Strength has always been a fundamental part of human existence. Without those who were strong our ancestors would have never survived, and we would not be here today. In 2019 few people hunt for their food, build their own shelter, or have a true need to be strong. Powerlifting is not only a sport, it highlights the potential for human strength and what your body is capable of.
While a world record squat is amazing beyond belief, the average untrained individual would struggle to squat even their own bodyweight. With powerlifting and barbell strength training growing in popularity each year, there is still a long way to go before before strong is synonymous with being “in-shape.”
Living up to your biological potential
“No man has the right to be an amateur in the matter of physical training. It is a shame for a man to grow old without seeing the beauty and strength of which his body is capable.”
While this quote is attributed to socrates, it speaks to the notion of fulfilling your own potential. Over millions of years the human body has been adapted to rough environments and extreme circumstances. While these are not the situations people in modernized countries face, it is important to remember what potential everyone has.
Strength development is not just a mans endeavor, although it is more popular with men. Training for strength and powerlifting has now exploded in popularity among women. Unfounded tropes that lifting heavy will cause a woman to “look like a guy” are unfounded and erroneous.
Being strong makes you more resiliant
The benefits of strength training and making your body stronger are numerous. Most people know this to be true. But the psychological impact of moving something that is heavy and difficult is profound. As with any other sport pushing your capabilities is necessary to improve. Powerlifting pushes not only your muscles to the point of fatigue, but also your mind.
Many times at powerlifting competitions or in training, a weak mental game can overcome a strong prepared body. This means the mind has to be trained in order to be able to lift the heaviest weights you can.
Fortitude of your will is necessary to be able to succeed in life. Powerlifting, like many other sports, is a microcosm of life. Their are ups and downs, good days and bad, personal records and personal worsts. All of these aspects are encompassed within barbell training.
This is why powerlifting is great
The challenge is not only to your body and how far you can push it. It can become a part of your life and have a lasting impact that resonates for a lifetime. This is the true limit that needs to be pushed. Everyone can live up to their potential, and then go even further.
Daniel Deadlifts 