Powerlifting Gear...Why do we need it?

It's clear to me that my post today will be considered somewhat controversial. But I make no apologies, if you wanted main stream viewpoints you would be reading a Men's Health article about how to work out in your lounge chair.

So here it is: I am not a fan of geared/equipped powerlifting. Now before the howls of protest start let me make my case. Oh and yes I am no record holder but I have been watching this shit since Ted Arcidi hoisted 705  back in the mid eighties so I am coming at this with a little background.

The more I involve myself in this game the more I seek the true effort, the honest lift. I love the concept of man/woman against the bar. The pure simplicity of it all appeals to me. Call me a purist but if you get 40kgs from your bench shirt how is that your value add? Yes I understand the weight still needs to be lifted but if your poly/denim multi ply shirt takes that strain then what is the point. Not to mention equipped lifting changes the whole strength curve.

I'd be the first to admit that drawing the line at what is natural is hard in our game. The link between supplements ingested and real benefit is often nebulous with all but the basics of protein and creatine where it  is very clear that one of the hi tech modern shirts adds significant pounds to a lift. Hey even Arcidi wearing a first generation basic shirt in the mid eighties leveraged an additional 35- 40 pounds above his best.

It's not such a big deal Thomo I hear you say? Well for the fella's out there its like having a 5 inch pecker but buying a 9 inch sex toy and then telling everyone you are well hung!!!! Doesn't make sense if it isn't you doing the work!

I think deep down the use of equipment says something about our ability to chase an outcome without understanding the journey. I'd much rather see a heavyweight hoist 600 pounds raw and unaided then watch him work himself into a ridiculous open backed shirt for the sake of a few more pounds.

Call me old fashioned but I want my lifting as natural as possible!

Stay Strong
Thomo