When are you considered as being a Powerlifter?

[Traps59]

Sup guys. I'm new to the forum and I was just wondering what everyone's opinion are regarding my question. Can you refer to yourself as a powerlifter if you don't compete or as someone who just does powerlifting routines? When can you or someone else label you as a powerlifter?

I'm obsess with strength but I don't compete. I incorporate westside training into my routine and I train all 3 lifts. I don't have any squat suit or bench shirt simply because I don't compete. I lift with wraps, belt, and chalk though. Poeple can physically tell that I lift weights but I do have quite some bodyfat on me so they always ask me if I'm on a bulking phase. I tell them that this is how I always look and that I'm not going for the ripped look. I'm not a bodybuilder and I don't feel comfortable calling myself a powerlifter since I don't compete so I always have to refer to myself using a long description like I'm a person who's only interested in gaining as much strength as I possibly can. Well, what do you guys think especially those of you who compete. By the way, cool forum.

 

[Illuminati]

if you train to PL style, you are a powerlifter.

 

[bignate73]

when you compete IMO.

 

[Devastation]

when you compete in a 3 lift meet

 

[Powerlifting57]

when you are an animal!!!! and laugh like this MUAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!

ito beleive when u go to meets!!!

 

[Traps59]

when you compete in a 3 lift meet

Just curious. Are you saying that guys like Scott Mendelson and Ryan Kennelly aren't powerlifters since they don't compete in all 3 lifts?

 

[Powerlifting57]

scot mendelson is a beast!!!!!

 

[BlondBomber]

People have called bench press specialists "half men."
I say you are a powerlifter once you have competed in any sort of meet.

 

[donsj]

Mendelson has a 1000 lb squat in his resume.

 

[BlondBomber]

I don't believe that he has ever hit that in a competition. Please correct me if I am wrong.