Powerlifting, Bodybuilding, and Powerbuilding: What's the difference?
What makes these sports so unique?
If you’re looking to start a weight training program, understanding the difference between various types of lifting programs is essential for your overall progression. When it comes to weight training, powerlifting, bodybuilding, and powerbuilding are three popular methodologies that lifters often use to achieve their fitness goals, such as burning body fat or building strength and muscle mass. That being said, we will break down the distinctions between these common training methods and program types so you can best assess the right one for your goals.
In this article, we will discuss:
What is the difference for powerlifting, bodybuilding, and powerbuilding
How you should choose each training method based on your goals
What are the workout program differences for each training method
Best beginner and intermediate programs for powerlifting, bodybuilding, and powerbuilding
What is powerlifting?
Powerlifting is a strength sport that focuses on three main lifts: barbell squat, barbell bench press, and the barbell deadlift. The goal in a powerlifting competition is to lift the heaviest possible weight for a single repetition (a true one rep max) in each one of these lifts.
Why do powerlifting?
Focus on maximal strength
Develop proficiency in main lifts (squat, bench press, deadlift)
Gym beginners looking to build a strong foundation
Enhance athletic performance in strength-based sports
Powerlifting programming
Powerlifting programs typically emphasize maximal strength development, with a focus on lower rep sets and heavier weights. Expect to do lots of volume on the squat, bench, deadlift, and variations of these exercises.
Key elements of powerlifting programs include:
Focus on the competition lifts: barbell squat, bench press, and deadlift
Low repetition sets (1-5 reps) with heavy weights
Emphasis on maximal strength and technique
Beginner-level powerlifting programs focus on linear progression (workout-by-workout or week-over-week weight increases)
Intermediate/advanced-level powerlifting programs have periodization (training phases focused on high volume, high intensity, peaking, and recovery)
Best Beginner Powerlifting Programs
TSA Beginner Approach
5/3/1 for Beginners
r/Fitness Basic Beginner
Best Intermediate Powerlifting Programs
TSA 9 Week Intermediate
Candito 6 Week Program
5/3/1 Boring But Big
Bodybuilding
What is bodybuilding?
Bodybuilding is a sport and aesthetic pursuit that aims to develop a muscular and visually appealing physique, meaning training is primarily focused on hypertrophy rather than strength. Bodybuilders focus on maximizing muscle size, symmetry, and definition. For bodybuilding, getting stronger is a means of building muscle, but not the main goal.
Why do bodybuilding?
Focus on muscle hypertrophy and definition
Develop a visually appealing, balanced physique
Improve muscle size, symmetry, and aesthetics
Enhance mind-muscle connection and isolation of muscle groups
Increase muscular endurance
Bodybuilding programming
Bodybuilding programs typically incorporate a wider variety of exercises to target specific muscle groups with an emphasis on moderate to high-repetition sets and lower weights, unlike in powerlifting programs where the primary goal is developing strength for big 3 compound lifts. For example, on a leg day in a bodybuilding program, you may be instructed to utilize the leg press over the barbell squat. You also will focus far more on the mind-muscle connection in a bodybuilding program than a powerlifting or powerbuilding program, though powerbuilding does emphasize this as well.
Key elements of bodybuilding programs include:
Focus on muscle hypertrophy (muscle growth) and definition
Wide variety of compound and isolation exercises to target different muscle groups
Utilize many gym tools, including barbells, dumbbells, machines, and cables
Moderate to high-repetition sets (8-15 reps) with moderate weights
Beginner-level bodybuilding programs are typically focused on compound exercises to build a strong foundation, along with some isolation accessories
Intermediate-level bodybuilding programs are typically high volume, with a mix of compound and isolation exercises to emphasize developing certain muscle groups
Best Beginner Bodybuilding Programs
Helms Beginner Program
Rampage
Strong Curves
Best Intermediate Bodybuilding Programs
Helms Intermediate Program
Alberto Nunez Program
Ravage
Powerbuilding
What is powerbuilding?
Powerbuilding is a hybrid approach that combines elements of both powerlifting and bodybuilding. The goal of powerbuilding is to improve overall strength while also developing a muscular and aesthetic physique. This type of training approach is especially popular for beginner and intermediate lifters.
Why do powerbuilding?
Combine elements of powerlifting and bodybuilding
Develop both maximal strength and muscle size
Improve overall athletic performance and functional fitness
Maintain variety and balance in training
Caters to a broader range of goals and preferences
Powerbuilding programming
Powerbuilding programs are designed to increase maximal strength in the main lifts (squat, bench, and deadlift) while also incorporating higher-volume and intensity accessory work to promote muscle hypertrophy. Workouts typically start with lower rep and heavier weight main lifts, then move on to higher rep and lower weight isolation exercises.
Key elements of powerbuilding programs include:
Emphasis on both maximal strength and muscle hypertrophy
Focus on the three main lifts (squat, bench press, and deadlift) and bodybuilding accessory exercises
Combination of low-repetition, high-weight sets for main lifts and moderate to high-repetition sets for accessory work
Beginner-level powerbuilding programs generally uses linear progression for compound lifts (week-over-week weight increases) and double progression for accessories
Intermediate/advanced-level powerbuilding programs uses periodization for compound lifts (training cycles to push maximal strength) and double progression for accessories
Best Beginner Powerbuilding Programs
GZCL Program
PHUL
Dr. Swole Powerbuilding
Best Intermediate Powerbuilding Programs
Bullmastiff
Jacked & Tan 2.0
nSuns
Where to Find Good Powerlifting, Bodybuilding, and Powerbuilding Programs
When it comes to finding proper programs for powerlifting, bodybuilding, and powerbuilding, it may be difficult to do so. There are a lot of programs out there that do not cater to everyone, do not use progressive overload properly, and just overall are not ideal. If you are a lifter or a beginner to the gym, check out Boostcamp, the lasting lifting app you'll ever need. With the Boostcamp App you can find tons of different workout routines that will truly push you to the limit, and they are made by renowned evidence-based coaches. Boostcamp also lets you create your own custom routines and log your progress, which is great for tracking your progress and making linear progression.
To maximize your gains and simplify your fitness journey, consider using Boostcamp, the last lifting app you'll ever need. Boostcamp helps you track your progress, offers customizable training programs, and provides expert guidance to ensure you get the most out of your chosen workout program whether it's linear push pull legs or upper lower or whatever you choose. There are also plenty of different programs styles to choose from such as push pull legs or upper lower splits. Start making the most of your workouts and download Boostcamp today!
FAQ
What is best: Powerlifting, bodybuilding, or powerbuilding?
The best training method depends on your goals, level, and personal preference. As a beginner to intermediate, the most important thing is finding a good program and following it. You’ll gain muscle when you get stronger, and you’ll get stronger when you gain muscle. Find a plan that you can realistically stick to.
Is there crossover between bodybuilding, powerlifting, and powerbuilding?
There is a lot of crossover between powerlifting, bodybuilding, and powerbuilding. For example, many powerlifting programs have bodybuilding accessories, and many bodybuilding programs also have squats, bench press, and deadlift. Many powerlifters in the offseason will do bodybuilding because more muscle helps with maximizing strength when they get back to focused powerlifting training. Vice versa, many bodybuilders are also elite powerlifters (e.g. Ronnie Coleman) because focusing on the Big 3 and getting stronger helps with muscle gains. Lifters often switch back and forth.
Why not just do powerbuilding to simultaneously get stronger and bigger?
The simple answer is: efficiency. The fastest way to gain maximal strength in the squat, bench, and deadlift is to follow powerlifting training. While adding muscle will help powerlifters, they often only care about adding muscle in areas that help the compound lifts, like lats and triceps. Powerbuilding programs may have isolation accessories that target smaller muscles like biceps and calves that powerlifters don’t care about. For some bodybuilders, they prefer not to barbell squat, bench, and deadlift as they can be very taxing on the body. Things like ankle mobility and knee pain can limit someone's ability to squat.
Can I switch between these training styles or combine them in my workout routine?
Yes. Even advanced lifters will switch between powerlifting, powerbuilding, and bodybuilding programs. They do this in the offseason, train weaknesses, or simply freshen things up. If you’re new, don’t be afraid to follow a particular training method and program for a few months, then switch to something else to see if you like it better.
Powerlifting, Bodybuilding, and Powerbuilding Wrap Up
Overall, powerlifting, bodybuilding, and weightlifting are three great methods to pursue in your lifting career. Each one brings a different physique and strength aspect to the table, so it is up to you to decide what your goals are and what you want to purse. When it comes to choosing a powerlifting, bodybuilding, or powerbuilding program, there are plenty to choose from, and Boostcamp is a great platform to look.
Will you be trying any of Boostcamp's programs?
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