Powerlifting is very similar to Olympic Weightlifting, but in essence these sports are built on a completely different basis. Although heavy weight training is what they have in common, disciplines that they practice are quite different. In weight lifting there are two main events called clean & jerk and snatch. Both require a lot of technique which take years to master. That is why this sport is not appealing to amateurs like it is to more technical savvy athletes. Powerlifting, on the other hand, comprises out of three events: squat, bench press and deadlift, which require a lot of practice of form and technique but they are more straightforward and interesting to people.

Important thing to know is that weightlifting is an Olympic sport, while powerlifting is not, at least not yet. However, powerlifting is a part of the Paralympics Games since 1984.

photo credit: jontunn