Misplaced Pages

#23976

70-420: Powerlifting is a competitive strength sport that consists of three attempts at maximal weight on three lifts: squat , bench press , and deadlift . As in the sport of Olympic weightlifting , it involves the athlete attempting a maximal weight single-lift effort of a barbell loaded with weight plates. Powerlifting evolved from a sport known as "odd lifts", which followed the same three-attempt format but used

140-583: A "Classic Unequipped World Cup" in 2012 and published its own set of standards for raw lifting. By this time, the popularity of raw lifting had surged to the point where raw lifters came to predominate over equipped lifters in local meets. The use of knee sleeves in unequipped powerlifting has brought about much debate as to whether certain neoprene knee sleeves can assist a lifter during the squat. Some lifters purposely wear knee sleeves that are excessively tight and have been known to use plastic bags and have others to assist them get their knee sleeves on. This led to

210-433: A competition based on an official coefficient used by presiding world federation is called best lifter . In a powerlifting competition, sometimes referred to as standard competition, there are three events: bench press , squat and deadlift . Placing is achieved via combined total. Some variations of this are found at some meets such as "push-pull only" meets where lifters only compete in the bench press and deadlift, with

280-594: A number of highly respected authorities in the sport as the premier event in strength athletics. The concept behind 'The World's Strongest Men', as it was originally named, was developed in 1977 for CBS by Langstar Inc. David Webster , a Scot who later received an OBE for his services to sport, was the head coordinator of the competition from its inception. Dr Douglas Edmunds , seven-times Scottish shot and discus champion and twice world caber champion, worked with Webster. When Webster retired from his position, Edmunds took over. These two men were responsible for inviting

350-514: A single-ply suit or briefs but are exponentially harder to use, and are usually reserved for the top lifters. During the squat, lifters also tend to wear knee wraps. Even though knee wraps will be a sub-classification of raw lifting, it will still be worn by equipped lifters. A raw lifter who would squat in knee wraps will have the weight lifted noted as "with wraps" to distinguish from raw lifters using knee sleeves. Knee wraps are made out of similar elastic material as wrist wraps. They are wrapped around

420-419: A supportive suit. Supportive equipment should not be confused with the equipment on which the lifts are performed, such as a bench press bench, or conventional or monolift stand for squat or the barbell and discs. Chalk is commonly used by lifters to dry the hands to reduce blisters, slipping and improve grip strength, as the contents of the chalk is made out of magnesium carbonate . Chalk can also be added to

490-466: A wider variety of events, akin to strongman competition . Eventually, odd lifts became standardized to the current three. In competition, lifts may be performed equipped or unequipped (typically referred to as 'classic' or 'raw' lifting in the IPF specifically). Equipment in this context refers to a supportive bench shirt or squat/deadlift suit or briefs. In some federations, knee wraps are permitted in

560-410: Is an attempt to lift weights that are heavier than the weightlifter's capability. During ego lifting, the lifter's form will be twisted because the weight is too heavy, and if the weight is far beyond the lifter's strength, then there is a likelihood to suffer from biceps tears. Another injury caused by bicep curls is ulnar neuropathy , which lead to ulnar nerve conduction slowing at the elbow. This

630-405: Is less elastic, and therefore considered to provide greater 'stopping power' at the bottom of the movement but less assistance with the ascent. Bench shirts may be made of polyester or denim , where the denim again provides a less-elastic alternative to the polyester. Knee wraps are made of varying combinations of cotton and elastic . Supportive equipment can be constructed in different ways to suit

700-410: Is no set rule about what specific events will occur in a contest, except that to prevent single-event specialists from gaining an advantage, each event will be different (a single contest will not include two squat events, or two overhead lifting events, for example). Normally, a strongman contest comprises five or six events, though at the top level of competition, seven or eight events may be held. Among

770-407: Is stronger at elbow flexion when the forearm is supinated (palms turned upward) and weaker when the forearm is pronated . The brachioradialis is at its most effective when the palms are facing inward, and the brachialis is unaffected by forearm rotation. Therefore, the degree of forearm rotation affects the degree of muscle recruitment between the three muscles. Typically, a bicep curl begins with

SECTION 10

#1732791703024

840-560: The Braemar Highland Games. In the 18th and 19th centuries, circus strongmen lent sensationalism to their acts such as bending iron bars, breaking iron chains worn around their chests, and lifting heavy objects. Famous strongmen from this era included Thomas Topham , Eugen Sandow , Louis Cyr , Thomas Inch , Arthur Saxon , Angus MacAskill , and Alexander Zass . In the 20th century, strength sports such as weightlifting and powerlifting were popularized through

910-524: The IPF , is also a World Games sport. Local, national and international competitions have also been sanctioned by other federations operating independently of the IPF. The roots of powerlifting are found in traditions of strength training stretching back as far as the ancient Mayan civilizations and ancient Persian times. The idea of powerlifting originated in ancient Greece, as men lifted stones to prove their strength and manhood. The modern sport originated in

980-598: The Olympic Games . However, feats of strength akin to the circus performances also gained in popularity. David Prowse (who played Darth Vader in Star Wars ) was initially famous in 1964 for his lifting the famed 733 pounds (332 kg) Dinnie Stones , the first man to do so since Donald Dinnie himself a century earlier. Perhaps the most famous event is the World's Strongest Man competition, still described by

1050-657: The United Kingdom and the United States in the 1950s. Previously, the weightlifting governing bodies in both countries had recognized various "odd lifts" for competition and record purposes. During the 1950s, Olympic weightlifting declined in the United States, while strength sports gained many new followers. People did not like the Olympic lifts Clean and Press , Snatch and Clean and Jerk . In 1958,

1120-521: The "Strength Set" ( biceps curl , bench press, and squat) soon became the standard competition lifts, and both organizations held Championships on these lifts (as well as on the Olympic lifts) until 1965. In 1966, the Society of Amateur Weightlifters rejoined BAWLA. The bicep curl was replaced with the deadlift to fall in line with the American lifts. The first British Championship was held in 1966. During

1190-472: The 69 and 76 kg weight class effective January 1, 2021. Age categories Age categories are depended on the federation. The IPF uses the following age categories: sub-junior (14–18), junior (19–23), open (any age), masters 1 (40–49), masters 2 (50–59), masters 3 (60–69), masters 4 (70+). Age categories are dependent on the year of the participant's birth. For example, if an athlete turns 18 years old in July,

1260-600: The American Drug Free Powerlifting Association (ADFPA), led by Brother Bennett, became the first federation to break away from the USPF, citing the need to implement effective drug testing in the sport. In 1982, drug testing was introduced to the IPF, although the USPF championships that year did not have drug testing. The IPF's push for drug testing was resisted by several American lifters. In 1982, Larry Pacifico and Ernie Frantz founded

1330-893: The American Powerlifting Federation (APF), which advertised its categorical opposition to all drug testing. In 1984, powerlifting was included into the Paralympic Games for men with spinal cord injuries. At the 2000 Paralympic Games in Sydney , women were invited to participate in powerlifting. Both men and women are allowed to compete in 10 weight classes respectively. In 1987, the American Powerlifting Association (APA) and World Powerlifting Alliance (WPA) were formed by Scott Taylor. The APA offer both drug tested and untested categories in most of their competitions. As of 2024,

1400-430: The IPF introduced the following new weight classes effective January 1, 2011: Men: -53 kg (sub-junior/junior), -59 kg, -66 kg, -74 kg, -83 kg, -93 kg, -105 kg, -120 kg, 120 kg+ Women: -43 kg (sub-junior/junior), 47 kg, -52 kg, -57 kg, -63 kg, -72 kg, -84 kg, 84 kg+ In 2020, the IPF announced the 72 kg weight class would be replaced with

1470-404: The IPF mandating that lifters put on their knee sleeves unassisted. Equipped lifters compete separately from raw lifters. Equipped athletes will wear a squat suit, knee wraps, a bench shirt, and a deadlift suit. For the squats, a squat suit is used for the event. Squat suits are typically made of an elastic-like material, and a single-ply polyester layer. This allows a competitor to spring out of

SECTION 20

#1732791703024

1540-473: The IPF standard of using the same bar for all three lifts. The rules of powerlifting have also evolved and differentiated. For example, in ADFPA/USAPL competition, the "press" command on the bench press was used, not used, and then used again, following a 2006 IPF motion to reinstate this rule. IPF rules also mandate a "start" command at the beginning of the bench press. Many other federations, for example,

1610-723: The National Weightlifting Committee of the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) decided to begin recognizing records for odd lifts. The first national competition was held in September 1964 under the auspices of the York Barbell Company . York Barbell owner Bob Hoffman had been a longtime adversary of the sport, but his company was now making powerlifting equipment to make up for the sales it had lost on Olympic equipment. During

1680-602: The Natural Athlete Strength Association (NASA), have never used the "start" command. As a further example of diversifying rules of performance, in 2011 the Southern Powerlifting Federation (SPF) eliminated the "squat" command at the beginning of the squat. Most federations also now allow the sumo deadlift , which the athletes foot position is outside their grip position. Many communities and federations do not class

1750-718: The WPA has over 60 affiliate nations. The USPF failed to conform to IPF demands and was expelled from the international body in 1997, with the ADFPA, now named USA Powerlifting (USAPL), taking its place (now replaced by Powerlifting America). Despite the trend towards federations, each with their own rules and standards of performance, some powerlifters have attempted to bring unity to the sport. For example, 100% RAW promoted unequipped competition and merged with another federation, Anti-Drug Athletes United (ADAU), in 2013. The Revolution Powerlifting Syndicate (RPS), founded by Gene Rychlak in 2011,

1820-636: The West Indies. With 67 lifters in total, 47 athletes were Americans. Lifts were measured in pounds, and the bench press was the first lift. The International Powerlifting Federation was formed in November of 1972. The inaugural IPF World Championships was held in York on November of 1973. There were 47 entrants: one Swedish athlete, one Puerto Rican athlete, two Canadian athletes, one West Indian athlete, eight British athletes, and 34 American athletes. 1974

1890-459: The arm fully extended with a supinated (palms facing up) grip on a weight. A full repetition consists of bending or "curling" the elbow until it is fully flexed, then slowly lowering the weight to the starting position. The torso should remain upright instead of swinging back and forth, as doing so transfers the load away from the biceps and onto other muscles, reducing the effectiveness of the exercise. The elbows are also usually kept stationary at

1960-509: The athlete is considered an 18-year-old sub-junior throughout the calendar year. Other federations typically break the Masters categories down to 5-year increments, for example, 40–44, 45–49, 50–54, etc. Some federations also include a sub-master class from 33 (or 35) to 39. A powerlifting competition takes place as follows: Each competitor is allowed three attempts on each of the squat, bench press, and deadlift, depending on their standing and

2030-430: The bench press coming first and the deadlift after. Single lift meets are often held for the bench press and the deadlift. At a meet, the events will follow in order: squat, then bench press, and the deadlift will be the final lift of the meet. There are two types depending on equipment used: conventional stand and monolift stand. The squat starts with the lifter standing erect and the bar loaded with weights resting on

2100-423: The biceps throughout the entire range of motion. They may be more effective in maximizing the biceps activation. There are several types of bicep curls that use varying equipment, forms, and volume. But the general idea is still to target the biceps activation. Below are some typical variations using common equipment that are prevalent among trainers. Dumbbells isolate muscles and allow wider range of motion. On

2170-467: The bottom of a squat (called "pop out of the hole" in Powerlifting circles) by maintaining rigidity, keeping the athlete upright and encouraging their hips to remain parallel with the floor. This allows lifters to lift more weight than would normally be possible without the suit. There are also multi-ply suits giving the lifter more rigidity, like that of a traditional canvas suit, with the same pop as

Powerlifting - Misplaced Pages Continue

2240-668: The bulk of the strength athletics domain, owing to involving both standardized and non standardized tests of strength, as well as for its highly diversified nature. Strength competitions pre-date written history. The first Olympics (running, throwing, jumping) were believed to be held in 776 BCE. There are records in many civilizations of feats of strength performed by great heroes, perhaps mythological, such as Heracles , Goliath , Orm Storolfsson and Milo of Croton . Competitions that modern strongman events are modeled on, Scottish Highland Gatherings , were formalized around 1820 by Sir Walter Scott . In 1848, Queen Victoria attended

2310-531: The competitors and choosing the events. They selected men who had shown prowess in the mainstream fields of strength sports and field athletics events, such as shot put , American football , powerlifters , bodybuilders and wrestlers . The idea was to create a spectacle that would test competitors against one another. The show was enough of a success that it began to be replicated in other countries, such as Britain's Strongest Man (1979). Competitors began shifting from unpaid amateurs to professional strongmen. By

2380-411: The descent to the bar in the deadlift , storing elastic potential energy . On the upward portion of each lift, the elastic potential energy is transferred to the barbell as kinetic energy , aiding in the completion of the lift. Some claim that supportive equipment prevents injuries by compressing and stabilizing the joints over which it worn. For example, the bench shirt is claimed to support and protect

2450-505: The end of the 20th century, and in to the 21st, other strongman programs and events were created such as Strongman Championship hosted by Errol Silverman. Other competitions have been televised, such as the World Muscle Power Championships , World Strongman Challenge , Arnold Strongman Classic , Giants Live , Highlander World Championships , World Strongman Federation , and Europe's Strongest Man . There

2520-404: The equipped but not unequipped division; in others, they may be used in both equipped and unequipped lifting. Weightlifting belts, knee sleeves, wrist wraps, and special footwear may also be used, but are not considered when distinguishing equipped from unequipped lifting. Competitions take place across the world. Powerlifting has been a Paralympic sport ( bench press only) since 1984 and, under

2590-663: The first named USA National Championships were held. During the same period, lifting in Britain also had factions. In the late 1950s, because members of the ruling body (BAWLA, the British Amateur Weight Lifters' Association ) were only interested in the development of Olympic lifting, a breakaway organization called the Society of Amateur Weightlifters had been formed to cater for the interests of lifters who were not particularly interested in Olympic lifting. Although at that time there were 42 recognized lifts,

2660-474: The front of the platform, the lifter may move forward or backward to establish the lifting position. The bar shall be held horizontally across the shoulders with the hands and/or fingers gripping the bar, and the feet flat upon the platform with the knees locked. The lifter shall wait in this position for the head referee's signal to rack the weights. The lifter will be allowed only one commencement signal per attempt. The lifter may be given an additional attempt at

2730-445: The late 1950s, Hoffman's influence on Olympic lifting and his predominately Olympics-focused magazine Strength and Health were beginning to come under increasing pressure from Joe Weider 's organization. In order to combat the growing influence of Weider, Hoffman started another magazine, Muscular Development , which would be focused more on bodybuilding and the fast-growing interest in odd lift competitions. The magazine's first editor

2800-581: The late 1960s and at the beginning of the 1970s, various international contests were held. At the same time, in early November of each year and to commemorate Hoffman's birthday, a prestigious lifting contest was held. In 1971, it was decided to make this event the "World Weightlifting Championships". The event was held at 10 AM on 6 November 1971, in York, Pennsylvania . Most of the athletes were American lifters, since teams were not formed yet. There were also four British athletes, and one athlete from Jamaica . All of

2870-514: The latest and most supportive canvas, denim, and multiply polyester designs, while others such as the IPF maintained more restrictive rules on which supportive equipment could be used. The Monolift, a rack in which the bar catchers swing out and eliminate the walkout portion of the squat, was invented by Ray Madden and first used in competition in 1992. This innovation was adopted by some federations and forbidden in others. Other inventions included specialized squat bars and deadlift bars, moving away from

Powerlifting - Misplaced Pages Continue

2940-399: The lift is completed as the weight is returned to the rack. The bench equipment will be placed on the platform with the head facing the front or angled up to 45 degrees. The head referee will be positioned on the head side of the bench press discipline. To achieve firm footing, a lifter of any height may use discs or blocks to build up the surface of the platform. Whichever method is chosen,

3010-407: The lifter's shoulders or traps. A high bar and low bar position can be used. At the referee's command, the squat begins. The lifter creates a break in the hips, bends their knees and drops into a squatting position . The lifter then ascends back to an erect position. At the referee's command, the bar is returned to the rack and the lift is completed. After removing the bar from the racks while facing

3080-399: The lifters knees tightly. The knee wraps are wrapped in a spiral or diagonal method. The knee wraps build elastic energy during the eccentric part of the squat and once the lifter has hit proper depth the lifter will start the concentric part of the movement releasing this elastic energy and using it to help them move the weight upwards. It gives the lifter more spring, or pop out of the hole of

3150-485: The lifters' preferences. A squat suit may be constructed for a wide or a narrow stance; and a bench shirt may be constructed with 'straight' sleeves (perpendicular to the trunk of the lifter) or sleeves that are angled towards the abdomen. The back of the bench shirt may be closed or open, and the back panel may or may not be of the same material as the front of the shirt. Similarly, 'hybrid' squat suits can include panels made from canvas and polyester, in an effort to combine

3220-621: The maximal strength (one rep max output). Highland games consists of up to about ten different disciplines (including stone put , Scottish hammer throw , weight throw , weight over bar , caber toss , keg toss and sheaf toss ) while strongman span across more than thirty different lifts and events (including deadlift , vehicle pull , log lift , axle press , stonelifting , stone carrying , circus dumbbell press , yoke carry , farmers walk , squat , basque circle , loading medleys and grip events ), testing both maximal strength and physical endurance. At present day, Strongman takes

3290-404: The most common events are: Biceps curl ‹The template How-to is being considered for merging .›   Bicep curls are a group of weight training exercises in which a person bends their arm towards their body at the elbow in order to make their biceps stronger. The bicep curl mainly targets the biceps brachii , brachialis and brachioradialis muscles. The biceps

3360-420: The organization they are lifting in. The lifter's best valid attempt on each lift counts toward the competition total. For each weightclass, the lifter with the highest total wins. In many meets, the lifter with the highest total relative to their weight class also wins. If two or more lifters achieve the same total, the lighter lifter ranks above the heavier lifter. Competitors are judged against other lifters of

3430-401: The other hand, barbells stabilize the body and allow for heavier loading. The choice between the two boils down to following key considerations: Injuries can occur due to incorrect form, careless mistakes, or "ego lifting". The most common injury caused by bicep curls is a tear of the biceps tendon . There are two main causes of biceps tendon tears: excessive weight and overuse. Ego lifting

3500-575: The referees were American. Weights were in pounds . The lifting order was "rising bar", and the first lift was the bench press. There was no such thing as a bench shirt or squat suit, and various interpretations were held regarding the use and length of knee wraps and weightlifting belts. The IPF rules system did not exist yet, nor had world records been established. In 1972, the second AAU World Championships were held on 10 and 11 November. There were eight athletes from Great Britain, six from Canada , six from Puerto Rico , three from Zambia , and one from

3570-433: The same sex , weight class , and age. Comparisons of lifters and scores across different weight classes can also be made using handicapping systems. World federations use the following ones: IPF GL Points, Glossbrenner, Reshel, Outstanding Lifter, Schwartz/Malone, Siff; for the junior age categories, Foster coefficient is mostly used; for the masters age categories, McCulloch or Reshel coefficients are mostly used. Winner of

SECTION 50

#1732791703024

3640-431: The same weight at the head referee's discretion if failure in an attempt was due to any error by one or more of the spotters or by misload. With the lifter resting on the bench, the lifter takes the loaded bar at arm's length. At the discretion of the referee's signal, the lifter lowers the bar to the chest. When the bar becomes motionless on the chest, the referee gives a press command. Then the referee will call 'rack' and

3710-460: The shoes must be in a solid contact with the surface. Strength athletics Some of the disciplines have similarities to each other and although it is very difficult to master more than one, some athletes participate in several of them and perform at world class levels. Weightlifting consists of two main lifts ( snatch and clean & jerk ) and powerlifting consists of three main lifts ( squat , bench and deadlift ) where all test

3780-402: The shoulders for squatting, on the back for bench pressing to reduce sliding, and on the hands to grip the barbell on the bench press and deadlift. Supportive equipment is used to increase the weight lifted in powerlifting exercises. A snug garment is worn over a joint or joints (such as the shoulders or hips ). This garment deforms during the downward portion of a bench press or squat , or

3850-449: The shoulders. Critics point out that the greater weights used with supportive equipment and the equipment's tendency to change the pattern of the movement may compromise safety, as in the case of the bar moving towards the head during the upward portion of the shirted bench press. Different materials are used in the construction of supportive equipment. Squat suits may be made of varying types of polyester , or of canvas . The latter fabric

3920-444: The side of the torso, as allowing the elbows to move in front of the weight's center of gravity removes tension on the biceps before full contraction is achieved. To maximize the activation of biceps, conducting this exercise using the full range of motion is generally recommended. But for advanced trainers, they can apply a different variation of range in order to acquire some particular emphasis muscle activation. Some may argue that

3990-625: The speed off the floor at the beginning of the lift. However, deadlift suits are least likely to carry over additional weight in comparison to equipped squatting and equipped bench pressing. Weight classes: Most powerlifting federations use the following weight classes: Men: -52 kg, -56 kg, -60 kg, -67.5 kg, -75 kg, -82.5 kg, -90 kg, -100 kg, -110 kg, -125 kg, -140 kg, 140 kg+ Women: -44 kg, -48 kg, -52 kg, -56 kg, -60 kg, -67.5 kg, -75 kg, -82.5 kg, -90 kg, 90 kg+ IPF weight classes: In 2010,

4060-421: The sport, and 'equipped' and 'unequipped' records in the competition lifts. The wide differences between equipped and unequipped records in the squat and bench press suggest that supportive equipment confers a substantial advantage to lifters in these disciplines. This is less evident in the case of the deadlift , where the lack of an eccentric component to the lift minimizes how much elastic energy can be stored in

4130-427: The squat resulting in a heavier and faster squat. For the bench press, there are single-ply and multi-ply bench shirts that work similarly to a squat suit. It acts as artificial pectoral muscles and shoulder muscles for the lifter. It resists the movement of the bench press by compressing and building elastic energy. When the bar is still and the official gives the command to press the compression and elastic energy of

4200-435: The strengths of each material. When two or more panels overlay one another in a piece of supportive equipment, that equipment is described as 'multi-ply', in contrast to 'single-ply' equipment made of one layer of material throughout. Raw powerlifting, also called classic or unequipped powerlifting has been codified in response to the proliferation and advancement of bench shirts and squat/deadlift suits. The 100% RAW federation

4270-434: The suit aids in the speed of the lift, and support of the weight that the athlete would not be able to provide without the bench shirt. For the deadlift, deadlift suits are used for the event. There are single-ply and multi-ply deadlift suits. The elastic energy is built when the lifter goes down to set up and place its grip on the bar before the deadlift attempt. The deadlift suit aids core and spine stability and can increase

SECTION 60

#1732791703024

4340-514: The sumo variation as a technical deadlift. Another rule change into effect from the IPF, is the bench press elbow depth rule, established in 2022 and into effect at the start of 2023. This rule, similar to squat depth, requires the bottom surface of the elbows to be in line with or below the top surface of the shoulder joint. In powerlifting, supportive equipment refers to supportive shirts , briefs, suits, and sometimes knee wraps made of materials that store elastic potential energy and thereby assist

4410-410: The tension on muscle is most significant during the mid-range, practice bicep curl with a half range of motion to let muscle generate the most force. The research found that the preacher curl targets the long head of the biceps significantly only when the arm was almost fully extended, and the range of motion was short. On the other hand, the incline dumbbell curl and the regular bicep curl activated

4480-481: The three lifts contested in powerlifting. Some federations allow single-ply knee sleeves, and wraps for wrists in raw competition. Straps are also used in deadlift training in case of a weak grip, but are not allowed by any federations in official competitions. A weight lifting belt is the only supportive equipment that is allowed by all federations in raw competition. The use of supportive equipment distinguishes 'equipped' and 'unequipped' (also known as 'raw') divisions in

4550-488: Was John Grimek . During the late 1950s and early 1960s, various odd lift events gradually developed into the specific lifts of the bench press , squat , and deadlift , and were lifted in that order. Hoffman became more and more influential in the development of this new lifting sport and organized the Weightlifting Tournament of America in 1964, effectively the first USA National championships. In 1965,

4620-576: Was considered a move towards unity, as the RPS breaks the tradition of charging lifters membership fees to a specific federation in addition to entry fees for each competition. Some meet promoters have sought to bring together top lifters from different federations, outside existing federations' hierarchy of local, regional, national and international meets; a prominent example of this is the Raw Unity Meet (RUM), held annually since 2007. As new equipment

4690-417: Was developed, it came to distinguish powerlifting federations from one another. Weightlifting belts and knee wraps (originally simple Ace bandages) predated powerlifting, but in 1983 John Inzer invented the first piece of equipment distinct to powerlifters—the bench shirt . Bench shirts and squat/deadlift suits (operating on the same principle) became ubiquitous in powerlifting, but only some federations adopted

4760-405: Was founded in 1999; within a decade, many established federations came to recognize "raw" divisions, in addition to their traditional (open) divisions permitting single-ply or multi-ply equipment. United Powerlifting Association (UPA) established a standard for raw powerlifting in 2008, and USAPL held the first Raw Nationals in the same year. Eventually, IPF recognized raw lifting with the sanction of

4830-610: Was opened to them. The first U.S. national championships for women were held in 1978. The IPF added women's competition in 1980. In the US, the Amateur Sports Act of 1978 required that each Olympic or potential Olympic sport must have its own national governing body by November 1980. As a result, the AAU lost control of every amateur sport. The USPF was founded in 1980 as the new national governing body for American powerlifting. In 1981,

4900-717: Was the first time that teams were selected in advance, as well as the inclusion of the 52 kilogram weight class. In 1975, the World Championships was held outside America for the first time, at the town hall in Birmingham , hosted by Vic Mercer. The establishment of the IPF in 1973 spurred the establishment of the EPF (European Powerlifting Federation) in May 1977. Since it was closely associated with bodybuilding and women had been competing as bodybuilders for years, powerlifting

#23976