Common Objections to Powerlifting and Reasons to Overcome Those Doubts
You’ve heard rumblings about barbell sports. You’ve thought about doing weight-bearing exercises. It sounds interesting. Maybe you’ve even done some homework and you have determined that SBWC is a good place to begin. So what’s holding you back? Is there a specific concern that makes you think you can’t do it? Well, think again!
We’ve all heard the deterrents before about Powerlifting and find that most of them don’t hold water. Below are the main excuses that we get from individuals like you and our reasons that these shouldn’t stop you from lifting. Could one of your misconceptions be on this list?
- I’m too small / skinny
Lifters come in all shapes and sizes. Some of the best ones, pound for pound, are under 5 feet tall and/or weigh less than 100 pounds. In competition there are weight classes so that everyone has a level playing field. There is also a formula used to compare lifters across all weight classes. In fact, it is a mechanical advantage to be shorter in both powerlifting and weightlifting.
- I’m too fat / out of shape
Lifting can be scaled, and you will be able to start regardless of your current fitness level. In time, you will get better and advance. Even better news: just like any other physical endeavor, taking up a barbell sport will be beneficial to your health! Tendons and ligaments get stronger, which allows them to support your frame better. Building muscle increases metabolism, which burns fat more efficiently. If you want to get leaner or feel better, there’s no better way than to do weight-bearing exercise.
- I’m too young
It’s never too early to get started lifting. Kids naturally move well. It will not do any damage to or inhibit their growth. And it’s not dangerous, as long as you train appropriately and have good supervision. (You can start them off with a broom stick if necessary!) There are even youth and teen divisions in both weightlifting and powerlifting. Those wouldn’t exist if it would be harmful or too difficult to encourage their participation.
- I’m too old
Guess what? Lifting keeps you flexible and young. You will get a better sense of balance and be stronger. This should increase your quality of life and your ability to maintain your independence longer. Hopefully, it will also minimize visits to the doctor’s office. There is evidence now that not only does lifting weights prevent the loss of bone density, but it may actually increase it.
As mentioned already, lifting can be scaled. Furthermore, the age categories also apply to older lifters, with Masters categories starting at age 35 in weightlifting and 40 in powerlifting. Personally, we have seen lifters compete as old as 89.
- I’m not strong enough
What does that even mean? Compared to what? You lift because you want to get strong or stronger. There is no strength prerequisite. You can start with bodyweight exercises if need be. How will you get stronger if you aren’t doing anything to promote that change?
- I don’t want to get fat
There is a myth about the “fat powerlifter” but that’s just a tall tale. As in any sport that uses weight classes, there will be some very large individuals competing in powerlifting. This is true in weightlifting, too. Although you may be encouraged to gain a little muscle mass when you start lifting, no one is trying to make you fat. It is true that “mass moves mass” but, ideally, you will be lean and muscular instead of fluffy.
Remember, as stated above, more muscle tends to help speed up metabolism, so the more you commit to lifting, the better chance you have to drop body fat.
- I don’t want to get bulky or muscular
First of all, understand that there is a difference between bodybuilding and barbell sports. Bodybuilders workout to develop a specific physique and train individual muscles. A good portion of their progress comes from what they eat.
Powerlifting and weightlifting are different in that they are contested strength sports. For the majority of training, lifters work compound muscle groups over a large range of motion. You may lose fat thereby uncovering muscle underneath. You also may gain muscle through lifting heavy weights. But you won’t have the aesthetics of someone who is dieting really hard and training to be on stage.
Ask yourself: Am I a genetic outlier? Have I ever developed unwanted bulk through sports activity? If the answer is no, you have nothing to worry about.
- I’m female
SBWC is a little bubble that is isolated from the typical commercial gym scene. Therefore, we sometimes forget that the outside world is sending a message that females – or anyone who doesn’t identify as a cis male – can’t lift. We personally know some of the women who were the first to compete in USAW (Weightlifting) and USA Powerlifting and still participate today. There is no lack of tough, strong women in our world on a daily basis. SBWC has a membership base that is approximately 40% female. As far as we are concerned, being female is not a barrier.
- I’m LGBTQIA+
Continuing on the point above, there is no reason that sexual orientation or gender identity should deter you from lifting. This is not an activity exclusively for the cis male population. We want every single person to get stronger and we strive to have SBWC be an inclusive, comfortable environment for all lifters.
One of the benefits of strength training is the mental fortitude that builds along with the physical gains. For those who already possess confidence in themselves, powerlifting will be a great, exciting challenge. For those who struggle with self-expression or body positivity, the benefits that can be gained from lifting can carry into other aspects of your life, giving you more self-assurance and grit to help you manage difficult situations.
- Lifting will interfere with my other sports activities
Triathletes, marathoners, basketball players, yogis, soccer players, rock climbers, and rugby players – just to name a few(!) – have all been part of our community over the years. Powerlifting and Weightlifting are unique in that they are the training foundation of just about every other sport. Lifting makes you stronger, which allows you to be more powerful. It doesn’t pile on excess weight that will slow you down. It should improve your vertical jump, your speed, and your ability to block and tackle. It will only add to your flexibility and balance – not take away from it.
BONUS Reason!
- I’ll admit it: I’m just nervous.
We’ve created a space that welcomes all levels of lifters from all walks of life. This is Brooklyn, after all. Barbell sessions only happen under the eye of a coach. On the other hand, all levels are welcome during the scheduled sessions. This means you have the advantage of being among people who are also new plus people who know the ropes and can help out. There’s comfort in both. There is no “typical” lifter here.
We emphasize technique and skill above everything else. We’ll guide you the whole way and make sure you’re doing what’s appropriate. This is a fun, exciting way to stay in shape; but you’ll never know unless you try it. Start with a FREE intro by clicking the button at the top right corner for more information!
