Editing Powerlifting (section)

==Supportive equipment==
In powerlifting, supportive equipment refers to supportive [[bench shirt|shirts]], briefs, suits, and sometimes knee wraps made of materials that store [[Elastic energy|elastic potential energy]] and thereby assist the three lifts contested in powerlifting.<ref name=Maile>{{cite web|last=Maile|first=LJ|title=Use of fitness drug in Powerlifting|url=https://www.buyaas.com/product/76-43-7/|work=Powerlines}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Siewe |first=J. |last2=Rudat |first2=J. |last3=Röllinghoff |first3=M. |last4=Schlegel |first4=U. J. |last5=Eysel |first5=P. |last6=Michael |first6=J. W.-P. |date=2011 |title=Injuries and Overuse Syndromes in Powerlifting |url=https://www.thieme-connect.de/products/ejournals/abstract/10.1055/s-0031-1277207 |journal=International Journal of Sports Medicine |language=en |volume=32 |issue=09 |pages=703–711 |doi=10.1055/s-0031-1277207 |issn=0172-4622|url-access=subscription }}</ref> Some federations allow single-ply knee sleeves, and wraps for wrists in raw competition.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Krawczyk |first=Bryce |date=2017-07-11 |title=So You Wanna Be a Powerlifter? Know Your Equipment |url=https://barbend.com/powerlifting-equipment-federations/ |access-date=2024-08-14 |website=BarBend |language=en-US}}</ref> Straps are also used in deadlift training in case of a weak grip, but are not allowed by any federations in official competitions.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Putsov |first=Sergii |date=2024-01-12 |title=Can You Use Straps In Powerlifting? Rules Explained |url=https://blog.warmbody-coldmind.com/guides/can-you-use-straps-in-powerlifting/ |access-date=2024-08-14 |website=Warm Body Cold Mind |language=en-US}}</ref> A weight lifting belt is the only supportive equipment that is allowed by all federations in raw competition.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Is Using A Lifting Belt Cheating? No, Here's Why |url=https://www.gymreapers.com/blogs/news/lifting-belt-cheating |access-date=2024-08-14 |website=GYMREAPERS |language=en}}</ref> The use of supportive equipment distinguishes 'equipped' and 'unequipped' (also known as 'raw') divisions in the sport, and 'equipped' and 'unequipped' records in the competition lifts. The wide differences between equipped and unequipped records in the squat and bench press suggest that supportive equipment confers a substantial advantage to lifters in these disciplines.<ref name=Levin/> This is less evident in the case of the [[Deadlift#World Records|deadlift]], where the lack of an eccentric component to the lift minimizes how much elastic energy can be stored in a supportive suit.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-24 |title=Raw Powerlifting vs Equipped Powerlifting |url=https://vitruve.fit/blog/raw-powerlifting-vs-equipped-powerlifting/ |access-date=2024-08-14 |website=Vitruve |language=en-US}}</ref> Supportive equipment should not be confused with the equipment on which the lifts are performed, such as a [[bench press]] bench, or conventional or monolift stand for squat or the [[barbell]] and discs.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Place of Monolift Attachments in Modern Strength Training |url=https://www.alphafit.com.au/blog/monolift-attachments-in-modern-strength-training/ |access-date=2024-08-14 |website=AlphaFit |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-01-11 |title=Power Cage Vs Monolift Vs Combo Rack Differences, Powered By Ghost Strong Equipment {{!}} BarBend |url=https://barbend.com/power-rack-vs-monolift-vs-combo/ |access-date=2024-08-14 |language=en-US}}</ref> Chalk is commonly used by lifters to dry the hands to reduce blisters, slipping and improve grip strength, as the contents of the chalk is made out of [[magnesium carbonate]]. Chalk can also be added to the shoulders for squatting,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Zai |first=Claire |date=2024-03-08 |title=How-To Squat Correctly: Technique, Benefits & Muscles Worked |url=https://www.barbellmedicine.com/blog/how-to-squat/ |access-date=2024-08-14 |website=Barbell Medicine |language=en-US}}</ref> on the back for bench pressing to reduce sliding, and on the hands to grip the barbell on the bench press and deadlift.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Power Lifting: Technique and training for athletic muscular development|last=Groves|first=Barney|publisher=Human Kinetics|year=2000|isbn=0-88011-978-0|location=Champaign, IL|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/powerlifting0000grov}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Get better grip during bench press |url=https://ntgear.eu/blogs/articles/get-better-grip-during-bench-press |access-date=2024-08-14 |website=Nordic Training Gear |language=en}}</ref>

=== Principles of operation ===
Supportive equipment is used to increase the weight lifted in powerlifting exercises.<ref name=Levin>{{cite web|last=Levin|first=Josh|title=One Giant Lift for Mankind|url=http://www.slate.com/articles/sports/left_field/2004/08/one_giant_lift_for_mankind.html|work=Slate|date=9 August 2004}}</ref><ref name=Perrine>{{cite web|last=Perrine|first=Stephen|title=Misfits of Muscle|url=http://www.menshealth.com/fitness/powerlifting-1|work=Men's Health|date=29 October 2004}}</ref><ref name=Garland>{{cite web|last=Garland|first=Tony|title=The Evolution of the Squat Suit Over the Past Twenty Years|url=http://articles.elitefts.com/training-articles/the-evolution-of-the-squat-suit-over-the-past-twenty-years/|work=EliteFTS|access-date=28 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203012213/http://articles.elitefts.com/training-articles/the-evolution-of-the-squat-suit-over-the-past-twenty-years/|archive-date=3 December 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> A snug garment is worn over a joint or joints (such as the [[shoulder]]s or [[hip]]s). This garment deforms during the downward portion of a [[bench press]] or [[Squat (exercise)|squat]], or the descent to the bar in the [[deadlift]], storing [[Elastic energy|elastic potential energy]].<ref name=Blatnik>{{cite journal|last=Blatnik|first=JA|author2=Skinner JW |author3=McBride JM |title=Effect of supportive equipment on force, velocity, and power in the squat|journal= Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research|date=December 2012|volume=26|issue=12|doi=10.1519/JSC.0b013e3182736641|pages=3204–8|pmid=22996018|s2cid=34123507|doi-access=free}}</ref> On the upward portion of each lift, the elastic potential energy is transferred to the barbell as [[kinetic energy]], aiding in the completion of the lift.<ref name=Maile/><ref name=McCullough>{{cite web|last=McCullough|first=Tom|title=The Power Squat|url=http://www.deepsquatter.com/strength/archives/tomsquat.html|work=Strength Online}}</ref> Some claim that supportive equipment prevents injuries by compressing and stabilizing the joints over which it worn.<ref name=McCullough/> For example, the bench shirt is claimed to support and protect the shoulders.<ref name=Levin/> Critics point out that the greater weights used with supportive equipment and the equipment's tendency to change the pattern of the movement may compromise safety, as in the case of the bar moving towards the head during the upward portion of the shirted bench press.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Williams|first=Ryan|title=Effects of the Bench Shirt on Selected Bench Press Mechanics|url=https://ojs.ub.uni-konstanz.de/cpa/article/view/1358|journal=22 International Symposium on Biomechanics in Sports (2004)|year=2004}}</ref>

=== Squat suit material and construction ===
Different materials are used in the construction of supportive equipment. Squat suits may be made of varying types of [[polyester]], or of [[canvas]]. The latter fabric is less elastic, and therefore considered to provide greater 'stopping power' at the bottom of the movement but less assistance with the ascent.<ref name=Garland/> Bench shirts may be made of polyester or [[denim]],<ref name=Perrine/> where the denim again provides a less-elastic alternative to the polyester. Knee wraps are made of varying combinations of cotton and [[Elastomer|elastic]].<ref name=McKown>{{cite book|last=McKown|first=Mark|title=Complete Body Development with Dumbbells|year=2007|publisher=Meyer & Meyer Sport|page=37}}</ref> Supportive equipment can be constructed in different ways to suit the lifters' preferences. A squat suit may be constructed for a wide or a narrow stance;<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powerlifting |first=Anderson |date=2022-08-23 |title=A Beginner's Guide To Powerlifting Squat Suits |url=https://www.andersonpowerlifting.com/a-guide-to-squat-suits-for-powerlifting/ |access-date=2024-08-24 |website=Anderson Powerlifting |language=en-US}}</ref> and a [[bench shirt]] may be constructed with 'straight' sleeves (perpendicular to the trunk of the lifter) or sleeves that are angled towards the abdomen.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Thevenot |first=Cole |date=2019-08-20 |title=So You Want to Try A Bench Shirt… |url=https://blacksmithfitness.wordpress.com/2019/08/20/so-you-want-to-try-a-bench-shirt/ |access-date=2024-08-24 |website=Blacksmith Fitness |language=en}}</ref> The back of the bench shirt may be closed or open, and the back panel may or may not be of the same material as the front of the shirt.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Simmons |first=Louie |title=THE BENCH PRESS SHIRT |url=https://www.westside-barbell.com/blogs/the-blog/the-bench-press-shirt |access-date=2024-08-24 |website=Westside Barbell |language=en-US}}</ref> Similarly, 'hybrid' squat suits can include panels made from canvas and polyester, in an effort to combine the strengths of each material. When two or more panels overlay one another in a piece of supportive equipment, that equipment is described as 'multi-ply', in contrast to 'single-ply' equipment made of one layer of material throughout.<ref name=Garland/>

===Raw powerlifting===
Raw powerlifting, also called classic or unequipped powerlifting has been codified in response to the proliferation and advancement of bench shirts and squat/deadlift suits. The 100% RAW federation was founded in 1999;<ref>{{cite web |title=100% Raw Powerlifting Federation |url=http://www.powerliftingwatch.com/federations/raw |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231003135925/https://www.powerliftingwatch.com/federations/raw |archive-date=October 3, 2023 |access-date=2014-02-22 |publisher=Powerlifting Watch}}</ref> within a decade, many established federations came to recognize "raw" divisions, in addition to their traditional (open) divisions permitting single-ply or multi-ply equipment. United Powerlifting Association (UPA) established a standard for raw powerlifting in 2008,<ref>{{cite web |title=UPA Finalizes Definition of Raw |url=http://www.powerliftingwatch.com/node/8821 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210920041421/https://www.powerliftingwatch.com/node/8821 |archive-date=September 20, 2021 |access-date=2014-02-22 |publisher=Powerlifting Watch}}</ref> and USAPL held the first Raw Nationals in the same year.<ref>{{cite web |title=2008 Raw Nationals - USA Powerlifting |url=http://www.usaplnationals.com/2008rawNationals/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140308113234/https://www.usaplnationals.com/2008rawNationals/ |archive-date=March 8, 2014 |access-date=2014-02-22 |website=Usaplnationals.com}}</ref> Eventually, IPF recognized raw lifting with the sanction of a "Classic Unequipped World Cup" in 2012 and published its own set of standards for raw lifting.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.powerlifting-ipf.com/fileadmin/data/Championships/IPF_CLASSIC-Rules.pdf |title=IPF Classic "unequipped" World Cup 2012 |access-date=6 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130903235519/http://powerlifting-ipf.com/fileadmin/data/Championships/IPF_CLASSIC-Rules.pdf |archive-date=3 September 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref> By this time, the popularity of raw lifting had surged to the point where raw lifters came to predominate over equipped lifters in local meets.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://startingstrength.com/articles/powerlifting_resurrection_gallagher.pdf|author=Marty Gallagher|title=Is Powerlifting Undergoing a Resurrection? |website=Startingstrength.com|access-date=15 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130401084236/http://startingstrength.com/articles/powerlifting_resurrection_gallagher.pdf|archive-date=1 April 2013|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.usapowerlifting.com/ngb/2012/2012_NGB_Minutes.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=19 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022075838/http://www.usapowerlifting.com/ngb/2012/2012_NGB_Minutes.pdf |archive-date=22 October 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

The use of knee sleeves in unequipped powerlifting has brought about much debate as to whether certain neoprene knee sleeves can assist a lifter during the squat.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Machek |first1=Steven B. |last2=Cardaci |first2=Thomas D. |last3=Wilburn |first3=Dylan T. |last4=Cholewinski |first4=Mitchell C. |last5=Latt |first5=Scarlett Lin |last6=Harris |first6=Dillon R. |last7=Willoughby |first7=Darryn S. |date=2021-02-01 |title=Neoprene Knee Sleeves of Varying Tightness Augment Barbell Squat One Repetition Maximum Performance Without Improving Other Indices of Muscular Strength, Power, or Endurance |url=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33201154/ |journal=Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research |volume=35 |issue=Suppl 1 |pages=S6–S15 |doi=10.1519/JSC.0000000000003869 |issn=1533-4287 |pmid=33201154}}</ref> Some lifters purposely wear knee sleeves that are excessively tight and have been known to use plastic bags and have others to assist them get their knee sleeves on.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pilon |first=Roc |title=How To Put On Knee Sleeves Properly (According To Expert) |url=https://www.gymreapers.com/blogs/news/how-to-put-on-knee-sleeves |access-date=2024-08-24 |website=GYMREAPERS |language=en}}</ref> This led to the IPF mandating that lifters put on their knee sleeves unassisted.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.andersonpowerlifting.com/knee-wraps-vs-sleeves-key-pros-cons/|title=Powerlifting Knee Sleeves|work=PowerliftingToWin|date=5 September 2022 }}</ref>