The 5 Essentials for Powerlifting

September 11, 2017

If we asked you to pick 5 essential pieces of equipment for Powerlifting, what would you include? Powerlifting can be a relatively inexpensive sport to compete in with novice club level competitions typically only requiring deadlift socks and closed in shoes. However, equipment needs will vary wildly depending on the grade of the lifter, the Powerlifting federation they choose to compete in and their general equipment needs.

Here we list our 5 recommended essentials for Powerlifting.

1. Wrist Support
This usually is the first piece of equipment lovers of the iron will acquire. Cheap and effective, a good set of wrist wraps will set you back next to nothing but provide a solid start to your strength training. Wrist wrap material matters and selecting the right wrist wraps for your goals should not be ignored.

If you're going for heavy compound movements such as the Bench press where maximum wrist restriction is needed, then a stiff heavy duty wrist wrap is desirable. If you're after additional wrist support for the squat you can get away with a softer or more flexible wrist wrap. Remember, when using wrist wraps it's imperative to get good coverage across the base of the palm and top of the wrist. This will ensure a proper and stable wrist locking. If you miss this important step you’ll end up with a fancy sweat band...

2. Knee Support
We're talking knee sleeves here. Almost essential when you start approaching the 70% to 80% + of your 1RM. Lifters love the support, feel and confidence a quality set of knee sleeves provide. Depending on the make and model, neoprene stiffness will vary and ultimately will provide greater or reduced rebound in your squat. Sizing down also provides lifters further performance enhancement with a tighter fit, but try not to go overboard with this!

But, did you know that knee sleeves can also be used for:

- Elbow Sleeves (joint warmth and compression)
- Deadlift Shin Guards (prevents knurling taking flesh off your shins)
- A girlfriend deterrent (these things can stink...a lot)

Most designs couple greatly as elbow sleeves to prevent acute tendinitis and other tendon inflammation conditions of the elbow. Simply slide them up on your elbow PRIOR to heavy pressing and remember to warm up slowly. If you suffer a lot from these conditions, try going wider on your grip as this can relieve strain from the affected areas.

Sick of bleeding shins from deadlifts? Have you tried sliding your knee sleeves over your shins/calves? Give it a go next deadlift session and avoid that dreaded 'post deadlift shower', because nothing feels better than hot water pouring over open flesh...

Knee Sleeves can easily be adapted to be used as shin guards for deadlifts.

3. Core Support
THE BELT. At times a controversial topic, but a very important one. Lifters will often spend huge amounts of time researching belts over any other piece of equipment. Why? Well for starters they are likely going to be one of the more pricey pieces of gear you will need and sourcing quality belts can be an issue at times. Luckily Loaded Lifting provide you with two great options for a quality, stiff Powerlifting belt. Try to avoid cheaper low grade alternatives as you'll often be left horribly disappointed.

If you're after the Rolls Royce of Powerlifting Belts, Inzer Advance Designs are your answer. At around $180 AUD you can get your hands on the finest Powerlifting Belts every made (Made in the USA). We even have a pre order system available so you can secure your belt as soon as possible.

On a bit more of a budget but still need a premium Powerlifting belt? You can't look past the Loaded Lever Belt. Available in 10mm and 13mm (13mm coming Nov 2015), lifters from around the globe are sourcing our new premium leather Powerlifting belts. Starting at $144 AUD.

4. Grip Support
This is a no-brainer but needs to be mentioned. Chalk is used in practically every lift and plays a vital role in lift setup and grip performance. Chalk is used for the squat, bench and deadlift in various ways. Other than your hands, chalking of your back and buttox for the bench press will enable you to setup much easier. For the squat it's advised to chalk up your upper back / traps area as well, keeping that bar nicely locked in place.

5. Foot Support
Last but certainly not least - the foundation for your power. Whether it be the squat, deadlift or bench press, all 3 have their own needs and requirements. Personally we like a different shoe for all 3 lifts but this can be a personal thing. Each lift has their own needs and demands, lets take a look at all them.

For the squat, there are typically two avenues you can go down. For the narrow close stance squatters, a raised heel Weightlifting shoe is desirable, but that's not to say a regular flat cannot be used if you prefer this. Wider stance squatters tend to lean towards a flat sole shoe, such as a Reebok Lite TR or Chuck Taylor for example.

For the Bench press you really should be chasing 2 qualities in a shoe - grip and potentially a raised sole. Grip is a must (feet cant slide or move during the lift) but the need for a raised sole will vary on the lifters height and limb lengths. If you struggle to getting your feet back into position and are vertically challenged, this can assist a lot.

Deadlifting can be an interesting beast when it comes to shoe selection. Mechanically, a reliable set of deadlift slippers will see you performing your best as you will be closest to the ground. Alternatively a solid flat sole shoe that has good ankle stability is also a viable option. Both shoe types can be used for conventional and sumo stances, but often conventional lifters will opt for a deadlift slipper and sumo a flat sole shoe. As is often the case in Powerlifting, its a personal preference thing. Try each out and find out which provides you the best platform for your strength.

A reliable set of dealift slippers will get you lower to the ground, making the pull easier.

6. The right attitude
Ok technically this is a 6th point and it's not a piece of equipment, let's call it the 'x' factor. No matter how great and fantastic your gear is, it's only as good as the lifter wearing it. A structured and methodical long term approach to training, leaving the ego at the door and never ignoring those 'niggles' in your joints will see you as an effective and long lasting powerlifter. Ignoring these points will see your ego bruised, your training plateaued and yourself shopping around for the best private health insurance for all those physiotherapist visits.

That's it! Now go get training!