Powerlifting

Beginners usually need a power bar or barbell, weight plates, a squat rack or power rack, a flat bench and collars.

Powerlifting bars are generally stiffer with less whip and more aggressive knurling and are ideal for the three main lifts, while a hybrid Olympic bar can suit general strength training.

For powerlifting we recommend our calibrated cast iron plates, these are ideal for maintaining accurate numbers in your lifts as well as having a thinner profile, allowing more weight to be added.

Most squat racks and power racks are designed for 7ft Olympic barbells, making them the best choice for squats, bench presses and other barbell exercises. A full-size Olympic bar has a shaft length that allows it to rest securely on the rack's J-cups. 6ft International bars are also compatible with power racks and squat racks.

Yes, you can powerlift safely on your own, provided you use the right equipment and follow good lifting practices. Many people train alone in home gyms, but it's important to prioritise safety, especially when lifting heavy weights. If you're using a squat rack, using spotter arms can provide an extra layer of protection.

A powerlifting bench is a heavy-duty weight bench designed specifically for the bench press. Compared to a standard flat bench, it's built to allow for better foot positioning during the lift. Check out our blog on Powerlifting Bench vs Flat Weight Bench for more information.

Yes, you can build an effective powerlifting gym in a garage or spare room. Many home lifters train successfully in relatively compact spaces, provided they choose equipment that fits their available room and training goals. You'll need enough room to use your equipment safely and move freely around it. Check out our guide on How to Build the Ultimate Powerlifting Home Gym.

Fractional plates are light weight plates designed to help you make gradual increases in weight, allowing for more consistent progress over time. Instead of adding 5kg or 10kg to the bar, fractional plates let you increase the load in much smaller increments, such as 0.25kg, 0.5kg or 1kg. This approach, known as progressive overload, is particularly useful when training for powerlifting.

While a barbell, rack, bench and weight plates form the foundation of any powerlifting setup, the right accessories can improve your performance, increase safety and help you get more from your training. A lifting belt is one of the most popular powerlifting accessories, providing additional core support during heavy squats and deadlifts. Other accessories like a squat box can help you perfect your lift.

Yes, powerlifting is suitable for beginners. The sport focuses on three fundamental exercises—the squat, bench press and deadlift—which are some of the most effective movements for building strength, improving muscle mass and developing confidence with free weights. Our A-Z of Powerlifting blog offers everything you need to know to get started.