Powerlifting is a strength and conditioning sport that consists of three attempts at maximal load on three lifts: squat, seat press, and deadlift. There are several health benefits of powerlifting. Let's take a look at these six biggest powerlifting trends for the new year.
Top Six Powerlifting Trends To Follow In 2023
Health and fitness trends are forever changing, and powerlifting is no different. These trends become particularly apparent around January when millions of people decide to start their fitness journeys or set themselves brand-new gym goals.
Every year sees the introduction or resurgence of certain powerlifting trends. For those of you who are hoping to compete next year or simply love this training style, you might be wondering what the up-and-coming powerlifting trends will be for 2023.
The six biggest powerlifting trends to look out for in the new year are:
- Wearable technology
- Smart home gyms
- Virtual reality workouts
- Plant-based diets
- Recovery equipment
- Focus on mental health
6 Powerlifting Trends To Follow In 2023
1. Wearable technology
Interactive technologies have grown in popularity in the last decade, particularly since the pandemic. Now, worldwide spending on fitness wearables has surpassed $90,000 billion.
Powerlifters are searching for better and easier ways to stay fit, healthy, and motivated, and wearable technology is the perfect solution.
With fitness wearables, you can track your daily steps, sleep, monitor, and heart rate, and reach your fitness goals more easily. Some fitness watches and smartwatches can even monitor your blood glucose levels, which is helpful for those who are diabetic or prone to hypoglycemia.
Wearables are easy to use and enable you to make fitness a part of your everyday life, even outside of the gym. Don’t be surprised if you see more and more using them!
2. Smart home gyms
Creating a smart home gym has never been easier, thanks to the plethora of home gym equipment. Once you’ve got your equipment, such as your barbells, dumbbells, and weight plates, you’ll be able to enjoy endless home powerlifting workouts.
This particular fitness trend began in 2020 during the pandemic when public gyms were closed, and many were forced to work out at home. But even now, after gyms have reopened and we have returned to our normal lives, many people have continued to work out at home. The market size of gyms, leisure centers, and fitness clubs has decreased by 4.4% between 2017 and 2022.
Even if you enjoy heavy powerlifting, you can still push yourself while working out at home. Once you’ve gathered your equipment, you’re good to go, and you can continue building muscle and gaining power without ever stepping foot in a gym again.
3. Virtual reality workouts
Virtual reality (VR) transports you into another world, mainly used in gaming. However, 2023 will see VR infiltrate the world of fitness. You can participate in a wide range of fitness-related activities, including powerlifting, from the comfort of your home, without the need to go to a public gym.
To enter a virtual reality world, you will need a VR headset. Although they aren’t currently widely available, we’re certainly seeing an increase in the accessibility of VR headsets going into 2023. With VR, you won’t feel like you’re going through a grueling workout but will still reap the many benefits of exercise.
4. Plant-based diets
The trend of plant-based diets is nothing new, but that is likely to increase in popularity as we enter 2023. There are a number of reasons why powerlifters choose to follow plant-based diets, including sustainability, animal ethics, and overall health.
Unlike a decade ago, reaching your micronutrient and calorie targets is relatively easy as a vegan powerlifter. There is an endless number of plant-based meat alternatives that are high in protein, and you can find some delicious plant-based protein powder supplements that are made using soy, pea, or hemp protein.
5. Recovery Equipment
The recovery equipment market is growing rapidly, and the ongoing research on the importance of adequate recovery supports it. As a powerlifter, you’re probably already aware of how necessary recovery is for your progress. Without proper muscle recovery, you’ll find it harder to improve your lifts and gain power and strength.
Massage guns have become particularly popular in the last five years, as shown by a 3700% increase in search volume for the term ‘massage gun.’ Newer technologies emulate the vibrating action of massage guns to alleviate muscle pain and improve blood flow to speed up the recovery process.
6. Focus on mental health
More and more people now realize that the benefits of exercise go far beyond simply improving your physical fitness. Regular exercise can boost your mental health too!
Since the pandemic, the idea of using exercise to improve mental health has become much more widely accepted. Powerlifting is a great way to clear your mind and reach personal goals that boost your confidence, self-esteem, and mood.