Powerlifting

[markos]

This thread is purely for the pursuit of strength in the big 3 lifts, squat, bench press and deadlift.

Its not about dieting or looking good, its about lifting more weight CORRECTLY than the guy next to you

I know the Presidents of all 3 Feds in Australia, and the State delegates, so if you want to start lifting and youre not from Vic, I can help.

I'll let you guys know I am the President of GPC in Australia, but I have also been the State delegate for CAPO, the other Fed is PA. I have close friends in all 3.

GPC has the most states under its umbrella, with only Tassie not included

As far as PL clubs and Gyms, I can steer you guys in the right direction, let me know where you live and I'll tell you the closest strength gym. If your simply looking for a health spa, just Google it as I'm not familiar with them at all.

If you want to lift in a comp, be it novice or National level, with everything in between, just ask.

If you want to bench only, there are comps that cater for you

Questions on rules, equipment, attire, where to buy, I know the distributors.

While I own and run a specific PL forum, I understand the attraction of spending "time" with others that have similar interests, thats why I'm here

Ask anything, fire away, I'll try and assist

[NickR33]

I'll start then...

I need to get better shoes to train in... do I go for some proper weightlifting shoes, if so where should I go (probably best to be somewhere I can try them on, rather than online)

My gym does not allow lifting barefoot or in socks

[Mitcho_7]

I have never given any thought to what shoes I wear when training, interested to hear thoughts on this.

[Birds]

Is there any detriment to lifting with runners?

[markos]

Well Birds, you have to wear correct footwear in any sport, football, basketball etc

Squatting. There are 2 options and it depends on your flexibilty/technique.

The heel option is a weightlifting shoe. You can buy Do Wins or the awesome Nike Romaleos directly from Ironedge in Glen Iris, Victoria

For those that can squat deep without a heel, Chuck Taylors or the best no heel shoe is the one made by Metal. You can get them from Nick at Underground Elite, they are in Brisbane , tell him Markos sent you

Bench press, no special shoe required

Deadlift, the flatter the better, so Chucks, Metal or ballett slippers

http://www.kettlebells.com.au/store/nike-romaleos-2/

http://www.kettlebells.com.au/store/weightlifting-shoe.html

http://www.undergroundelite.com.au/Deadlift-Slippers.html

http://www.undergroundelite.com.au/Metal-Squat-Deadlift-Shoes.html

If you buy at these stores, tell them Markos from PTC sent you, there should be some discount I hope

[TTT]

There are 2 types of chucks (converse all stars) - one that has a thick sole and one that is eally thin.

If you don't need the raised heel of a weight lifting shoe, you're better of getting the thin sole chucks as this allows you to use them for deadlift too and keeps you as close to the ground as possible.

I squat in heeled shoes.. the Do wins mentioned by Markos.

for deadlifts, I have a pair of Puma shoes which have like a 3mm sole so I use them.

Lifting in a regular gym will not allow the deadlift slippers.

pics..

regular chucks (obviously these come in non boot form)

Slim

[Trozzle]

I usually sneakily do deadlifts, squats, and leg press bare-foot, though I often get in trouble haha.

I've been eager to try squats with a piece of wood or similar under my heals to see if it helps out, however it may be some time before I try this thanks to stupid injury.

[NickR33]

chucks look like a good all round option... is it okay to squat in high topped shoes? I currently lift in my basketball boots and I'm sure they're far from ideal

[Mitcho_7]

I usually lift in vans authentics, which aren't much different to chucks. But given I only squat and deadlift once a week it's probably not going to matter much

[Trozzle]

I usually lift in vans authentics, which aren't much different to chucks. But given I only squat and deadlift once a week it's probably not going to matter much

Come to think of it, I have a pair of these and they actually felt pretty good when doing deadlifts.

[markos]

Nick, hi tops are no problem, check out the Metal brand, hi top, awesome shoe

Max wears them for all 3 lifts, he likes the grip he gets on bench with them during leg drive

Thanks Tolga for the pic and more detailed explanation on Chucks

[NickR33]

awesome, thanks guys

[TTT]

The high tops give a feel of security/stability at the ankle too.

doubt it would actually help the squat but the tightness around your foot and ankle give a sense of stability.. much like knee sleeves. They don't give any rebound to help you squat more but the tightness and warmth they provide around the knee feel good mang.

Personal choice though.

[GHOSTrun]

Are these the Metals Markos?

Edited August 22, 2012 by GHOSTrun

[Dani Boi]

What would you consider entry level lifts for someone who is 5'8 between 73-75kg (not sure on the weight classes)

Edited August 22, 2012 by Dani Boi

[-FIGJAM-]

excuse the ignorance, but why a heel for squat?

[Mitcho_7]

so you can get better range with out tipping over backwards i would assume

[Birds]

Also curious to know entry level lifts for certain weight and height ranges.

[TTT]

general rule of thumb that most strength people will say is squat 140, bench 100, dead 180 (in the US they say squat 300lbs, bench 200lbs, dead 400lbs)

That is a Novice level.

that is for single reps obviously.

From what I've seen, it is quite common for people to be able to squat 160, bench 100 and dead 180.

for the average male who is newish to lifting and is an average 5'9" and say 75-85kg.

It really is a "piece of string" question though.

I'd say that when you get to a 4 plate squat, 3 plate bench, 5 plate dead (180, 140, 220) at a body weight of 80-85kg you wouldn't come last in a comp, but you'd be closer to the bottom of the list than that top.. ask me how I know.. lol

Heel for the squat is helpful if you don't have as much flexibility in your ankle area.

if you squat with a narrow stance, you tend to have your knees going forward more which means more bending at the ankle.

a wider stance will have you sitting back more so your ankles don't bend as much.

example..

olmypic lifter style squat

Powerlifter squat.

[markos]

Thanks Tolga, answered perfectly

Ghosty, they are the Metals

I think some of the guys at PTC Brisbane have them, Ricky?

There is no entry level. At the PTC's we run novice comps to introduce lifters to the sport, like the comp Nick did on the weekend.

Everyone is different, but everyone is welcome, you dont need to be a certain strength to start. Its not cricket say, where you may end up playing C Grade etc, everyone competes together, but essentially you compete against yourself every time