Let’s Get You Ready
New lifter, seasoned competitor, or somewhere in between—questions come with the sport. This is where you’ll find the basics, the details, and everything you need to feel ready.
What You Need to Know
Every lifter starts somewhere, and no one has it all memorized. Whether you’re learning the ropes or double-checking the fine print, this page is here to help. Can’t find your answer still? Reach out.
Anti-Doping
Please visit our Anti-Doping page linked below for information on banned substances and other details.
Membership
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Good news, you can look it up and receive a copy at any time! Go to the link below and log in using your login credentials. Once logged in, select Dashboard from the header navigation, and the Membership Cards option will be available for you to view and download your card.
Membership expires on December 31st of every year.
Athlete
Powerlifting disciplines are the squat, bench press, and deadlift. Single-lift events exist if you want to do bench or deadlift separately, or they can be combined for push/pull.
All of our records and rankings can be found on our Lifting Database. All of our competition results are stored there as well and can be searched by.
All of the information about how to obtain a Pro Card can be found on our Pro Athletes page.
Yes, we have a division specifically created for athletes with those types of disabilities. You can find more information on the Technical Committee page about our adaptive athlete division.
Yes, as long as they are 8 years old, they can compete in our EmpowerID division. The EmpowerID division is specifically designed for all ages of athletes with developmental disabilities.
While we don't limit to specific brands, we do have equipment specifics. Those specifications can be found in our rulebook.
Meets
Search our event calendar for a competition in your region or state.
Raw and Equipped Nationals differ in what supportive equipment is allowed. Raw is defined by allowing knee sleeves, wrist wraps, and a belt. Equipped allows all of the previously mentioned, plus squat suits, bench shirts, and deadlift suits.
You can find our National event qualifying totals can be found in the Members dropdown in the header navigation or by clicking the button below.
The goal of our LiftTogether Mentorship Program is designed to assist athletes in any state to find a mentor (handler) to help with meet-day athlete handling. You can read more about that program and also request a mentor by clicking the button below.
USA Powerlifting offers many levels of coaching education. Our active certified coaches are linked below.
You need to be at least 8 years old. Have a government or state-issued photo ID, or a birth certificate for younger athletes.
Membership in USA Powerlifting is required to participate. That can be purchased HERE.
You will also need, at a minimum, a singlet, a t-shirt, socks, and athletic shoes.
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GYM FINDERDon’t Train Alone
No matter where you are, there’s a place for you to lift. With USA Powerlifting gyms across the country, you can find a welcoming community, experienced coaches, and platforms built for strength.
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TRAINING APPNewest Lifting Partner
Follow proven powerlifting programs, track your lifts, and train with purpose using the USA Powerlifting Training App.