Powerlifting – More than just a passion!

The Exercise Physiologists at Longevity Exercise Physiology Drummoyne,Edgecliff, Marrickville,Bella Vista, Randwick, Lindfield and Balmain  have backgrounds in a range of sports and competitions. This week, Edgecliff’s, Guy discusses his passion for powerlifting.

As a new member to the team at Longevity, I’d like to introduce myself and discuss my interest in powerlifting. It was only at the end of 2019 where I was properly introduced to the sport of competitive powerlifting, after deciding to make a switch from the many years of playing Rugby Union.

I have always enjoyed training hard and lifting weights with its great crossover to improving performance on the rugby field, and making this transition put me in a position where I could still compete in a competitive sport. Powerlifting often confused with weightlifting, involves three distinct exercises (barbell back squat, barbell bench press and barbell deadlift) and it involves you lifting the highest amount of weight with these respective exercises in competition.

When it comes to training, every session focuses around these exercises, followed by ‘accessory exercises’ which are types of exercise which afford to improving weaknesses that are highlighted when performing any of the three competitive lifts or target specific areas of the body which need extra attention. There are a few big things I enjoy so much about powerlifting:

• Focus on performance rather than physical appearance
• You only get out what you put in; there’s no subjectivity
• It’s very empowering hitting personal bests after putting in hard work

The change to this style of training has also taught me a lot which I can apply as an Accredited Exercise Physiologist. For me, I’ve learnt that more doesn’t always mean better, in terms of exercises completed each session. I’ve found it is possibly better to complete a handful of exercises which target what is intended for that session and completing them with a higher intensity (heavier weight), rather than completing an endless array of exercises with a lower intensity (lower weight).

Call Longevity, 1300 964 002, to discuss your individualised exercise options!

Written By Guy Beynon