Powerlifters Need To Be More Functional!

Powerlifters are notorious for being stiff and struggle to move into awkward positions. I believe that athletes should be able to move in healthy ranges of motion no matter what the sport it. Due to nature of the the sport it is hard to include a functional movement activity without seemingly taking away from the usual training.

This article is to tell athletes that not only will adding functional movement into the training help improve the quality of movement but will in turn help improve the way an athlete lifts and possibly even help increase the total of the athlete if the functional exercise is down properly.

There are many ways in which a powerlifter can add a functional movement component to their training model. Adding one day a week dedicated to movement can be all it takes.

Light Cardio

Simply walking for 15-20mins at a decent pace in the morning can improve the mobility of a powerlifter. I advise against any sort of running for a powerlifter at first because of the usual lack of running experience as well as the usual lack of running ability. We do not want injury, we just want improved movement ability.

Strongman style/ functional movement

Adding is strongman style movements can greatly increase the mobile strength of an athlete. Being able to move with loads is a great tool to help develop muscles in a way never done traditionally in a gym setting. Adding in sled drags, farmers walks, sandbag carries, and many other movements can increase work capacity as well as add a fresh new look at training.

Plyometrics/jump training/ speed training

Traditional plyometrics founded by Yuri Verkoshansky of russia can be a great way to add speed to the athlete without a extreme amount of load but it is still hard on an athlete's body and should only be done 1-2 times per week at most.

Jump training is also a great way to had explosive strength to a powerlifter. Being able to jump from the floor to a certain height in a variety of ways is of great benefit to a strength athlete. If a powerlifter can add speed to a lift with other having to had a load is priceless because it will save the athlete from added stress that can be applied later on in the training cycle.

Being fast is a trait that is often missed by most powerlifters. and adding a speed program can also add value to the athlete. Sprints with and without load are a great way in which a powerlifter can add speed at a great rate. but again this should be done with a powerlifting athlete that is already been doing some functional movement training and has showcased adequate movement ability.

Conclusion

Adding in some kind of movement for powerlifters can add to the overall athletic ability of the athlete and even potentially add to the strength of the powerlifter. Training the muscles in a new way can help inspire growth as well as strength not to mention overall increase in health

Even strength athletes need to have some level of overall athletic ability and functional capability. So let's prove that powerlifters are more than just muscle bound and that in fact we can move and do things beyond squat bench and deadlift!