The sport
Powerlifting tests your best single squat, bench press and deadlift. You get three attempts on each. Your total is your best of each added together.
Attempt selection
- Opener: a weight you could triple on a bad day (~90%)
- Second: about a recent heavy single (~95–97%)
- Third: a PR attempt (~100–103%)
Scoring
Because heavier lifters lift more, scores like DOTS and Wilks let you compare lifters of different bodyweights. You can calculate yours on the Tools tab.
Terms
- 1RM: one-rep max
- Total: sum of the three best lifts
- Openers: first attempts
- Peaking: lowering volume before a meet to show max strength