Why Powerlifters are stronger than Bodybuilders...

[Screwball]

The majority of powerlifters are stronger than bodybuilders because of specific training techniques. Generally, a powerlifter will work in the 80% - 100%+ range of a 1-rep max. Generally, a bodybuilder works in the 60% - 80% range of a 1-rep max thus allowing a rep range of 5-20.

When a powerlifter trains in the 80%+ range of a 1-rep max then the following adaptations occur:

Central Nervous System Adaptation (#1 reason that PL's are stronger than BB's)

Tendon & ligament strengthening & thickening

Increases in muscle density and thickness

Mental aspects of moving heavy weight - no fear of attempting a maximal attempt

There are other factors as well but these are the major reasons in my mind. Anyone agree/disagree?

 

[The Shadow]

agreed - and the training loads fallwithing a certain TUT that is more applicable to strength rather than size for plers and slightly higher(hypertrophy) range for bb'ers

 

[b fold the truth]

I rarely ever do the bench press or the squat heavy...yet I still increase them. I train them dynamically with about 45-65% of my 1RM...

B True

 

[louden_swain]

I like to work with 85 to 90 percent of my max. I never max out like a power lifter. I typically do not like performing anything under 4 reps. Powerlifters are certainly not affraid of the heavy stuff, as several bodybuilders stay away from core movements. I totally respect powerlifting, as I have had friends compete in contests. I know a guy back in Wichita who was 5'6" 142lbs, who had a 22 inch leg as was able to squat 465lbs in competition. That to me is amazing!! Of course he had knee wraps on so tight that he couldn't bend is own leg .

 

[The Shadow]

yep - speed reps fall under low TUT for strength.

I really do not think that training load in terms of %age matter - as long as you are traing full out - there will be SOME carryover in terms of strength and size...

 

[onemind]

I hope there stronger or what would be the point of being a power lifter.

 

[spatts]

Exactly.

I think those that don't DO power lifting are often confused by our training methods. It's all a big experiement, and I'm a firm believer in strength coming from the inside out. So much of it is mental.

You can kind of tell who is exposed to it and who isn't. When people talk about 400 pound squats, 400 pound deadlifts, 300 pound benches...lol...those are amateur/natural women's numbers.

 

[Lord_Suston]

spatts I have to give you an applause on that reponse, powerlifter are usually prepared mentaly and physicall for heavy lifts with low amount of volume. Mostly the aim is to lift progressively heavier weights while maintaining a certain weight limit. Most BB's are shooting for size and muscle endurance (lots of set) hence they are not trained mentally to lift that much in comparison to powerlifters, they are taught to lift untill failure.. There are many exceptiuon but this is a general theme I have seen.

 

[Vortexx]

Powerlifters have a good solid strength base if they switch to bodybuilding . In no time they be able to do sets of 8-10 reps with insane weights and this really adds slabs of meat....

A lot of proffessional bb had a powerlifting or football background

 

[b fold the truth]

I think that I could train for it...and in 2 years I could be a decent bodybuilder or a powerlifter...I think....

Opinions?

B True