Competitive powerlifters tend to be incredibly particular creatures, but then that makes sense for a sport with a lot of regulations. Luckily, that makes shopping for a powerlifter pretty straightforward. Basically, if it contributes to one of three lifts (squat, bench, or deadlift), there’s a good probability it’s a great gift.
Looking for somewhere to start? World-record-holding powerlifter Bama Burr recommends how to put together an at-home powerlifting gym in “What You Need to Build a Powerlifting Home Gym.” You can do a lot with a power rack, bench, barbell, and some weight plates.
Here are some gift ideas for that Sour-Patch-Kid-eating, singlet-wearing gym rat in your life:
1. A Power Bar
2. A Specialty Bar (or Two)
Isn't a power bar enough? No. Absolutely not. What kind of ridiculous question is that?
But for reals, there are specialty bars for a reason. A deadlift bar is useful because (this warrants a list):
- It has very aggressive, deep, mountain-style knurling to provide max grip support for heavy deadlifts.
- It has not center knurling. You don't need that for deaddies.
- It has a thinner diameter shaft and longer total length, which allows for more flex under heavy loads. This flex lets you pull from a slightly higher position as the weight leaves the ground --> heavier lifts --> happier powerlifter.
- The Hades Deadlift Bar has a longer loadable sleeve length than most deadlift bars, so there's more space for more plates on the bar.
- It's black. Sick.
Not convinced? Read on here: What is a Deadlift Bar and Do I Need One?
Then there's a squat bar.
It gets a list of pros, too:
- This bar is longer than a reg bar so the plates don't hit the uprights when you're racking the bar.
- It's thicker to add rigidity and minimize whip/flex = more stable squat. (Opposite of a deadlift bar, where you like that flex.)
- It's heavier than a power bar. That's due to the bigger size. But if you compete in an association that uses a squat bar, you definitely want to train on one. It's a whole different beast.
- It has a fully knurled shaft for maximum points of contact/grip to create a secure connection to the bar. You don't want a squat bar rolling down your back.
- It's murdered out in black, too. <Drooling>
Need more drool? Read on: What is a Squat Bar and Why Does This Thing Exist?
3. Change Plates
- experienced lifters trying to budge out of a plateau;
- new lifters trying to identify their max;
- and everyone ever training to someday max a bench press.
4. USA-Made Equalizer™ plates
Mmm, the clank of iron. Yes, bumpers are gentle on your floors, but you can fit more irons on the bar, and powerlifting meets use iron plates. Equalizer™ iron olympic plates are the most accurate iron plates, guaranteed to be within a 2% tolerance. Plus, the hexagon cutouts make these plates versatile for other exercises and easy to load and unload.
Want more ideas?
Looking for more gifts for weightlifters (not the Olympic kind; the lifting-of-weights kind)? Shop the whole powerlifting collection here.
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