■Why are the
three powerlifting
movesusefulas
afoundationtoa
training program?
“They involve a large
majorityofmuscles
in the body and can
allow for the most
weight to be lifted,”
says Hamilton. “This
makes them a good
choice as foundational
exercises within a
program because
they can help to
increase total workout
volume, which is vital
for building strength
and muscle.”■ What are
the benefits
of powerlifting?
“I really enjoy the
progressive aspect
— it’s a continuous
journey that provides
an objective-based
mode of progression,”
says Hamilton.
“That’s compared
with training solely
for aesthetics, which
is largely subjective.
Trying to improve in
the three lifts helps
to keep me motivated
and I get clear results
that tell me if what
I’m doing is actually
working. I also like the
discipline it requires
to progress.”■ How should
someone begin
to incorporate
powerlifting Into
their training?
“The first step
would be to make
sure you perform
the three lifts at
least once a week.
As a starting point,
performing some
form of testing to
gauge your current
level would be ideal.
For a general rule,
test your five-rep
max in the three lifts
and then plug these
numbers into a rep
calculator to find
out your projected
maxes. A beginner
testing a 5RM will
find this increases
quickly compared
with someone who
is already at an
intermediate level.”POWERLIFTING
FUNDAMENTALSAROUND YOUR MIDDLE, IT’S TIMETO PERFECT YOUR POWERLIFTING.