Oliver Bateman Does the WorkVerified account

Largely my conclusion too. I decided I didn't really wanna compete in any powerlifting competitions in the near future. The lift I truly enjoy is Skwats. I did a machine press instead of bench for about 3yrs to make up for not benching.

Also, I care more about overhead press for upper body strength. More of a true test of strength imo as it's harder to either use arch, big belly, or whatever to get an overhead press up. You actually just have to press it.

Yeah, I'd rather just press my dumbbells and swing the maces and kettlebells and so forth. I like the squat as a lift that's good for my health, but in the pro ranks it (like the bench) is dominated by its own set of weirdly shaped men

Tbh, all of powerlifting is. Lol Like, it you look at the world elites there are literally ideal anthropocentric body types for each lift and those are the guys that dominate.Skwats just seem to be a lift which is genuinely challenging, puts on alot of mass, and have to be skrong

Yeah, it has a lot of value overall. The deadlift does too, but there's less work per rep. The bench...you can have a 60" reach and a 60" chest and get by with a ROM of maybe a few inches. Strange

I will say this. After getting a home gym which is fairly minimalist and it makes me have to prioritize barbell movements I've genuinely gotten where I enjoy them once again. Like, I am actually doing the work

Yeah, the lack of other people makes it a more meditative and useful time

Having your own preferred music is kind of a big deal too. Lol