Optimum weight question

[Bcharles123]

Coach, how does a powerlifter determine their best competitive weight?

Everything else being equal, bigger is stronger, but thats true for all competitors. With so many variables it seems like this could take years of self experiments, enough years that age becomes a variable too. Any short cut or rules of thumb for finding the ideal or a manageable range to work within?

Thanks!

[Mark Rippetoe]

It's dealt with in this interview: http://startingstrength.com/index.ph...llagher_part_2

[Mr_Rogers]

Is that advice applicable to weightlifters as well?

Sorry if it's mentioned in the video that it is. I don't have audio available at the moment.

[Bcharles123]

Thanks Mark! (the third part talks to this best for those searching. Watch the whole thing anyway).

In summary, you are almost certainly better off being bigger than you are now. Gallagher suggested that Mark may have been more competitive at 240lbs than at 220lbs, for example.

[Mark Rippetoe]

Is that advice applicable to weightlifters as well?

You'd have to do some research. How tall were Taranenko, Pisarenko, Rigert, Weller, Rezazedeh, et al, at their respective bodyweights? I suspect you'll find that it applies in most cases.