British Columbia Blind Sports and Recreation Association

Powerlifting News and Content

Powerlifting

Powerlifting for athletes who are blind or viusually impaired is a series of three events: bench press, squat and clean and deadlift. Athletes are dividied into weight classes, and there are also master age classes.

The following is edited from the Blind Powerlifting.com website:

"Enjoyed by both men and women in over 78 countries around the world, Powerlifting is without doubt the ultimate strength sport. Powerlifting is a test of pure, unadulterated, brute strength, and comprises three lifts: Squat, Bench Press and Deadlift.

Squat

The Squat is the first of the three lifts. Standing upright with the barbell resting across the back of the shoulders, the lifter sits or 'squats' down to a required depth and then attempts to stand up again, returning to the original position.

Bench Press

Probably the most famous and best-loved exercise practiced by millions of people in gyms throughout the world, the Bench Press is the second lift in a Powerlifting competition. Lying flat on their back on a bench of a certain height and specification, the lifter holds the barbell at arms length above the chest. The bar is then lowered until it stops on the chest and then pushed or 'pressed' back up again.

Deadlift

The final lift of the 'Big 3', the Deadlift, as the name suggests, involves lifting a 'dead' weight. Gripping the barbell, which sits flat on the floor, the athlete attempts to lift the weight until they are standing upright with their shoulders back.

In powerlifting competition, athletes are categorized by sex, age and bodyweight. Each competitor is allowed three attempts at each lift, the best lift in each discipline being added to their total. The lifter with the highest total is the winner. In cases where two or more lifters achieve the same total, the person with the lightest bodyweight wins. "

If you’re interested in learning more about Powerlifting contact BC Blind Sports at (604) 325-8638.

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