Powerlifting vs Bodybuilding

[mattvdh]

I was watching a video on a guy explaining the advantages to powerlifting and it got me thinking about which is the superior approach for building big lean muscle.

If you combined powerlifting techniques with a bodybuilders awareness of diet, wouldn't this be the best approach for building a big strong body? Bodybuilding techniques such as high repetition don't seem to break down muscle fiber quite as well as lifting heavy as possible and doesn't necessarily make you stronger. Higher reps give you a good pump and the muscle is saturated with blood, but is the muscle itself being broken down? It may be initially harder on the joints to powerlift, but eventually your joints will strengthen and much lower reps sort of makes it easier. Plus the heavier you can go on the powerlifts (like deadlifts) the more GH is produced.

What are your thoughts?

[johnC80]

I like to combine the two. Google powerbuilding or power bodybuilding. Check out About Josh Strength

[mattvdh]

that dude is a tank! yeah PL has such excellent form and technique, and its good for breaking plateaus. I respect the raw power their have--synthol ain't gonna do shit in PL! this video on his site was pretty inspiring: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=XjZPe7_B0Y0

[kelkel]

One of the best things a bodybuilder can do is powerlift and vice versa. Greatly beneficial to both disciplines for obvious reasons. It's one of the best things I've done is take some time and powerlift. Damn fun too.

[mattvdh]

yeah it sure breaks up the monotony that can come with routines

[Java Man]

They both go hand in hand IMO. You have to do powerlifting movements to get the core strength to lift the really heavy weight. I've never seen a massive bodybuilder that could not lift heavy weights. They just don't do ONLY that so you don't see it all the time. I've started doing deadlifts again on leg day. Man did that give me a reality check on how many years I've been away lol. No matter what weight, heavy is a relative term. They feel great.

[johnC80]

also look up Stan 'Rhino' Efferding - strongest bodybuilder in the world, did a 2306 (I think) raw total

[warlockjmr]

From a muscle structure point of view I've read there is a difference in how each type of training develops the muscle fibres. I don't see why you can't do both, train all your main lifts like a power lifter and then add in assistance work like a body builder. Also read some interesting articles on how different muscles in the body have different levels of short and long twitch fibers and so training them all the same way doesn't give the best affect.