Weightlifting vs. Powerlifting vs. CrossFit vs. Strongman | What's the Difference?

When it comes to strength sports, which is best? And what’s the difference anyway?

We’re big fans of strength at BarBend, but it’s time to clear up some misconceptions. First and foremost, not every strength sport is the same!

Weightlifting is different than powerlifting.

CrossFit is different than strongman.

And weightlifting, powerlifting, CrossFit, and strongman are ALL different than bodybuilding. In fact, of these four strength sports, aesthetics and appearance are NOT the main goals!

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Each of these sports has its own benefits and potential drawbacks. We’re not saying one is necessarily better than the other. We like to respect the differences, celebrate the similarities, and educate people about both.

http://barbend.com/weightlifting
http://barbend.com/powerlifting
http://barbend.com/strongman
http://barbend.com/crossfit

No, these aren’t ALL strength sports available to competitors and fans. But they ARE some of the most popular, and we cover each and every one quite a bit at BarBend.com!

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In this video, we break down the common misconceptions and outline the differences (and some similarities!) between these four sports. What makes a weightlifting different than a powerlifter? Why don’t you see athletes bench pressing in the Olympics?

We cover these questions and more in the video above!

Have another strength training or strength sport myth or misconception you’d like us to tackle? Let us know in the comments below!

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Featured image excerpts courtesy of:

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312.5kg/688.9lb While I’m relishing in my World Championship win, I’m definitely looking forward to Nationals in October already. Have some decisions to make, but relying on my camp to guide me in the right direction. Either way, we gon’ continue making history! #TheStrengthGuys #DeNovoNutrition #SBDApparel

A post shared by Taylor Atwood (@t_atwood) on Jun 20, 2019 at 3:07pm PDT

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A strong showing at #18WWC by #TeamUSA's @jenny.arthur. She JUST missed the podium in Ashgabat, but her 4th place finish in total was #TeamUSA's best finish in an Olympic Qualifying World Championships since 1999. Full #TeamUSA lifting schedule on our bio link! 📸@liftinglife

A post shared by USA Weightlifting (@usa_weightlifting) on Nov 8, 2018 at 9:53am PST

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Running with 150kg/330lb sandbag like nothing. Tag your friends that would like to be carried by me! Maybe 2-3 girls at the same time!? 🤷🏻‍♂️

A post shared by Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson (@thorbjornsson) on May 2, 2018 at 4:24am PDT

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Part 1. I want to start by congratulating each athlete and to their support teams who took part in the 2018 games. Every year the competition gets tougher and the events more gruelling. The quality of athletes competing makes it impossible to take any event lightly, even so much so that the slightest of slip ups and you’ve fallen down the leaderboard. Even more important though is the quality of camaraderie and respect amongst the athletes, who all continue to push each other even though they’re competing amongst one another for the top spot. You all did an amazing job and it was inspiring to be a part of. To the Crossfit team; the organisers, the judges, the volunteers and the media team, without you this doesn’t happen. Your professionalism doesn’t go unnoticed by the athletes and we appreciate all the sacrifice and hard work you put into making the games what they are. Thank you! To all our family, friends and supporters back home, and those who ventured over with us, your support is invaluable. We’re constantly lifted by all the kind and supportive words and the respect we are given by each and every one of you. You add so much meaning to our journey. #TBC @crossfitgames

A post shared by Tia-Clair Toomey (@tiaclair1) on Aug 6, 2018 at 5:35am PDT