Hi all!
This is my first post on T-Nation and I wanted to ask if it was worth it for me to start training seriously for powerlifting or weightlifting as an 18yo. I’m asking this as I’m currently playing on a competitive handball team and would have to quit the sport in order to pursue strength training. My stats are:
Bench: 255lbs Squat: 315lbs Deadlift: 380lbs c&j: 180lbs weight: 165lbs height: 5’11(I’ve trained for around 2 years)
If it is worth it to quit my sport, would it be better for me to pursue powerlifting or oly weightlifting? I’ve always trained for powerlifting (not seriously though) but recently found an interest for weightlifting. I know I won’t get to elite level, but I’m still wishing I’ll be able to get to compete in national competitions.
I know a lot of this is my own preference and interest for types of training, but I would still like to receive outside advice on which decision I should make.
Thank you!
1 Like
There is no of course a right answer to this, you’re free to do any decisions you like.
But if I would be 20 again, I would train weightlifting while still being fast and agile. When I would get stronger, older and more beat up, I would ”retire” from WL and do some PL.
But there’s million ways to do this. You can also train both for a short period or simultaneously and try couple small local meets (or even mock meets) to see which one is more your thing.
2 Likes
Oh yeah, your weightlifting point is really interesting. I’m planning to try weightlifting seriously over the summer to see if it’s worth it. Do you think I’ll be able to reach competitive level after maybe 2 years of training?
Why would you have to quit the handball team? If you are pretty good, I would continue to play on the handball team.
Why can’t you find time for strength training?
The younger you start Olympic lifting the better. Whether you could be competitive, I don’t know.
I do know that my long legged 6’0" was far from ideal to be a competitive Olympic lifter. If your height doesn’t include long legs you might. If front squats come easy for you, you might do well.
IMO, even if your final destiny is powerlifting, devoting two years to focus on Olympic lifting would not be a negative. Just do some bench pressing once a week.
1 Like
No one can determine how much the joy of pursuing a sport can be worth to you. This is an existential question.
I’m also in college right now, which is really messing with my scheduling. I’ve managed to find time for training and handball, but I’m slowly losing my love for that sport.
My front squat comes relatively easy to me although I did have some shoulder mobility issues. But you’re right, I should probably do oly lifting while my body can still handle the lifts.
No one will know. Maybe, maybe not?
Yeah. It’s not uncommon to see powerlifters peak at their late 30s/early 40s. You rarely see higher lvl o-lifters over 35. There’s a reason.
Yeah. I encourage OP to try competing at both. It will tell which one matches his taste and aptitudes better.
1 Like
Hahaha 100%!
I love strength training way more than my current sport at the moment, but I’m not sure if it’s worth quitting it knowing I might not become competitive at PL or OL. (I’m competitive in handball right now and got a good future ahead of me if I decide to stay)
1 Like
Once again: literally no one else can tell you the answer to this. This is a personal question.
I’ve competed in strength sports since 2010, as a powerlifter and a strongman. I have a strongman competition coming up on Saturday. I’ve never competed beyond the local level. It’s been worth it to me, even if it meant rupturing my ACL, tearing my meniscus and fracturing my patella in one competition. I ran a 10 mile race on Saturday, I did it just to have fun: it was worth it to me.
You need to engage in some introspection here. Don’t outsource that.
2 Likes
If that’s the case, why not just play handball competitively and do a balanced strength and conditioning program with the long-term goal being competing in powerlifting/oly once handball is done?
I wouldn’t think handball zaps your recover like some other sports. How much longer do you have left with handball?
1 Like
This also came to my mind. You could just do some strength training besides the handball and try some local comps if feeling like it.
Time will tell if you should (or want) to change completely to strength sports.
2 Likes
Yeah and don’t worry about peaking or any of that shit until you know you actually like powerlifting and have a few comps under your belt
2 Likes
I think peaking is way overvalued for majority of lifters.
When you’re really striving for win in bigger competitions, or reaching you limits, then it’s needed.
1 Like
I would think you could still train it without it interfering with your sport. When I was in high school and college, there’s a lot of times where I would have weight lifting class (in high school) or lift before class with the team (college) where we would train Olympic lifts and a few power lifts then have wrestling practice in the afternoon and then do my own Bodybuilding style training at night. You have to eat a ton of food but if your cafeteria is all you can eat buffet style like mine was, that shouldn’t be a problem.
2 Likes
For sure.
I think I’ll keep doing what I’m doing right now but focusing on Oly lifting more seriously so then I can feel what it’s like to compete in it. And after a year, having done all of them, maybe I’ll be able to make a decision.
It’s more a matter of taking time. I’m with a private club so I can decide to quit after this season ends or decide to continue for more seasons.
100%. Looking back I’ve been focused too much on making one decision instead of considering the possibility of just training along side my sport (and eating more :))
3 years ago, my friend had decided to take PL seriously (he got a coach and everything) and now holds the deadlift national record as a sbjr. I always wondered if I had decided something similar, would I be in a similar place. Would it be helpful if I got a coach right now for OL (after some months of solo training)?
For something like weightlifting, it’d be much better to get a coach BEFORE the solo training, so you don’t develop bad habits that have to be corrected.
4 Likes
Most definitely. Olympic lifting requires much more technical work than powerlifting.
2 Likes
A legit coach can spare someone years of lousy results
2 Likes
It’s probably not. Most sports lift weights to improve at their sport. Weight training for WL and PL is the sport. I teach high school and my school has developed a decent Power Lifting Club. Several of our students have received scholarships to PL in college. Several of them have also quit before the first year was up.
Sometimes you can take something you enjoy in small doses and ruin it by making it your main focus.
I agree with those above about being able to move - sprint, cut, jump, etc. If you focus on PL, you will likely start to lose those abilities sooner rather than later. If you continue playing handball while also strength training, you just might get stronger while maintaining your athleticism.
1 Like