Powerlifting is a strength sport that consists of three attempts at maximal weight on three lifts: Squat, Bench Press, and Deadlift.
These may be performed equipped or un-equipped (un-equipped is typically referred to as ‘raw’ lifting). Equipment can include knee wraps and supportive shirts. In Raw lifting knee sleeves, wrist wraps and a belt is allowable and still considered raw.
Competitions take place across the world and the sport has been growing in popularity over recent years - in part due to the rise of Crossfit and the popularity of strength training.
IPF Classes and categories
Weight classes:
Men: up to 53 kg (Sub-Junior/Junior), 59 kg, 66 kg, 74 kg, 83 kg, 93 kg, 105 kg, 120 kg, 120 kg+
Women: up to 43 kg (Sub-Junior/Junior), 47 kg, 52 kg, 57 kg, 63 kg, 69 kg, 76kg, 84 kg, 84 kg +
Age Classes
The IPF uses the following age categories: sub-junior (18 and under), junior (19-23), open (24-39), masters 1 (40-49), master 2 (50-59), masters 3 (60-69), and masters 4 (70+).
Competition
A competition takes place as follows:
Each competitor is allowed three attempts on each lift (usually smallest w-class to heaviest). The lifter’s best valid attempt on each lift counts toward his competition total. If two or more lifters achieve the same total, the lighter lifter ranks above the heavier lifter.
Competitors are judged against other lifters of the same gender, weight class, and age.
Comparisons of lifters and scores across different weight classes can also be made using handicapping systems such as the IPF formula or GL Points.
Events
In a Competition, there are three events: Squat, Bench Press and Deadlift. Single lift meets are often held, sometimes alongside a normal 3-lift event. This is most common in the Bench Press.
At a meet the events will follow in order: Squat, then Bench Press, and the Deadlift will be the final lift of the meet.
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