Strongman vs powerlifting.

Strongman and powerlifting both reward being strong, and plenty of lifters do both. But they're different sports. Powerlifting is three barbell lifts done the same way every time. Strongman is a rotating set of events with odd objects, carries and time limits. Here's how they compare.

Powerlifting in a nutshell

A powerlifting meet is the squat, bench press and deadlift, in that order. You get three attempts at each lift, and your best good attempt on each adds up to your total. Lifters compete by weight class and age group, and best lifter awards use a bodyweight formula like DOTS or IPF GL points.

Every lift has a standard: hit depth on the squat, pause the bar on your chest on the bench, and finish the deadlift standing tall. Three referees judge every attempt.

Strongman in a nutshell

A strongman contest is usually four to six events, and they change from show to show. One contest might have a log press, a yoke run, a deadlift for reps and atlas stones. The next might have an axle press, a farmers carry, a sandbag toss and a truck pull. Events and weights are announced ahead of time so you can train for them.

Each event is scored by placing: the winner gets the most points, and the most points at the end wins. Lifters compete by weight class, and many contests have novice divisions for first-timers.

How the training differs

• Powerlifting training is focused. You practice the same three lifts and their variations year-round, and progress is easy to measure.
• Strongman training is broader. You still squat, deadlift and press, but you add event days for stones, carries, logs and medleys, and conditioning matters a lot more.
• Powerlifting needs a barbell, plates and a rack. Strongman needs implements most gyms don't have: stones, logs, a yoke, farmers handles and sleds.
• Both reward a strong back, legs and grip, so strength from one carries over to the other.

Which should you try first?

• Pick powerlifting if you like structure, clear numbers and a sport you can train for in almost any gym.
• Pick strongman if you get bored easily, want to get out of the barbell routine, or want conditioning built into your training.
• Can't decide? Train the big three during the week and try events on a Saturday. You'll find out fast which one you like.

Trying both in Davie

Broward Strength has the equipment for both: combo racks, power bars, Texas deadlift bars and calibrated plates for powerlifting, and atlas stones from 100 to 400 lb, logs, a yoke, farmers handles and Conan's wheel for strongman. Every Saturday the crew runs strongman events together, and first-timers are welcome.