The Powerlifting Kit Most Gyms Don't Have (And Why We Do)

Walk into any commercial gyms and you’ll find most things you need for a general workout. But if you want to take your strength training seriously, particularly the big three lifts - squat, bench press and deadlift - the limitations can quickly become obvious.

At Le Coach Fitness, we’re not exclusively a powerlifting gym, in the same way that we’re not exclusively a bodybuilding gym. We’re a serious gym for people who want to train seriously, whatever that looks like for them. And while there are plenty of similarities between powerlifting and bodybuilding, both benefit from the right environment and equipment.

Whether you’re an experienced lifter, a competitive athlete or just beginning to explore strength training, we want you to have access to great equipment. 

That’s why we’ve invested in a dedicated powerlifting area and unique gym equipment you simply won’t find in many commercial gyms.

A Proper Space to Lift

Our powerlifting zone is fully matted, essentially creating one large deadlift platform rather than restricting heavy lifting to one small designated area.

We also have commercial grade squat racks, providing a proper setup whether you’re refining your technique, working towards a new PB or preparing for competition.

Competition Grade Equipment

When you start taking powerlifting more seriously, the details of the equipment matter.

Our powerlifting area includes an IPF approved competition flat bench press, alongside Eleiko IPF approved competition bars. The International Powerlifting Federation’s approved equipment list sets out the bars, plates, squat racks and benches approved for use at its competitions.

We also have a wide selection of specialist bars, including a Texas deadlift bar, Belfast bar, squat bar and other competition bars.

Different bars behave differently under load, so having access to specialist equipment allows experienced lifters to train more specifically. And if competing is something you’re working towards, it gives you the opportunity to train with equipment closer to what you may encounter on the platform. You can find more information about getting into competition through British Powerlifting.

There’s also a Cybex incline bench press for additional upper body strength work.

Calibrated Plates for Accurate Loading

Our powerlifting area also has an extensive collection of calibrated plates in 5kg, 10kg and 20kg increments.

Calibrated plates are manufactured to much tighter weight tolerances than standard gym plates. That might not seem important when you first start lifting, but when the weight on the bar starts climbing, or you’re preparing for competition, accuracy matters.

And while machines absolutely have their place, there’s a reason free weights and machines offer different benefits depending on how and why you train.

The Kit Matters. So Does Who You Train Around.

One of the biggest benefits of training at Le Coach isn’t a piece of equipment at all.

It’s being surrounded by a community of people who care about their training.

There’s something different about training in an environment where hard work is normal, people understand what you’re trying to achieve and seeing somebody else pushing themselves makes you want to do the same. We’ve talked before about why gym community matters, while our female members have also shared their experience of what it’s like to train at Le Coach and be surrounded by like minded people who take their training seriously.

That doesn’t mean you need to be lifting huge numbers to belong here. You can be working towards your first confident squat or chasing a competition PB, what matters is that you want to progress.

And with additional equipment including our belt squat and plate loaded hyperextension, there are plenty of ways to build the strength that supports your main lifts too.

That’s why we invest in specialist equipment alongside everything else at Le Coach Fitness. Whatever level you’re currently at, you shouldn’t have to outgrow your gym as your training gets more serious.

Grab a discounted day pass and come experience Le Coach for yourself.