Edinburgh University
Weightlifting Club
EUWC
History
Traditionally, Weightlifting meant Olympic style lifting. This involved lifting a bar above your head, in either one movement (snatch) or two (clean and jerk). These emphasised speed and technique as well as strength. They are also among the oldest of Olympic sports. People have always asked who is the strongest!
Powerlifting is the newer type of Weightlifting! It began in the 1970s reflecting lifts that were becoming more popular in gyms. These were Squat, Bench and Deadlift. In particular, these lifts were favoured by bodybuilders, strongmen, American football players and other athletes training for all round strength.
For a full history of the development of Powerlifting.
The lifts
Squat: This involves holding a bar on the back of your shoulders, then bending your legs into the ‘squat’ position. Once there use your combined leg, hip and lower back strength to stand up.
Brad Gillingham (USA), 380 squat at 125+, 2002 IPF World Championships
Bench: Lie flat on a bench and hold a bar with arms straight over your chest. Bench your elbows and lower the bar to your chest. Now push hard, using your combined shoulders, triceps, chest and upper back muscles.
Alexy Sivokan, Multiple World Champion, 215@67.5kg.
Deadlift: Just pick the bar up off the floor until you are standing upright! Use legs, hips, lower and upper back strength for an all over workout.
Istvan Arvai (Hungary), 387.7@125, 2003 World Champion
These were seen as more of a test of overall strength and control than Olympic lifting. That is, they cover leg, chest and back strength together. In addition, the lifts are more accessible to novices, as expert coaching on technique is not required (!).
The future
The early lifters really were pioneers, and we all owe a lot to them in helping to establish Powerlifting as a valid sport. However, there is still someway to go, as Powerlifting is still a specialist sport and not yet recognised by the IOC.
This could be changing! Powerlifting is affiliated to Sport Scotland (the official Olympic body for sport in Scotland), adheres to WADA rules on doping, is part of the World Games (for sports not in the Olympics proper) and the 1st Commonwealth Championships is being held this year.
Powerlifting is still on the way up with no signs of stopping – be a part of it!
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