Deb Carr
3 min
Powerlifting is a sport that demands not only raw strength but also precise technique and a nuanced understanding of nutrition. While many athletes believe in the power of self-coaching, there's a compelling case for powerlifters to seek the guidance of professionals in strength training, technique refinement, and nutrition optimisation.
Powerlifting revolves around three core lifts: squat, bench press, and deadlift. While it may seem straightforward to lift heavy weights, there's an art to building strength effectively. A strength coach can design a personalised program considering an individual's strengths, weaknesses, and specific goals. They can provide periodised plans, track progress, and make necessary adjustments to ensure continuous improvement.
Moreover, having a coach in strength training can prevent common pitfalls such as overtraining or stagnation. They bring expertise in programming, recovery strategies, and injury prevention, allowing powerlifters to push their limits while minimising the risk of setbacks.
Nic Andriessen, Head Coach from Enzy Lifestyle and Performance says "As with everything, there’s plenty of different opinions on how to structure your training phases and what the priorities should be. I don’t believe there’s a “One Size Fits All” approach, and most approaches will work to some degree in the long run. The BEST approach should, in my opinion, always be situational dependent"
The importance of proper technique in powerlifting cannot be overstated. Efficient movement patterns maximise performance and reduce the risk of injury. A coach can analyse a lifter's form, identify weaknesses, and provide targeted drills to address specific issues.
Powerlifting coaching can offer real-time feedback in person or through video analysis, helping powerlifters make the necessary adjustments to optimise their lifts. Whether refining the setup for a deadlift or perfecting the bar path during a bench press, a coach can provide invaluable insights that lead to consistent, efficient, and safe lifting.
Nutrition is critical to any athlete's performance, and powerlifters are no exception. A sports nutritionist can tailor a nutrition plan to support a powerlifter's specific energy needs, recovery requirements, and weight class goals.
Emma Andriessen, Director and Nutritionist from Enzy Lifestyle and Performance advises "Adequate fuel is a powerlifters key to success and longevity in the sport. Nutrition is often under looked when it comes to powerlifting due to the mindset "mass moves mass", but with any sport fuelling adequately and good quality nutrition will make each individual a better athlete. Like with training, there is no one size fits all approach and it is important to work with the individual to ensure fuelling integrates seamlessly into their lifestyle."
From macronutrient distribution to the timing of meals, a nutritionist can guide powerlifters in making informed choices that enhance energy levels, training adaptations, recovery, and promote overall well-being. Whether the goal is to gain muscle, lose fat, or maintain weight for a competition, a nutritionist can ensure that the nutrition strategy aligns with performance objectives.
While some powerlifters may initially hesitate to invest in coaching, the long-term benefits often outweigh the costs. Coaches in strength, technique, and nutrition bring a wealth of knowledge and experience that can propel powerlifters to new levels of success. By optimising training, perfecting technique, and fine-tuning nutrition, powerlifters can achieve their current goals and set the stage for sustained excellence in the sport. In the dynamic powerlifting world, a coach can be the difference between lifting heavy and lifting optimally.