Books that Can Motivate Powerlifters

Strength training books are ideal for motivation those who are new to the industry. As the name suggests these books are geared towards powerlifters. For novice or non-powerlifters, who are looking for general strength training advice, these powerlifting/ strength training books are very beneficial. One of the must read books for lifters is “The Westside Barbell Book Of Methods” published by Westside Barbell. The 236 pages of this book are full of training advices. Louie Simmons explains the various ways that will help the lifters to produce strength.



Simmons, the legendary powerlifter and strength trainer of Westside Barbell, presents his many years of experience in powerlifting through this book. Being the strength consultant for numerous college football teams including Clevland Brown, New England Patriots, Green Bay Packers, and Seattle Seahawks, Louie’s book is also a great resource for the serious sports people. Some of the strength training methods that “The Westside Barbell Book Of Methods” includes are Conjugate Method, Dynamic Effort Method, Maximal Effort Method, Reactive Method, and Contrast Method.

The Westside Barbell Book Of Methods is specially aimed at competitive powerlifters and serious sports people. In fact, this powerlifting book can be a perfect choice for the intermediate to advanced lifters.

The second edition of “Science and Practice of Strength Training”, written by Dr. Vladimir Zatsiorsky and Dr. William Kraemer, explains the principles and concepts involved in strength training. The book comes with many changes including three new chapters contributed by Dr. Kraemer. These chapters focus on young athletes, women and seniors. The book explains that no one program can work for a person all the times. It describes the complexity involved in strength training programs and provides simple approaches while dealing with specific circumstances. “Science and Practice of Strength Training” provides great insight into the new physiological concepts that are now incorporated in the practice of strength training.

Both the strength training books describes the various methods of strength conditioning, the importance of timing in strength exercises, and ways to prevent injuries.

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Powerlifting Tips for Beginners: How to Increase Bench Presses

Some simple techniques can help powerlifters to increase the weight on their bench press. And both novice and experienced lifters can incorporate these techniques in their strength training programs. Powerlifters need to focus on one thing – to improve the total amount of weight that they can press for one rep. The following tips will help the lifters to increase their maximum single repetition lift.



First, the lifter must learn to conserve their energy. One must learn the strength training techniques that will help them to lift the largest amount of weight by utilizing the smallest amount of energy possible. For this, the lifters must use their spotter for lifting the bar out of its rack. Try to do some effective handoff using the spotter; make sure handoff is quick and smooth. Be quick, but controlled while bringing the bar to the chest during the eccentric phase. Also, try to involve all the muscle while doing the lift.

Another effective strength training technique is to reduce the distance one move the weight. In powerlifting both weight and distance are important. The lifters must learn to reduce the distance to be able to move largest amount of weight without increasing the amount of power. While doing bench press, try to arch your back as much as possible; this helps in increasing your bench press. The shoulder blades must be squeezed together – this helps in keeping the bench in contact with shoulders throughout the lift. Powerlifters know the importance of breathing exercises and the one must keep that in mind while doing bench presses. Take deep breath into your chest and hold it in the eccentric phase; release the breath slowly in the concentric phase. Use the triceps to lock your arms out – this will help in locking out the weight. But remember not to raise the weight higher.

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