Editing Powerlifting (section)

=== Variable resistance training ===
Variable resistance training relies upon adjusting resistance for stronger and weaker parts of a lift.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Arazi |first1=Hamid |last2=Khoshnoud |first2=Amin |last3=Asadi |first3=Abbas |last4=Tufano |first4=James J. |date=2021-04-12 |title=The effect of resistance training set configuration on strength and muscular performance adaptations in male powerlifters |journal=Scientific Reports |language=en |volume=11 |issue=1 |pages=7844 |doi=10.1038/s41598-021-87372-y |pmid=33846516 |pmc=8041766 |bibcode=2021NatSR..11.7844A |issn=2045-2322}}</ref> Any given movement has a strength phase sequence which involves moving through phases where a person is relatively stronger or weaker. This is commonly called a ‘strength curve’ which refers to the graphical representation of these phases.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lingenfelser |first=Ryan |date=2014-07-22 |title=Understanding Strength Curves |url=https://www.rdlfitness.com/blog/understanding-strength-curves |access-date=2024-08-30 |website=RDLFITNESS |language=en-US}}</ref>{{Explanatory footnote|A movement may be considered as having any number of strength phases but usually is considered as having two main phases: a stronger and a weaker. When the movement becomes stronger during the exercise, this is called an ''ascending strength curve''. And when it becomes weaker this is called a ''descending strength curve''. Some exercises involve a different pattern of strong-weak-strong. This is called a ''bell shaped strength curve''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lingenfelser |first=Ryan |date=2014-07-22 |title=Understanding Strength Curves |url=https://www.rdlfitness.com/blog/understanding-strength-curves |access-date=2024-08-30 |website=RDLFITNESS |language=en-US}}</ref>}} These phases are based upon related anatomical factors such as joint angles, limb length, muscle engagement patterns, muscle strength ratios, etc.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Trezise |first1=J. |last2=Blazevich |first2=A. J. |date=2019-08-06 |title=Anatomical and Neuromuscular Determinants of Strength Change in Previously Untrained Men Following Heavy Strength Training |journal=Frontiers in Physiology |volume=10 |pages=1001 |doi=10.3389/fphys.2019.01001 |doi-access=free |issn=1664-042X |pmc=6691166 |pmid=31447693}}</ref> Variable resistance training typically involves increasing resistance (usually weight) in the stronger phase and reducing it in the weaker phase.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Silvester |first1=L Jay |title=Weight Training for Strength and Fitness |date=1992 |publisher=Jones and Bartlett |location=London |isbn=0867201398 |pages=23–25}}</ref> The additional resistance can be added through the use of chains attached to the barbell for a squat in the bottom portion of the squat reduce the overall weight.<ref name=":15">{{Cite journal |last1=Jiang |first1=Dongting |last2=Xu |first2=Gang |date=2022-08-29 |title=Effects of chains squat training with different chain load ratio on the explosive strength of young basketball players' lower limbs |journal=Frontiers in Physiology |language=English |volume=13 |doi=10.3389/fphys.2022.979367 |doi-access=free |pmid=36105293 |pmc=9465379 |issn=1664-042X}}</ref> At the top portion of the squat, the chains are lifted from the floor to increase overall weight.<ref name=":15" /> Bands can be used to increase resistance in a similar manner.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Andersen |first1=Vidar |last2=Fimland |first2=Marius S. |last3=Kolnes |first3=Maria K. |last4=Saeterbakken |first4=Atle H. |date=2015-10-29 |title=Elastic Bands in Combination With Free Weights in Strength Training: Neuromuscular Effects |url=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25807031/ |journal=Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research |volume=29 |issue=10 |pages=2932–2940 |doi=10.1519/JSC.0000000000000950 |issn=1533-4287 |pmid=25807031}}</ref> Alternatively, partial reps with heavier weights can be used in conjunction with full reps with lighter weights.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dieter |first=Brad |title=Are Partial Reps A Waste of Time? |url=https://blog.nasm.org/are-partial-reps-a-waste-of-time |access-date=2024-08-30 |website=NASM |language=en}}</ref> Training both phases accordingly through variable resistance techniques can allow the muscles to strengthen in accordance with a person’s natural strength curve.<ref name=":16" /> It avoids a situation where, as a result of training, the weaker phase force potential is disproportionately great in regard to the stronger phase force potential.<ref name=":16" /> These benefits can help a lifter to become more explosive and to complete a lift.<ref name=":16">{{cite web |last1=Conalton |first1=Bobby |title=Benefits of Lifting Chains |url=https://www.elitefts.com/education/training/benefits-of-lifting-chains/ |website=elitefts |date=15 May 2013 |access-date=19 March 2021}}</ref>