, a bar, dumbbells, exercise machines, shock-absorbers, exercises of gymnastic and acrobatic character concern to them.

Powerlifting equipment

For powerlifting trainings the following devices are used:

• Bar;
• A set of pancakes (it is recommended to use not rubberized pancakes having smaller thickness);
• Racks for squats and a press lying;
• Scaffold for stanovy draft.

Contraindications to classes in powerlifting

There is a number of diseases at which it is not recommended to be engaged with burdenings. Treat them:

• Hemorrhoids. It is possible to start trainings only after an absolute recovery;
• Hernia. The disease is treated only in the surgical way;
• The increased intracranial pressure (the strengthened trainings can lead to sight loss);
• Oncological diseases.

At the following diseases it is possible to go in for powerlifting, but with a certain care and only after consultation with the specialist:

• Diseases of cardiovascular system;
• Osteochondrosis;
• Scoliosis;
• Prostatitis.

Powerlifting trainings in the moderate mode allow to improve the general condition of an organism, to strengthen immunity and to help treatment of a set of diseases of various character. For example, exercises on this sport are "lifebuoy" for treatment of pulmonary diseases in chronic forms (they allow to get rid of excess liquid and to increase lung volume).

The basic rule to which it is necessary to adhere, going in for powerlifting - to strictly observe recommendations of the trainer and the attending physician.