Our powerlifting and strength training articles will help you build strength and explosive power so that you can get stronger in the three traditional powerlifting lifts, the bench press, deadlift and squat. You can also find articles on strongman techniques and building functional strength for sports and athletics.
Powerlifting and functional strength for athletics
Q & A with Westside Barbells’ Louie Simmons
Travis Bell - July 15, 2009
In this Q and A, Louie covers the “Old School” percent based training programs, how to train athletes compared to full meet powerlifters, preventing injury and improving the health of shoulders, strongman training and how to approach rehab for a herniated disk. Read more...
So You Want To Hit a PR?
Tom Mutaffis - April 11, 2009
Personal records allow you to measure progress, configure goals, and serve as a tremendous motivator. However, setting a PR is not just a matter of getting lucky or “having a good day”. There are 5 main factors that you can control to help drive peak performance. Read more...
Strongman Technique Series
Tom Mutaffis - January 27, 2009
Technique can be the difference between trophies and injuries in any sport. This phenomenon is even more prevalent in strongman where extreme loads are coupled with high skill component movements. Tom covers three key strongman lifts. Read more...
Up Your Bench Press 30lbs in 30 days!
Christopher Mason - January 26, 2009
With the right combination of proper training, diet, rest, and supplementation you can increase your bench press 30lbs in 30 day - drug-free, and that includes experienced trainees. Now we have you interested huh? If you’re game, read on… Read more...
How to build a monstrous bench press
A J Roberts - April 1, 2007
AJ Roberts explains how to build a monstrous bench press, covering everything from your set up through to an example bench press routine which will help you take your bench press numbers to new heights! Read more...
The Forgotten Lift - The Deadlift
A J Roberts - February 21, 2007
Unfortunately the deadlift often seems to take third place to its big brothers, the squat and the deadlift. However many actually consider the deadlift the only lift that gives a true reflection on who the strongest man alive is. Learn how to master this compound movement. Read more...
So you wannabe a powerlifter?
A J Roberts - January 14, 2007
So you think you want to be a powerlifter, but you have no clue where to start? Learn how to get started in the sport the right way, the different federations, use of equipment, powerlifting nutrition and we even give you sample programs for the big three. Read more...
Squatology
Chip Conrad - November 14, 2006
Whether intimidating or simply technically challenging, the squat is too often ignored, abused or badmouthed by folks who should consider them essential for anyone’s toolbox. Let’s rethink the squat as a movement, not just a massive intimidating exercise.... Read more...
Athletic Performance Roundtable - Things you need to know to become a freaky athlete
Various - May 30, 2006
Wannabebig was fortunate enough to have Jimmy Smith, Brijesh Patel, and Eric Cressey agree to discuss and answer some questions on how they make their athletes bigger, stronger, and faster as well as deal with some of the issues that surround training an athlete. Read more...
Methods of Max Effort - Part 2
Dave Tate - May 7, 2006
The max effort methods have been discussed many times over the past 10 years, from different weekly phases and training cycles as well as different loading patterns. This article will discuss some of the different ways to employ maximal methods into your training. Read more...
Methods of Max Effort - Part 1
Dave Tate - February 18, 2006
The max effort methods have been discussed many times over the past 10 years, from different weekly phases and training cycles as well as different loading patterns. This article will discuss some of the different ways to employ maximal methods into your training. Read more...
How to Coax 30lbs Out of Your Bench Press
Kelly Baggett - January 22, 2006
Are you having trouble putting poundage on your bench press? Kelly Baggett takes you through several key principles to focus on aswell as a fool proof bench press program to help you put those extra lbs on the bar! Read more...
Top Ten and-a-Half Training Tips for Martial Arts Conditioning
Alwyn Cosgrove - October 16, 2005
Applying the principles of scientific training, Alwyn Cosgrove has come up with ten (and a half) training guidelines for the combat athlete that must be present to ensure competitive success. Read more...
The Power Look
Isaac Wilkins - January 3, 2005
How do you gain the type of build that just screams raw power? You know.. like those American Football players? In this article Isaac details a plan to build a big body that looks good on the field and in the gym. Heck, you might even find yourself being a little more athletic, too! Read more...
Drug-Free and squatting 1003lbs
Christopher Mason - November 10, 2004
Can a drug-free man squat with over 1000 lbs? If so, how does he do it? What are his training secrets? James “Pitt Bull” Searcy is a man who stands 6 foot, 2 inches tall and weighs in at a massive 330 lbs. He is that man and we uncover his strength training routine. Read more...
Iron Meets The Road - Strength training for the long distance runner
Maki Riddington - May 17, 2004
Maki explores and attempts to unravel some of the common misconceptions held by the running community, aswell as recommending a systematic approach to strength-training that will enable a runner to maximize his/her overall running performance. Read more...
Training for Speed-Strength and Explosiveness
Matt Perryman - November 7, 2003
Using proper methods and the proper exercises, strength training can increase performance for an athlete in a specific sport. Matt discusses speed-strength, methods of speed-strength training and how to properly incorporate those methods into athletic preparation. Read more...
Powerlifting Westside Style
Adam MacKinnon - October 31, 2001
The Westside Barbell powerlifting team consists of some of the biggest and strongest men and women in the world and has dominated the powerlifting scene with amazing consistency over time. We take you through their methods for superior strength! Read more...
Recent Forum Posts
How to bulk up without steroids?
Post by: primal21 (11/20/09 04:41 PM)How to get inhuman strong abs
Post by: Rugby Dad (11/20/09 04:41 PM)Weird thing I saw at they gym yesterday
Post by: ghard78 (11/20/09 04:37 PM)Overkill 2 ply shirt.
Post by: barbell01 (11/20/09 04:32 PM)Soreness
Post by: soclydeza (11/20/09 04:30 PM)Pick my brain!
Post by: LuNalicious (11/20/09 04:21 PM)How many bodybuilders on the forum?
Post by: chris mason (11/20/09 04:06 PM)band settings..
Post by: LittleJake (11/20/09 04:05 PM)Stuff We Like
We have pulled together all of the cool stuff we like into one place and everything comes with the Wannabebig seal of approval!
If you are looking for a
fitness product to help
you achieve your goals,
we'll have something to fit.
You'll find everything from
nutrition supplements
through to training and
nutritional guides!