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Choosing a gym

How to spot a real powerlifting gym

Plenty of gyms call themselves a “strength gym” these days. Whether you can actually powerlift there shows in the kit and the people. Check these points before you sign up.

  • Competition rack or combo rack. Squat and bench in the same rack, just like at a meet.
  • Stiff power bars. 20 kilos, 29 mm thick, with the IPF markings. Ideally a separate deadlift bar too.
  • Calibrated plates. Red 25, blue 20, yellow 15, green 10. You know exactly what you’re lifting.
  • Deadlift platform. So you can pull without anyone moaning about the floor.
  • Chalk allowed. Sounds minor. It isn’t.
  • People who compete. Coaching, a meet team or KNKF membership. Lifting heavy goes better together.

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 check it and add it, for free.