Things I Wish I Knew When I Traded Powerlifting for Weightlifting

I’m Coach Brooke

Like many, I found my way to weightlifting after training in powerlifting for many years. The transition was an eye-opener, and I'm here to share the stuff no one tells you before you get started.

1. Initially, the learning curve is steep: lots of new exercises, skills, and positions. I found myself questioning whether I actually enjoyed weightlifting because I wasn't immediately excelling. But it was always equal parts fun and frustrating.

2. Progress will not be linear: It will come, but inconsistently. Adding weight to the bar might not happen as quickly as expected, but patience pays off, and there will be plenty of PB's and technical breakthroughs to keep you excited.

3. Also, forget about the 2.5kg jumps from powerlifting: in weightlifting, we love the +1kg increment, and every KG counts. So get ready for 1kg PB’s!

4. Bar Maths is hard: you’ll second guess yourself everytime you load the 15kg bar haha

5. The sport is intense: Weightlifting is hard in a different way than Powerlifitng. Both are physically and psychologically demanding; but WL is a different mental and emotional challenge. The sport requires precision, along with a blend of hard work, patience, resilience, and grit.

6. But it is not as intimidating as it may seem: Everyone starts from the start.. and contrary to popular belief, there's no prerequisite level of expericence, skill or strength required to begin.

7. The community is on par with the powerlifting community: The weightlifting community is just as supportive and inclusive as the powerlifting community. Whether you are going for a huge PB or about to face a mental triumph; everyone wants you to succeed and will be cheering you on.

8. Get ready to embrace the nerves: Each new weight on the bar is a little scary; and you’ll get rush of adrenaline and nerves. But thats the fun of it all!

9. Don’t stress the little things: Hook grip is fine. And it’s actually re-racking that no one ever warns you about. But with time, it all becomes second nature.

10. You might feel unexpectantly fried for the first few months: Even if you can squat and deadlift +150kg, snatch doubles at 25kg will cook you. Transitioning from powerlifting to weightlifting is an awesome journey filled with its own unique challenges and successes. Embrace the process, stay patient, and remember to have fun along the way!

    
    Want the Best of Both Worlds? My STRONG Program is Your Answer

    If you're ready to level up your strength, build that weightlifting foundation, and have a blast doing it, my STRONG Semi-Private program is the perfect mix. It's the best of powerlifting's strength focus and weightlifting's technical challenge, all wrapped up in a supportive small-group setting with me as your coach.

    Let me know if you're ready to get STRONG AF by booking a free call with me here.