USAPL Powerlifting and the Rise of Competitive Powerlifting in the USA

Powerlifting is no longer a niche. In the past decade, the sport has exploded in gyms, basements, and lifting platforms across the U.S. But one federation stands out among the rest: USAPL (USA Powerlifting). With its strict standards, drug testing policies, and intense competition, it's become the gold standard for competitive powerlifting athletes nationwide.

In this article, we’ll break down the world of USAPL powerlifting, explain what Powerlift USA means for newcomers, and give you the complete guide to stepping into the world of competitive powerlifting—FitGitt-style.

What Is USAPL Powerlifting?

USAPL stands for USA Powerlifting, one of the most well-known and respected powerlifting federations in the United States. It’s affiliated with the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) and is best known for its strict drug-free policies and technical lifting standards.

• Founded in 1981
• IPF-affiliated
• 3 competition lifts: Squat, Bench Press, Deadlift
• 100% drug-tested under WADA compliance
• Offers Raw and Equipped divisions

Why Choose USAPL Over Other Federations?

There are many federations in the U.S.—WRPF, RPS, USPA—but USAPL leads the field in terms of prestige and transparency.

• Drug Testing: USAPL enforces rigorous testing, making it the go-to federation for natural athletes.
• Standardized Rules: You must squat to depth, pause your bench, and lock out your deadlift under strict judging.
• Global Pathway: Through the IPF, lifters can go from local meets to international championships.

What Is Powerlift USA?

“Powerlift USA” isn’t a formal federation, but rather a term representing the drug-tested, competition-standard lifting scene in America. It’s most closely associated with USAPL, IPF rules, and the broader movement of organized, tested powerlifting.

Whether you're a collegiate lifter, a master's athlete, or a youth competitor, Powerlift USA embodies clean strength, rule-based competition, and community support.

How to Compete in Competitive Powerlifting

1. Learn the Rules: Download the USAPL rulebook and understand commands for each lift.
2. Choose a Weight Class: Match your body weight to the right class—men and women have specific divisions.
3. Raw or Equipped: Raw means belt, sleeves, and wraps. Equipped adds suits and shirts for advanced lifting.
4. Register for a Meet: Go to usapowerlifting.com and register for an upcoming local or state meet.
5. Train Properly: Plan a 6–12 week peak using progressive overload, deloading, and attempt selection.

USAPL Weight Classes

Men’s Raw: 59kg, 66kg, 74kg, 83kg, 93kg, 105kg, 120kg, 120+kg

Women’s Raw: 47kg, 52kg, 57kg, 63kg, 69kg, 76kg, 84kg, 84+kg

You’ll compete against others in your class and division, based on age and weight.

Meet Day: What to Expect

• Early arrival for weigh-in and equipment check
• Three attempts each for squat, bench, and deadlift
• Strict commands for every lift
• Judges give white (pass) or red (fail) lights

Your best lift in each category is added for a total, which determines your placing. Strategy and preparation matter as much as strength!

Beginner Tips for Competitive Powerlifting

• Don’t bomb out: Choose conservative openers.
• Eat for recovery: Use macro trackers like FitGitt to stay fueled.
• Sleep 7–9 hours a night: Sleep improves CNS recovery and muscle repair.
• Practice commands in training: Train like you compete.

USAPL vs USPA vs WRPF

Federation	Drug Tested	Equipment	International Path
USAPL	✅ Yes	Raw & Equipped	✅ IPF
USPA	⚠️ Optional	Raw, Classic, Multi-ply	❌
WRPF	❌ No	Multi-ply focused	❌

Elite USAPL Lifters

• Taylor Atwood: Legendary 74kg champ with unmatched Wilks score
• Russel Orhii: 83kg raw beast known for elite squat volume
• Amanda Lawrence: Holds multiple raw world records in deadlift and total

Why FitGitt Supports Competitive Powerlifting

At FitGitt, we believe tracking progress shouldn’t be hard. That’s why we designed our app to log macros, lifts, and recovery—all in one place.

• Track your meal prep macros
• Store your PRs by date and lift type
• Monitor weekly trends and total volume
• Plan peak weeks and deloads efficiently

Conclusion

USAPL powerlifting is the most credible platform for lifters who want to test their strength with integrity. Whether you're a teenager at your first meet or a seasoned pro aiming for nationals, Powerlift USA welcomes you.

Step on the platform, track your lifts with FitGitt, and enter the world of competitive powerlifting—where every rep counts, and every total tells your story.

Start training smarter today at FitGitt.app