Does Powerlifting Build Muscle Size?

Powerlifting does it build size or only strength?

Power Building Workout:

Like my Facebook Page: Coached By Lee: the other day I got an e-mail from one of my facebook followers asking if he would Lose Muscle if he switched from doing bodybuilding workouts to powerlifting workouts.

I thought that this was a very good question, hence the reason for the video :-)

When it comes to the iron game there are 3 basic disciplines of weight training - Bodybuilding - Powerlifting - and Olympic Weight Lifting.

Bodybuilding is primarily meant for building muscle size (i.e. hypertrophy).

Powerlifting is meant for gaining strength and power in the squat, bench press, and deadlift.

Olympic Lifting is meant for gaining explosive strength in the snatch and clean & jerk.

And while each of these sports have their specific purpose. There is carry over between all 3 variations of weight training. Generally speaking a bigger muscle is a stronger muscle and vice versa.

When a bodybuilder gains muscle size, he is also gaining strength and power go go along with that size. For example, most heavyweight bodybuilders have the physical strength to bench press over 400 pounds and squat over 500 pounds. Now while this is certainly not world record strength, it's still very strong compared to the average gym member, and herculean strength compared to the average Joe on the street.

Most powerlifters are pound for pound stronger than bodybuilders, but they aren't just all strength with no size. If you look at any elite level powerlifter you'll notice that they have a thick muscular build especially in their chest, back, and legs.

The same also goes for Olympic Lifters. In fact, some of the best leg and back development that I've ever seen on any physique has been on top level Olympic Weight Lifters.

You can combine both Bodybuilding & Powerlifting styles of training into your routine. In fact, some of the worlds top bodybuilders built their foundation through powerlifting.

The most famous bodybuilder of all time Arnold Schwarzenegger was a powerlifter. Former Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman was a powerlifter before he became a bodybuilder. Branch Warren, Johnny Jackson, Stan Efferding, Mike O'hearn, are all very muscular guys who have successfully competed in both bodybuilding and powerlifting.

So if you are looking to change up your workouts by incorporating powerlifting, you need not worry about losing muscle size from doing so, in fact you may actually spur on some new muscle growth from the unique training stimulus and the strength you gain from powerlifting can be carried over into your bodybuilding style workouts as well.