Powerlifting is like the kid that went unnoticed growing up but, puberty hit and now everyone can’t help but to notice. Social media was that slap of puberty powerlifting needed, as with so many other things.
Introduction to Powerlifting
Powerlifting is actually a variation of competitive weightlifting in which participants attempt three types of lifts in one set order.
Often confused with weightlifting, powerlifting tests the strength of individuals in the “big three” of movements, namely, the squat, benchpress and deadlift.
Locally, more folks are being drawn to the idea of moving heavy weights, while getting good at the three movements. However, for those of us who were squatting before it became cool, queuing for the squat rack is now an issue.
We had a chance to catch and speak to some national powerlifters preparing for an upcoming international competition. People of rather varied backgrounds make up the national team, from teachers to NSFs, the sport is catching on like a muscle-bound plague.
Stepping into the gym, a small air-conditioned unit on the second storey of a shop-house, a class had just ended and it was now time for the national lifters to do their thing. The athletes present got to work within the small space equipped with Eleiko equipment, a brand synonymous with quality in the world of weights.
The Powerlifters of Singapore: Just Your Average Janes and Joes

Daphne Maia Loo lives and breathes powerlifting and fitness. A personal trainer by trade, she’s also the media officer of Powerlifting Singapore. Going by first impressions, you wouldn’t think Loo hangs around barbells daily.
But, like so many of the fairer sex getting into the sport, they’re chipping away at the misconception of turning into a brute because of lifting weights, all while getting stronger.

22 year old NSF Marcus Yap, one of the more renown athletes in the local powerlifting scene has high hopes for the future of the sport. Like so many others, Yap chanced upon the sport. Formerly, a badminton player, he discovered it after a friend’s suggestion to give it (powerlifting) a try, seeing he was strong for his weight.

Sitting down for a chat after his session of heavy deadlifts, Yap explains how he wants to grow the community using his social media presence through vlogging. Believing that by sharing his experiences and tips, he’ll be able to help budding lifters avoid mistakes, or make fewer of them.
He ends off saying:
“powerlifting is still small in Singapore but, it’s probably the fastest growing sport”.
Marcus Yap | Youtube | Instagram
Why You Should Try Powerlifting

Andyn Kadir — Loo’s coach, mentor, boss and the head strength coach of Strength Avenue, adds to the evidence of why powerlifting is for everyone.
He explained that Strength Avenue’s powerlifting team of ten comprising of eight females. He spoke of how two of the eight were housewives with kids, and while that’s cool, we fear for their kids that are bound to cross them one day.
However, you may not be looking to compete in powerlifting. In Loo’s case, it was an activity she dabbled in to manage her body weight, while getting toned and fitter as Coach Andyn and Loo herself explained to me. Eventually, she gave competing a go just for the fun of it and has been hooked ever since, inspiring and encouraging others to give the sport a go.
Singapore Powerlifting Invitationals 2016
While hardly an in-depth look at the sport of powerlifting, this is perhaps just a preview of things to come. As the sport continues to creep into our social media feeds, and you can rest assured that more of such content is to come.

With the Singapore Powerlifting Invitationals (SPI) taking place at Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre from the 5th to 6th of November, here’s your chance to check out some of the strongest men and women in Singapore.
Powerlifting Singapore | Facebook | Instagram
Event: Singapore Powerlifting Invitationals 2016 | Facebook
Price: Free | Register here to attend
Date: 5th-6th November 8am-6pm
Venue: Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre, 1 Raffles Boulevard Suntec City, Singapore 039593
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