Whatever your goal – whether you want to get stronger for the sake of being strong, stronger to increase your muscular size and build a harder, denser physique or stronger to improve athletic performance…
The 3 powerlifts will help get you stronger faster than anything else you can do in the gym.
The 3 powerlifts are of course the Squat, Bench Press and Deadlift.
Now here’s the thing…
These days you are bombarded with choice when it comes to what you do in the gym.
You can do the 3 powerlifts, or you can do Olympic Weightlifting, or you can do Strongman training or you can lift Kettlebells.
But, when it comes to building absolute strength, the powerlifts RULE. They always have and they always will.
That’s not to say that the other methods of weight training aren’t valuable, of course they are – but when it comes to getting a STRONG AS POSSIBLE… you can’t beat the squat, bench press and deadlift.
Unlock Absolute Strength
Think about it…
The biggest Kettlebell is 48kg. Is that likely to build the same strength as squats with 500 pounds or more and deadlifts with 600 pounds +? I think not.
And I use kettlebells myself, but they are an assistance movement, not my main thing in the gym.
The Olympic Weightlifts are awesome for building explosive power, but when it comes to limit strength, they are still second to the powerlifts.
Strongman training can build a ton of strength as well but not the same way as the powerlifts can.
There’s a clue here by the way… Many Olympic weightlifters and strongmen use the powerlifts to improve their strength.
For instance, weightlifters tend to squat a lot and strongmen tend to squat and do a ton of deadlifting.
I think what I am saying is clear.
If you want to develop absolute strength and the kind of rock hard, tough as nails kind of physique that only strong dudes posses – you should be doing the powerlifts.
Improve Form for Rapid Gains and Injury Prevention
The next thing we should discuss is how to actually squat, bench and deadlift.
It is my experience that most gym rats are always looking for the ‘miracle’ training program.
The one that’s going to add 400 pounds to each lift in 8 weeks.
Well, guess what? It doesn’t freaking exist!
However, if there is something that is more important than you’re training program – it’s your technique.
Most guys have truly awful technique and could make rapid improvements in their strength by improving their technique.
I have seen technical improvements add 50 pounds to a lifters Bench in a single session.
The same cannot be said of a particular training program.
And you are probably in the same boat.
You probably don’t have perfect form and you should work on it.
It’ll make you STRONGER and reduce your injury-risk.
A nice ‘double whammy’.
I’ve been in the iron game over 20 years and I’ve squatted 1214lbs, benched 755lbs and deadlifted 1008lbs.
And do you know what?
I still work on my technique each and every time I train and I have my clients do the same.
Guest Post by 1000 Pound Deadlifter Andy Bolton
Andy handles 800lbs like I handle 350lbs – that is impressive! It wasn’t until recently that I have made it a point to work on developing my raw strength. I have been making sure to squat at least 3 times a week, dead lift twice every week and bench press twice each week. I always do these lifts with heavy weights with which I cannot perform more than 4 or 5 reps before reaching failure.
If you want to get big and strong, I am absolutely convinced that lifting heavy with these 3 power lifts is essential. I have bookmarked this page so I can come back and grab my copy of Andy’s program once I reach the point that I am no longer satisfied with my gains in strength. While I feel like I understand the proper form and techniques to be using with these lifts, I have been around long enough to know there is always someone out there who has some new and useful insights and I am sure that Andy’s books will only help to educate (and strengthen) me that much further.
Now I want to go home and do some dead lifts!
Hey Craig, thanks for the comment. Keep an eye on your email tomorrow because Andy is sharing a Special Report called, “Squat Like a Champion”.
Looking forward to it!
I realise plenty of powerlifters are big & fat. I know they eat a lot but is there any advantage of them being fat? Its true that all they care is lift heavy weights and not looks.
Does being heavier (including a ton of fat) makes their powerlifts higher? That said, the heavier guy (even though he is fat) usually have an advantage over the lean guy in lifting the heaviest weight possible?
Will I be able to gain more strength if i get fatter?
Hey Brad, great question. Having more body weight does give certain leverage advantages. However I would never recommend trying to gain body fat to get stronger. Fat cannot lift weight and you’ll always lift more weight by focusing on training your CNS, your bones, tendons and muscles than you will by eating everything in site.
Unfortunately powerlifters that have taken the lifestyle to the extreme have created a stereotype. Not all super strong powerlifters are fat. Take Mike Schwanke and Kroc for example that have super low body fat levels and lift record setting weights. If you’re like me, you’re probably a powerbuilder. This is someone who cares about their strength and looks at the same time.
So the typical powerlifter just eats everything in site because it does not affect their lifts?
Yes, I agree I want to be a powerbuilder. I want to get strong as hell in the 3 major lifts while gaining muscle (but not fat).
Because of your reply, i will buy the xplode books and hopefully start xploding some PRs.
Brad,
This is a question that I often had as a beginner to strength training. The only way to get bigger is to lift heavier weights. It really is that simple. There are certainly different methods people employ to ensure that they are progressively gaining strength/size, but that is what it boils down to.
Those pot-bellied powerlifters are only concerned with how much weight they can pull – not what they look like in the mirror. As such, they typically do not mind their diet and their bulging bellies are what they have to show for it.
Lift heavier, lift often and commit to lifting for the long-term and you will get bigger and stronger. If you want to lean out your physique, or simply keep yourself from getting fat in the process building size and strength, find a good daily caloric allowance for your goals and stick to it.
I hope this helps! Be sure to let us know about your experience using Andy’s books…
I agree that the big 3 get you strong!!! I am a competitive RAW powerlifter in 165lbs weight class. Squats and Deads are the bread and butter of all
exercises. I currently dead in the low 500’s.(over 3xbw) I definately do not look like a typical powerlifter being 5’10” and 165. Every time is step up to pull people whisper I’m crazy or that skinny kid can’t do that. Well guess what it’s about dense muscle fibers not how big and bloated the muscle is. My goal is to get up to the 181 class.(I only walk around at 170, and cut just only 5)