Raw vs. Equipped Powerlifting Coaching in Delhi NCR
Whether you are building pure raw strength or mastering geared lifting, the technique changes everything. Learn the difference with my direct, field-tested guidance.
This is the sweet pain of equipped lifting. These scrapes on my legs are from a tight deadlift suit. If someone says equipped is easy, they have never tried it.
A closer look at the marks left by an equipped suit. This is a badge of honor in the world of geared powerlifting. It is not for everyone.
A 385 kg equipped squat. Handling this weight requires mastering the gear, which is a skill I teach in detail.
In contrast, here is a 345 kg raw squat. This is all about pure muscle and strength, a different kind of challenge that I also coach.
My first equipped deadlift session of a training cycle with 310 kg. Getting back into a suit requires patience and technical refinement.
A 295 kg raw deadlift at 96 kg bodyweight. This shows the raw power we build without the assistance of a suit.
A 260 kg equipped bench press. The bench shirt can add 50 kg or more to your lift, but only if you know how to use it correctly.
A 210 kg raw bench press. This is the foundation of strength that must be built before even considering equipped lifting.
A 405 kg equipped squat. The suit provides support but also changes the mechanics of the lift entirely. I guide my athletes through this learning curve.
A 252 kg beltless, raw squat. This is the ultimate demonstration of foundational strength, which is essential for success in both raw and equipped lifting.
About Equipped vs. Raw: Expertise in Both Arenas
Equipped lifting is not just about adding weight to the bar. As you see in the images, the suit itself leaves physical marks and requires you to change how you hit your depth and locking points. Raw powerlifting strips away that support, demanding pure muscle recruitment and perfect bracing. I teach both because you need to understand the mechanics of each to truly dominate the platform.
Powerlifting is a technical sport, not just a test of how much you can lift. Many athletes jump into gear without building a raw foundation, leading to poor form and injury. In my coaching, we start by fixing your bracing and bar path in raw sessions. Once your foundation is solid, we introduce the equipment.
When we train equipped, we are talking about manipulating the suit and shirt to aid your lift. This requires a completely different groove compared to raw lifting. You cannot use the same setup for a 300kg equipped squat as you do for a beltless raw lift. I guide my athletes through this transition, helping them select the right gear and learn how to use it safely.
We train out of A2 Fitness in Lodi Colony, where the environment is built for serious competition. My coaching covers the full spectrum:
- Raw Strength: Building the raw power, squat depth, and deadlift lockout required for any federation.
- Equipped Mastery: Learning the specific mechanics of bench shirts and deadlift suits to maximize your total without compromising safety.
- Competition Prep: Managing warm-ups, opening attempts, and the mental game during a meet.
Whether you are a beginner looking to build your first squat or an athlete aiming for a state-level record, the principles remain the same. Hard work, correct technique, and a relentless attitude towards every set.
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