Ep. 289 - How Competitive is IPF Powerlifting? (with Panagiotis Tarinidis)
Aug 26, 2024
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Joining Eric Helms is Panagiotis Tarinidis, a two-time IPF Open World Champion in the 66kg category. They dive into the fierce competitiveness of modern IPF powerlifting, discussing how bodyweight decided the podium at the upcoming world championships. Pana shares insights on the mindset needed to stay at the top. The pair also reflect on the evolution of the sport over the years, touching on emotional challenges athletes face and the importance of self-awareness and innovation in training strategies.
The increasing competitiveness of IPF powerlifting is illustrated by closely contested events where bodyweight decisions determine podium placements.
The European Powerlifting Conference emphasizes a blend of historical insights and contemporary practices to strengthen community ties within the sport.
Raw powerlifting's popularity signifies a shift towards greater accessibility and participation, highlighting its vital role in the sport's future growth.
Deep dives
The Return of the European Powerlifting Conference
The European Powerlifting Conference (EPC) returns after being impacted by COVID-19, with enthusiastic participation from coaches, athletes, and scientists. The event highlights the blend of powerlifting history and contemporary practices, showcasing the growth and evolution of the sport. Notable presentations included discussions on the history of strength sports and the rediscovery of ancient lifting stones in Ireland. This mix of education and community building aims to foster deeper connections within the powerlifting community, inspiring a diverse audience.
The Importance of Historical Context in Powerlifting
At the EPC, a notable panel focused on the history of strength sports, featuring experts who discussed the importance of understanding powerlifting's roots. Presentations included the work of sports historian Dr. Connor Heffernan and the rediscovery of ancient lifting stones, emphasizing how strongman traditions are embedded in human culture. The historical context enhances the appreciation of modern powerlifting and bridges the gap between past practices and current strategies. Engaging narratives from speakers captivated the audience and encouraged attendees to explore their own connections to the sport.
Balancing Equipped and Raw Powerlifting
The podcast explores the distinctions between equipped and raw powerlifting, with raw lifting gaining more popularity due to its accessibility and relatability. The discussion reflects on the evolution of powerlifting, highlighting that the raw style encourages broader participation and understanding among spectators. Although equipped lifting has its place in history, raw powerlifting is seen as vital for future growth in the sport. The preference for raw lifting indicates a shift in focus towards fostering more engagement and inclusion within the powerlifting community.
Experiencing Growth Through Failure
Reflections on personal experiences emphasize that failure is a key component of growth in both sport and personal life. Athletes must embrace setbacks as learning opportunities, allowing them to refine their approach and techniques for future competitions. The conversation illustrates that even successful athletes face challenges, highlighting the importance of resilience and self-reflection in their journeys. By sharing their struggles, the speakers inspire others to view their obstacles as stepping stones to success rather than insurmountable barriers.
Creating an Individualized Training Approach
The discussion on self-coaching underscores the significance of finding a personalized training strategy that suits each athlete’s unique needs. Emphasizing education and flexibility, the conversation advocates for continuous learning and adaptation in training regimens. By experimenting with different techniques and acknowledging strengths and weaknesses, athletes can maximize their potential while maintaining their passion for the sport. This individualized focus allows lifters to develop a relationship with their training that fosters both creativity and effectiveness.
This week 2x 66kg IPF Open World Champion Panagiotis “Pana” Tarinidis joins Eric Helms on Iron Culture to discuss the state of modern powerlifting. The two of them recently joined legends, phenoms, leaders and top thinkers of the sport like John Haack, Greg Nuckols, Lya Bavoil and others at the 2024 European Powerlifting Conference in Limerick Ireland. The existence of such events is emblematic of powerlifting’s growth, but so too is just how competitive IPF powerlifting has become. At 2024 IPF Worlds the podium for the 66kg class was decided by bodyweight, as all three men had identical totals. In this interview Pana shares what it takes to stay in the fight in modern powerlifting, how hard it is to vie for a championship title when the competition is so tight, and the mindset, passion, and focus it requires.
00:00 Intro with the “new Omar” and a recap of the European Powerlifting Conference
09:03 The lifting stones
18:20 Goals and learning from meaningful achievements – Pana’s recent IPF World’s experience
30:35 The things that can make an effective athlete
39:13 Powerlifting meets and Pana’s strong self-belief
47:40 The changes Pana is going to implement into his training
54:39 Experimenting and challenging your beliefs
1:00:47 Pana’s advice for improving yourself and closing out
