Bodybuilding Vs Powerlifting

Bodybuilding and powerlifting are two opposing sides of the weightlifting/gym/fitness coin. Bodybuilding is focused on achieving maximum muscle size (hypertrophy) and the most aesthetic, good looking physique possible. Powerlifting is focused on developing as much strength as possible, no matter what. Pro powerlifters often have a big, barrel gut and larger body fat as this additional mass is optimal for maximum weightlifting.

If you’re reading this post its because you are trying to weigh bodybuilding against powerlifting. In my opinion, bodybuilding offers superior rewards in the rest of your life. Both bodybuilding and powerlifting are unhealthy and unproductive if they become your single obsession.

In my personal experience, bodybuilding is much more productive pursuit.

Pros and Cons of Powerlifting:

        PROS:

• You will be able to pick up heavy shit and have more max strength then a bodybuilder
• You will be able to impress other men
• You will impress the small niche of Crossfitter/powerlifter women
• You will be deceptively strong

      CONS:

• All the attention from men will only waste your time
• Training for strength does not build muscle or a great physique
• Their is no social status, female attraction or money in powerlifting, unless you are a genetic freak (Brian Shaw, The Mountain, World’s Strongest Man
• You won’t have the endurance, physique or hypertrophy of a bodybuilder
• You will destroy your joints, shoulders, elbows and knees
• You will be encouraged to take large doses of juice to compete in lift meets

Pros and Cons of Bodybuilding:

PROS:

• You will look better then 99% of average men in the West
• You will have more hypertrophy (size and growth) then a powerlifter
• You will look good and have a more attractive physique to women
• You will look good shirtless or on a beach
• You will receive more positive attention when out and about from men and women
• Women will check you out, while with their boyfriend or man
• You will develop a discipline that you can transfer to other parts of your life

CONS:

• You will have haters accuse you of PED’s and drug use and talk shit about you (LOL)
• You may decided to juice or take gear
• You may develop an unhealthy obsession with bodybuilding
• Their is no money in bodybuilding unless you reach the 1%
• You won’t be able to lift the same 1 rep max as a powerlifter
• Food, Hormones, Pre-workouts Supplements can quickly become expensive
• You may spend too much time or money in the gym, to the detriment of other parts of your life
• You will have random guys in the club or street come up to you and ask you for your workout routine

Which is better?

Bodybuilding, in a nutshell is about looking as good and muscular as possible. Powerlifting is about being as strong as possible, usually with a big gut. In my personal experience, bodybuilding is the superior pursuit. I have talked to many older retired powerlifters, and they all regretted the damage they did to their joints and body.

I advocate training smarter, not harder. In my book, the benefits of bodybuilding far outweigh the benefits of powerlifting. The male models on women’s romance novels prove this. Who is on the cover? Ripped, chiseled bodybuilders? Or fat, burly, barrel gut powerlifters?

Bodybuilding just makes more sense – in the short and long term. Bodybuilding has mainstream appeal. Powerlifting has a very small, niche following at best. Most of that following is composed of other sweaty men who like to out lift each other.

I have gotten laid many times specifically because of my bodybuilding endeavors. How can I prove it? Simple. I did no work. Essentially the dating version of a layup. These women approached me multiple times. All I had to do was look good, have big arms and shoulders and wait for them to approach. I know with every fiber in my being that what drew them to me was my physique.

Women rate 80% of men as unattractive. That means if you want to set yourself apart from the rest of the pack, you have to look the part. Developing a chiseled bodybuilding physique will take you there. Powerlifting and developing a pregnant bowling ball gut won’t.

Bodybuilding is the art of transformation and metamorphosis. Powerlifting is about ego-lifting and getting the adoration of other men. Powerlifters will probably be upset when they read this. That’s ok, this is how I feel and I’m not going to change my opinion for nothing and nobody.

If you are a powerlifter, then learn from Larry Wheels and switch into bodybuilding. If you are new, then even better. You haven’t yet wasted your valuable time training the wrong way. Pick and stick with bodybuilding and call it a day. At the end of the day, bodybuilding is about maximizing your looks and powerlifting is about maximizing your 1 rep max. Guess which matters in the real world?