You have heard of power lifting and maybe seen power lifters at your gym. But is there a place for power lifting in your fitness routine? Or are you looking to break out of a rut and try something new?
Some basic power lifting points may pique your interest:

• Power lifting is unique. The difference between power lifting and standard weight lifting is that competitive power lifting, as it is performed in the Olympics and elsewhere, involves three moves: the deadlift, the squat and the bench press. The winner is the one who lifts the most weight--it's not the size of your muscles that counts, it's the strength. The goal is to lift the greatest amount of weight for one repetition with good form. A "good" lift meets the criteria for established safe and proper technique.
• Gearing up. If you want to get into power lifting, be sure you have a good lifting belt, as well as a bench shirt, which is a customized, tightly fitted shirt that helps protect the shoulders. You should seek out a specialty retailer for this shirt and get measured so it fits you snugly. Knee and wrist wraps are also important for support when you are power lifting.
• Training right. Power lifting can be a great way to add variety to your weight lifting or bodybuilding workouts, even if you aren't entering competitions.

A sample power lifting routine involves a cycle starting with 5 sets of 10 repetitions at an intensity of about 60 percent, and then gradually reducing the repetitions while increasing the weight over 12 weeks, so you end up doing 2 repetitions at 99 percent of your maximum effort.