Dutch Powerlifters

Good lift. The guide to powerlifting in the Netherlands

Find a gym where you can actually lift heavy

Competition racks, calibrated plates and chalk allowed. Every powerlifting gym and club in the Netherlands, plus the competition calendar, records and rules.

250 kg Load the bar. 2 x 25 per side, and up.
62 gyms in the guide 8 with a competition rack 0 provinces 1day until IPF World Championships Open Equipped 2026

Competition calendar

All meets, national and international

28 Nov

Lichtstad Cup 2026

28 to 29 November 2026 · Eindhoven, the Netherlands · Classic + equipped

National

Blue is national, red international, green regional. Just like the plates: the heavier, the higher the level. First time? Here’s how to get on the platform.

Tools

How strong are you really?

IPF GL Points let you compare your total with lifters from every weight class. Exactly how the IPF does it for the Best Lifter award.

All tools

Work out your GL Points

Enter your bodyweight and your total. You instantly see your IPF GL Points, your DOTS score and which weight class you fall into.

IPF GL Points –
DOTS
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Weight class
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IPF GL formula (2020) and DOTS. Official results always take precedence.

Knowledge base

New on the site

All articles

Who runs what

KNKF Netherlands

The powerlifting section of the Royal Dutch Strength and Fitness Federation (KNKF). Dutch nationals, cups, Dutch records and selection for European and World Championships.

EPF Europe

The European Powerlifting Federation. European Championships in classic, equipped and bench press, from sub-juniors to masters.

IPF World

The International Powerlifting Federation, since 1972. Runs the World Championships and sets the rules and the approved kit.

Frequently asked questions

What exactly is powerlifting?

A strength sport with three lifts: squat, bench press and deadlift. You get three attempts per lift, and your heaviest successful attempts add up to your total. Read more about powerlifting.

Is powerlifting the same as weightlifting?

No. In weightlifting you do the snatch and the clean and jerk, explosive lifts overhead. Powerlifting is all about the squat, bench press and deadlift: as heavy as possible, one rep.

Can I start powerlifting as a beginner?

Absolutely. You don’t have to be strong to start, you get strong by starting. Begin with light weights, learn the technique properly and build up steadily. Here’s how to start.

What kit do I need?

Not much at first: flat shoes and a bar. Later you add a belt, knee sleeves, wrist wraps and maybe squat shoes. Check out our kit guides.

What are IPF GL Points?

A points system from the IPF for comparing lifters across different weight classes and sexes. Work out your own score.

Is your gym missing?

Do you train at a gym with proper powerlifting kit that isn’t in the guide yet? Or is something wrong? Send it to us. We’ll check it and add it, free of charge.

Add your gym