Raw vs. Assisted Lifting

When The AAU regained Powerlifting in the 1990’s several things were realized. First, since Powerlifting started raw, there was a need for raw lifting. Second, there are many lifters who desire the assistance for protection as well as the larger numbers. Third some assistance can go way too far. So the AAU was the first organization to offer raw lifting and is currently the only nationally run organization to offer both. . Thus a lifter has the choice of lifting raw or assisted, and can compete at any level in either.

When I came back into the sport in 1998 after an absence, I actually scoffed at the idea of raw lifting , thinking both that it was dangerous and that it was only for those who lift little weights. I thought that raw lifters were sissies who couldn’t handle big weights. Well I was wrong !!! It took having a problem at a meet to appreciate raw lifting. I was called out of turn at a meet and didn’t have time to get all my gear fixed and was timed out. Then I decided to a raw meet as a guest lifter and decided to see how it felt. I had been previously been repping 500 easily in the squat assisted and then I had a rude awakening when 500 felt awful heavy raw. It was then that I had a lot more respect for the raw lifter. Well I lifted raw for the next two years and thoroughly enjoyed it. No hassle with cumbersome gear!!! Then I decided to go back assisted. I now see that most liftes can actually go back and forth without much extra changes.. I actually wore my gear only once before a meet, the first time in two years, and was fully acclimated to it.

Now people ask me five questions. First, which do I like better: raw or assisted.? My answer is : when I lift raw I like raw better and when I lift assisted, I like assisted better. Second which is safer? Here I think it is even. Assistance may offer protection, but the increase in weight evens out the safety issue. Third what is assistance for? The answer may seem to contradict itself but here it is. Assistance allows the lifter to lift heavier weights and offers the support and protection in order to lift those heavier weights.. Fourth, is there any difference in training for a meet? Actually the only difference is in my last few training sessions. For the squat I generally go full gear twice or wraps once and full gear once. In the bench I wear the shirt usually once. I feel that using the gear too much can burn ,me out with too much heavier weight. Fifth: what do I think of canvas and triple ply? This is another style of powerlifting ..extreme powerlifting.

So lifters now are offered both raw and assisted. If you lift assisted, great , but try raw at least once ! If you have been a raw lifter, try assisted ! I personally will go back and forth and do both. It just depends of what my particular goals are. The only thing that I recommend it that you try both. One meet you may see me getting stuffed into my gear and the next you may hear me say ” I’m glad I don’t have to get into that today! ” There are advantages to both . I recommend a lifter start out raw to build a good base and not have to worry about equipment the first time out, but eventually try assistance. I favor raw for teens under 18 as less weight will be placed upon the growing body. For everyone else, the choice depends on the individual. Lifters with certain knee or rotator cuff problems can extend their careers by assistance. My old knees actually prefer raw and so does my orthopedic surgeon . Now you figure that out! So it is up to you, raw or assisted, assisted or raw??? You have the choice. Which way will you go the next meet? The choice is up to you.

By: Bob Strauss