Compete in Powerlifting NOT Bodybuilding, Here's WHY | Mind Pump 2265

00:00 Intro
02:25 The differences between competition and culture.
Six Reasons Why Powerlifting is Better than Bodybuilding.
02:43 #1 - It’s performance-based vs aesthetics.
10:44 #2 - Workouts are more science-based.
16:48 #3 - Purely objective judging.
21:20 #4 - Discourages undereating.
26:53 #5 - Very encouraging community.
32:25 #6 - Much healthier for women.
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Mind Pump #1152: Why You Should Powerlift
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Mind Pump #2180: Is Powerlifting Beneficial For Women?
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Mind Pump #2105: How To Become A Muscle Mommy
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[@leannebahuaudbradley569]

100% I experienced what Sal is saying. Training like a power lifter changed my physique and mentality for the better. I finally have that solid muscle look, and was able to finally quit the chronic 1400kcal diet and reverse diet successfully. I’ve gained muscle, finally seen gains, transformed my body, and freedom from dieting. It changed my life.

[@anbs1682]

I am a 52 year old powerlifter and I have learned a ton over the years about what works for me in training, health, nutrition, and mentality. Bodybuilding is cool I am throwing no shade but I like being strong 💪 more than being super ripped. Added bonus with powerlifting is focusing on form if you are going to last in powerlifting.

[@SergeJrTraining]

Chase strength and the aesthetics will follow !

[@HerbSterbermerbler]

Not always- often powerlifters don’t look cut or muscular even though they are stronger at one rep. You need to lift at more like 8-12 reps for a lot of your sets to get muscular- it’s surprising how unfit some powerlifters can look.

[@Christ.Called]

​@HerbSterbermerbler that's where diet comes in. Most the power lifters are in calories surplus and not a deficit

[@HerbSterbermerbler]

@@Christ.Called There is a channel on youtube called Anatoly- he is a competitive powerlifter who goes into gyms pretending that he is a cleaner and he lifts much heavier weights than huge bodybuilders twice his size in the gym- he does amazing feats of strength like lifting 225 lbs over his head with one arm and he walks around cleaning while carrying the weight and acting like it is nothing- if tiu see him without a shirt he doesn’t hav fat that is noticeable but he doesn’t look cut or muscular either- if he wanted to have cut and built up muscles so that he looked muscular he would need to do some bodybuilding style training, more sets of 8 - 12 reps, but he obviously doesn’t want this. So diet is not the only factor for why powerlifters don’t look muscular, the main factor is the lower rep sets.

[@Christ.Called]

I know who you are talking about. Dude that guy is pretty ripped. kzbin.info/www/bejne/sGaxlYWeha6qmNksi=X76eL5o_i59idNju

[@likuhsumbodee]

​@HerbSterbermerbler A lot of powerlifters don't look fit because they're not. They are super specific in training for strength which doesn't always carry over athleticism or health. There are PL who look good in the non super heavy or heavy weight classes.

[@JosephEGlaser]

Powerlifting gives you more bang for your buck and is better for your health. It doesn't emphasize extreme body changes, but rather progression in strength and power. You can get good aesthetics with a powerlifting or powerbuilding approach as long as you pay attention to your diet. My first experiences with lifting weights was via a powerlifting approach and I loved it.

[@tshepangharrison2021]

My journey into fitness started from depression and at that time I couldn't afford psychotherapy (funny enough I was a psychology student). Got into strength training and it wired my brain to think of the internal positive states I was experiencing; my strength increases, my increased dopamine, having something to look forward to. Strength training became my therapy and I'm in far better place now

[@gracex3217]

literally same exact story, i thought about bodybuilding but i really did think it’d worsen my depression

[@qskii5256]

Wow that’s my story too.

[@babarbucha4225]

Guys I read between the lines in your podcasts months ago. Having done primarily hypertrophy training for a decade, down to maintaining single digit body fat at 2000 calories, I picked my MAPS POWERLIFT and have reverse dieted up to 4000 calories gaining strength and maintaining conditioning. Also following your advice on focusing on whole foods, eating protein first and focus on getting stronger has made my lifting process stress free. Thank you for your awesome content!!! You guys rock!!

[@fortunatelebelo259]

Problem is lack of gyms that allows powerlifting or does not have proper spaces for powerlifting so bodybuilding becomes inevitable especially with how social media is skewed.

[@stephenschuster9929]

I feel the need to mention this video is about competition specifically. If you don't care about competing, train for your goals.

[@PaulYeagerGuardian]

I started training consistently in 2002-2021...then my mom passed away sept 20, 2021 and then my dad passed on oct 1st (11 days later)...it threw me off and i just started again December 22, 2023...I've trained several styles over the years, bodybuilding, powerlifting, high rep low rep short rest, long rest, etc. One thing i noticed is that both helped each other. I feel that strength is great long term. Love this episode. Keep up the great work guys!

[@TimothyBell90]

I'm sorry for your loss. I hope they are looking down on you hand in hand smiling that you continue to live your life.

[@PaulYeagerGuardian]

@@TimothyBell90 Thank you

[@joshduplessie4229]

When I started listening to this podcast I was purely aesthetics, and as the time passed I’m now looking for powerlifting events to watch and maybe compete in. Thanks for the opportunity! And thanks for the great podcast!

[@alefept]

I started doing Mind Pump programs in August of 2022 with Anabolic. I then moved on to Performance, Symmetry, MAPS 15, and Aesthetic. I am currently on Phase 2 Week 2 of Powerlift and I’m loving it! I started incorporating sprint intervals 3 x/wk with Powerlift and it seems to be helping my gains. Thanks for all of the great programs!

[@megangrogg9164]

Being strong is a great feeling! Being able to help my husband move heavy things is so nice and he appreciates it too

[@morganpeterson252]

The gym is for gains!!! I’d love the power lift program! Thanks guys 🎉

[@ewelinalicka11]

Yes! Feed yourself appropriately and lift heavy ! Goals right there people! ❤

[@josephregel1]

I don't see me ever doing either competition, but it was fun to hear all of you go through the differences. Especially given your different experiences. Thanks!

[@huckjunoy]

Not competing in powerlifting, but using this tool of focus on how strong I am instead of my weight or how I look has been a game changer for me! Apprecite your helpful content and priceless after more than 6 years listenning to you.

[@PBAdrenalineJunkie]

Definitely thinking about doing a power lifting comp now thanks

[@TheGPettigrew]

I would LOVE to get into a powerlifting competition and MAPS Powerlift seems just the thing to help get me there. I've chased aesthetics before and it always led to me overthinking and adding unnecessary stress. Keep it simple. Get strong. Love your show guys!

[@LucasTroy91]

One thing that has really helped me with my body image is spending 90% of my time bulking with the occasional mini cut.

[@claymonaro68]

At 45 if I knew this at 25 , I would have loved to be stronger in my 20s and 30s. I hope the youngsters are listening to this episode.

[@dannyjohnson7876]

Have recently started anabolic and after 2 weeks of phase 1 have beat so many PR including my first 135 bench. Lifting heavy weights is definitely more enjoyable to me.

[@ZenobiaRice]

You guys convinced me. Started talking to some people about training for a lifting competition last week.

[@darrylcampbell6768]

Been working on my journey for about a year and have had pretty good recomp gains. Now I'd like to get more into powerlifting so I can do a competition within the next year

[@besharafereg2198]

Strength should be prioritized. Aesthetics is achieved mostly through diet and your discipline vascilates through out your life. Strength and size are more permanent and is better for older people.

[@entreprenerd1963]

Pursuing strength relative to weight class also tends to discourage over-eating/being over-fat.

[@bryongomez8517]

powerlift!!!! i’m thinning about getting my next program , been running anabolic want to switch it up but i’m still chasing strength and power

[@hoyasfan459]

I change my mesocycles to maximize both hypertrophy and strength. My primary focus overall is hypertrophy, but I am currently on an eight week strength mesocycle so I can go back to hypertrophy stronger. I feel like it helps me add more volume to my hypertrophy workouts. Thus more growth. So many of the comments act like it's a dichotomy. You can use both for better gains.

[@graneninsurance3312]

Love working heavy. Thanks for all of the value here.

[@Ivan-se5ge]

You've changed my mind. Great points, and thank you very much.

[@ryanluce9864]

I started to a body builder mentality wanting to look good for females.. but as my journey progressed I wanted to be functional and more about form especially now I have kids I want to be strong for them so we can do things together and can get up and play anytime they want..

[@chantalouellet8421]

Hi guys! Always happy to watch a new épisode. 🔥

[@chantalouellet8421]

Am I the winner?

[@Marissaeverett15]

Hey mind pump 💪🏻 mom of three here wanting to switch my training to a powerlifting program and train for my first meet. Would love to use your powerlifting program to train for that. I’ve been a listener for about 5 years. I’ve loved seeing how far your business has come. I feel like I’ve known yall forever now.

[@justinm7961]

This one hit home! I have tried to get into the gym at least 6 times over the last 15 years, I failed every time. It was always to improve the way I looked. Finally at the age of 40, I wanted to feel better and get stronger. I had a 1 year old daughter, I knew I would be doing a lot of picking up and running around with her. I got in the gym and have never looked back. I am 19 months in now. My success is definitely due to focusing on how I felt and how much more I could lift. Those results come super fast as opposed to changes in physical appearance. If I had only focused on those things when I failed each time, oh what could have been.

[@scottbennett3765]

Great advice! Thanks for always giving us the authentic truth! 💪🏻

[@barrettergle6298]

I’ve recently started focusing more on strength. Feels good to see what weights you can put up!

[@williammontgomery507]

I left the Army after 9 years and most of my fitness was based around body weight exercises (push ups, pull ups, sit ups, etc.). I was in great shape and could run miles upon miles, and whatever else the Army needed. Now im trying to move into more physique aesthetics and looking great naked. Im learning a lot from these podcasts and i appreciate all of the open information! I look forward to growing mentally and physically with the knowledge from you guys 💪

[@glgbarney7597]

Hey guys! Im from brazil and recently follow your content. I’ve change a lot of the concepts on The last couple of weeks because of you! Thank you

[@haroldgoss]

One of the best conversations related to fitness I have ever listened to. Well done gentlemen.

[@bigpicturegains]

I like the idea of getting very skilled at a core set of lifts, especially for newer lifters. It doesn’t even need to be the big 3, particularly if they don’t feel right for you. It’s something I wish I would of done when I began lifting. Now I’m branching out to other novel lifts, but only after having mastery of basic movement patterns that give me the most return on investment.

[@tribangshuadhikary]

A very important topic that is being discussed very eloquently... really good information. Thank you

[@theironforce3000]

Excellent episode with the pros n cons of both styles / sports.

[@kbishop9360]

Totally understand this topic I been focusing on getting stronger…your muscles will grow and for aesthetics you just need to tweak your diet

[@Road2the50s]

The day I dialled into my mindset and overcoming insecurities that’s the day my whole outlook changed around workouts and diet.

[@lorekeepermo]

Appreciate you guys

[@greenbean9902]

Love the content!

[@randyfacundo1510]

I got the maps power lift already and it’s dope!

[@OBFITTV]

Love it 🙌

[@jcrhea001]

I would love to see you three enter a power lifting competition

[@robino941]

Great advice, as usual. Mind Pump is my daily inspiration! ⭐

[@Christ.Called]

I love this channel!!!

[@shawnaweekley5563]

This was a valuable message for me in particular, because I'm starting a fat loss journey and this time I want to do it right. Focused on quality food and building strength as opposed to what I did in the past --- super restricted eating and fasting to lose weight. I really want to get this right for the long term. Thanks so much for all you do!

[@SupermodelKara]

I might need to get MAPS powerlifting....❤

[@ashleyacklin5556]

Great information, gentlemen! I'm trying to gain maximum strength over the next few years. I'm on the last week of Anabolic phase 2. I have overcame doubt and pushed myself beyond measures! I appreciate you guys!

[@kerinapowell1758]

I would LOVE to try MAPS Powerlift! I love listening to you guys and you have inspired me to train for my first powerlifting competition this year!

[@LUKA_911]

I totally get where youre coming from, professional bodybuilding can totally attract the wrong people and exacerbate EDs. However, personally I, and seemingly plenty of people here truly do value aesthetics over strength. Moreover I think that specifically bodybuilding style training helped me deal with my disordered eating. I started starving myself, eating only one meal a day, 1200-1400kcal a day in hopes of looking better, but once i started going to the gym and eating a LOT more (current maintenance is at ~3300) I gained a whole lot of confidence in myself

[@kathleenmurphy683]

Great!

[@stevec7543]

Thanks for the great podcast men

[@glenho1335]

Love you guys!! I need maps powerlifting!!! 🤣🤣

[@doughall1684]

Love your guys' advice! After listening to your last podcast and this one, I kind of want to try powerlifting. Between MAPS Anabolic and reverse dieting, my body hasn't changed weight but is re-comping like crazy!

[@katrinaloukx4073]

Can’t stop watching you guys…wish I could get my trainer to do the same 😂

[@Kassette209]

It’s crazy, this is another great episode. I like the reminders that it’s not all about weight loss. Strength gains make me feel great because I know something is happening. This last week I was finally able to hold myself on a pull up bar for 10 seconds. When I started in November I couldn’t even imagine hanging deadweight for any amount of time. I hope I can get one of these programs soon 🎉

[@kyle.plattner]

I discovered you guys just a few weeks ago and I've found your podcast so helpful! A huge thank you for putting this out there. I keep looking at your different MAPS programs and can't decide where to begin. I'd really love to win one! I've never had a structured program. Today I just bounce between different lifts without much of a plan.

[@jilllynnmccoy]

This episode spoke to me so much with where I am currently in my fitness journey. Thank you so much for delving deep into answering the question of WHY. I am currently post bikini competition #7 and trying to decide where to go from here. Reminding us that health and strength should be first, and health has always been my why, makes it more clear what I need to focus on going forward. You've also made me more curious about powerlifting! :) Thank you again for sharing.

[@JarettGray1604]

Been lifting for 16 years and I’ve decided to start preparing for powerlifting. Would love to get my hands on Maps powerlift. Anabolic and aesthetic have always been my go to programs so might be time to change

[@geauxgaia]

Love this! 100%

[@BeastModeKeys]

I’m entering my first powerlifting meet in May 💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾

[@AntonioR22]

From years of training I always end up looking better from powerlifting cycles than bodybuilding cycles, and way simpler when it comes to nutrition

[@cn7848]

Happy Birthday Sal🎉

[@paulyallday1575]

Great video! I’m Stoked for my second powerlifting meet on March 30 in Idaho falls!

[@MindPumpShow]

@paulyallday1575 Winner! Hopefully this helps prepare for your meet ! Please email: [e-mail] with a screenshot of your youtube username, winning episode number, and the email address you would like the program under and we will get you hooked up!

[@paulyallday1575]

@@MindPumpShow sent the email. Thank you so much . I’m freaking stoked.

[@daveua1]

Way to slide the calf one in there Adam

[@mattwilliams9480]

Seems like answering Anthony’s question last episode sparked an interesting topic! Wish I would have started with powerlifting for the reasons Sal mentioned: honing technique and form. After years of lifting I still feel like my squat and deadlift form could be improved.

[@liztaingahue9746]

Love you guys,🤗

[@paigewellness]

Daily Mindpump to start my day & at the gym now 😊

[@MindPumpShow]

Awesome!

[@assadkashmiri1190]

I mean I want both strength and aesthetic’s but definitely my main aim at the start is aesthetic’s but my route to get there is now via strength training is slow progress but I’m definitely getting stringing hit my bench PR 175lbs today it’s not that heavy but for me it’s an accomplishment.

[@MJfromdaO]

Happy Birthday Sal!

[@trinidadgazas479]

Best advice out here

[@Simon-d8n]

This is the hot topic right now. 😊

[@kenshoenso3038]

Been watching for a few months now. What’s the best way to submit a question for either the Q&A portion of your videos or at least getting some advice on a handful of items I was curious about? Love what you all do!

[@idraw4me181]

I started training for powerlifting always with the intention of competing which never happened, over time my body is kind of broken, injuries over time and some genetically passed along knee issues so I haven't yet competed, goal now was to compete in Men's Physique, though I would still love to do at least one powerlifting meet just to satisfy the bug I was bit with some 42ish years ago.

[@Radonxyz]

I have maps anabolic advanced but I’m definitely interested in your power lift program!

[@nwshull]

Compound lifts, especially the big three plus the OHP are just more fun.

[@doman9891]

unrelated note but today was my first day of MAPS Anabolic phase2 and I did 3x12 bodyweight dips, last time I tried which was right before starting the pre-phase, could barely do 1 set of 6 and another set for 2 😅

[@ryandeffley7652]

When you try for aesthetics, you'll most likely have too big of a cal deficit, do too much cardio, and feel like shit. But if you train for strength, you'll feed yourself better, have more gym intensity, recover better, have higher testosterone, and sleep better. Plus you'll have more energy and wind up doing more NEAT and daily general movement by default. So all the extra activity helps to create more of a deficit without the cortisol spike from hours of formal cardio per week.

[@JamesEast-iy3ov]

I run a power lifting phase that I make up. Lots of free programs out there after running maps anabolic, I think I'm going to run one. I have 6 weeks of anabolic left

[@NikosDala]

I really think that it all comes down to the person, how much he/she prioritizes health. Definitely one day, if all things go right, I will compete in powerlifting!

[@Carbsforgains]

This is right on time! I wanna start powerlifting. Unfortunately, I can’t enter my state’s competition because they test for PED. I’m on clomid because of my low T SMH.

[@Carbsforgains]

Yay!!!!!

[@Camposchris727]

Love a good powerlifting meet

[@MindPumpShow]

Definitely!

[@seanrhea8732]

Yes !!!!!

[@JoseDiaz-dj2hg]

I’m a veteran. All I do is fictional strength and running. I’m lean and athletic. But most importantly I feel like I’m in my 20’s and I can run around with my kids

[@bthennis]

Been thinking about getting in to powerlifting. I’ve had friends that have done it and really liked it. Hmmmmm

[@user-pr5tx9ep4m]

You're gonna piss off all the bodybuilding influencers who preface every sentence they speak with the fact that it's "science based."

[@maryannjenkins2020]

💯!!! I competed in a lot of bodybuilding bikini shows. Here’s a perfect example of politics. I placed higher than another competitor in the open but she placed better than me in the master class of the same show. Makes no sense.

[@renes4302]

Would love to do this. I have a total knee replacement, so not sure I can.

[@jensahawk233]

Its good to not only look strong, its good to actually be strong too. Focussing on strength is so badass, I feel okay to still have a bit of a belly but be very strong. I just need to eat better to get leaner, but I have a performance mindset so it doesn't bother me as much. I wonder if "powerbuilding" is a good combo of both worlds?

[@user-fn3qb6pb9u]

Ooo make me strong!!

[@hi5bell]

Hey guys! Curious if you have ever thought about bringing on a fourth, a woman, who is also knowledgeable, and that you would consider to be a good role model. I have been listening for years, and I know from experience talking with other women in fitness that they get “intimidated” and “cautious” when it’s information coming only from men. I love that your programs have the option of a woman demonstrating exercises, and think it would have a great impact on followers to have a reputable woman on the show consistently along with you guys to join in all the discussions and give her thoughts from a different perspective. Appreciate you guys always!

[@AndyGman]

I WANT THE POWER!!!

[@HriskataXcell]

Been listening for over 2 years and lately I've been thinking.. Adam might have a point on the whole "jelly first" philosophy he has.

[@nickflynn621]

The truth always lies somewhere in between; I think the take away here is to blend both approaches.