What are the three main lifts performed in a powerlifting competition?

The three main lifts performed in a powerlifting competition are the squat, deadlift, and bench press. Each of these lifts is specifically designed to assess strength in different muscle groups:

• Squat: This lift involves lowering the body into a seated position and then driving back up to a standing position while holding a weighted barbell across the shoulders. It targets the lower body, particularly the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes, along with engaging the core for stability.

• Deadlift: The deadlift involves lifting a weighted barbell from the ground to a standing position. It is a key lift that engages multiple muscle groups, including the posterior chain (hamstrings, glutes, and lower back) and promotes overall body strength.

• Bench Press: In the bench press, the athlete lies on a bench and presses a barbell up from chest level. This lift primarily targets the chest, shoulders, and triceps, making it a fundamental test of upper body strength.

Understanding these lifts is essential for powerlifting athletes and officials, as they form the core of the competition and are governed by specific rules and techniques outlined by the International Powerlifting Federation. Other choices listed include lifts that are not part of the main