What is the focus of powerlifting?

Powerlifting primarily focuses on achieving maximum lifting capacity in three specific exercises: the squat, bench press, and deadlift. These lifts are designed to assess an athlete's strength in major muscle groups and are performed in competitive settings where the heaviest weight a lifter can successfully lift is the primary goal.

Unlike other fitness disciplines, powerlifting does not emphasize elements like cardiovascular endurance, flexibility, or aerobic capacity. Instead, it specifically trains the neuromuscular system to exert maximal force, concentrating on technique and strength development within these three lifts. This focus allows lifters to develop powerful muscles and engage in a structured system of training designed to progressively increase their one-rep maxes in each of the key lifts.