bodybuilder vs. powerlifter

[ZGzaZ]

Often times I hear the views on diff exercises, hand placement, grib distance, style are all affected by either if someone is a powerlifter or a bodybuilder. Now, I understand that the two groups main goals are different, but what really determines if someone is a powerlifter or a bodybuilder? Lets take two members for example, say BFold, and Needsize...what are the two main differences between these twos training that sets them in different classes? other than the obvious that Bfold does strongman type training too? Is it just the fact that Bfolds goals are not looking great and more set at lifting bigger weights? or are there other differences? .... and close to the subject...do most powerlifters not do direct arm work?

 

[skaman607]

yes, and they both use different styles of training to help them achieve their goals.

 

[spatts]

Arm work? Powerlifters have some of the best triceps and forearms out there, and even though (most I know) never train their bis, they still grow...same for chest and quads.

Funny how powerlifters are usually good at putting on size (LBM), and getting strong, but there are alot of bodybuilders out there that are very weak, and aren't really growing alot either. I think the biggest difference is what people THINK they need to do to meet their goals. If I ever compete in BB again, I will continue to train like a powerlifter.

You put ANY powerlifter on a cutting diet, and the bodybuilding world turns upside-down.

 

[louden_swain]

You put ANY powerlifter on a cutting diet, and the bodybuilding world turns upside-down.

I disagree, most powerlifters I have known and seen compete in a bodybuilding show have been blown off the stage. There are a lot of strong bodybuilders out there.

 

[spatts]

I have always witnessed the exact opposite, and feel that ex-powerlifters make some of the very best bodybuilders. What bodybuilders call "muscle maturity" is what powerlifters develop years earlier due to their training. You might want to double check the back grounds on the top dogs. I think you'll find that MOST of them were either powerlifters, or guys that don't draw a line between form and function...in other words, they are big and lift maximal weight too.

 

[louden_swain]

Look at Tom Platz. . .the man had 34 inch legs in his prime as a bodybuilder. He was able to squat well over 600lbs for reps and squat 405lbs for over 30 reps. He could perform 10 straight minutes of squatting with 225lbs. Show me a powerlifter that has the legs the size of Platz. Show me a powerlifter that can perform those types of reps. . . they can't because they are concerned with moving a weight from point A to B. This is a strength that powerlifters lack. . . .endurance. . repeated strength for multiple times.

 

[spatts]

I'm not going to get into a pissing match with anyone about who's stronger etc. I just answered the question. What's the difference? The way they think they need to train.

Think about how strongmen train. Strength, speed, endurance, etc...you don't see them repping out curls. Look at B. You put a clean guy like B on Platz's cycle, and a CKD, and Platz wouldn't look so extraordinary.

 

[bignate73]

Look at Tom Platz. . .the man had 34 inch legs in his prime as a bodybuilder. He was able to squat well over 600lbs for reps and squat 405lbs for over 30 reps. He could perform 10 straight minutes of squatting with 225lbs. Show me a powerlifter that has the legs the size of Platz.

and hes a really nice guy too. one of my friends trains with him.

 

[louden_swain]

I'm not going to get into a pissing match with anyone about who's stronger etc. I just answered the question. What's the difference? The way they think they need to train.

Think about how strongmen train. Strength, speed, endurance, etc...you don't see them repping out curls.

I understand. . .I was just going to say the same thing about getting into a pissing contest.

The fact of the matter is, that these are two different types of training and both are physically demanding. When I saw that clip of Goggins handling 1102. . . .I was truly impressed. Thick muscle development is also impressive.

I personally train as an all-around athlete (strength, size and endurance), but my body resembles a bodybuilder/collegiate wrestler physique.

 

[DBCooper]

And Platz got his ass handed to him by Fred Hatfield when it was time to do a single. Strength and endurance are different, pwlftrs build absolute strength and tendon/ligament strength, while bb build muscle size. I know a lifter who is a 165 and can rep out 100lb db's for over 30 reps, hell I can rep 225 out over 30 times and I barely ever do a set over 3 reps unless it's accesory work. Now show me a bb that can squat a grand- pull 900lbs or actually pass a mirror without a full posedown.