Why do elite powerlifters use chains and bands to train?

[heavyeveryday]

What's the advantage compared to normal weights?

[InspecktaDeck]

For a begginner there is no advantage, dont do it. For elite level guys it changes the lift by making the lockout harder, bottom portion easier, etc etc. At novice stages in training however strait weight is your best bet.

[Muscle Mania Matt]

It aids in training lockout, and aids in better rate of force development, teaching you to accelerate your weight all the way through. It gives you some of the benefit of plyo or oly on your competitive lifts.

[heavyeveryday]

It aids in training lockout, and aids in better rate of force development, teaching you to accelerate your weight all the way through. It gives you some of the benefit of plyo or oly on your competitive lifts.

so it's basically improving speed and acceleration of the lifts?

also, which is harder, a 200kg squat with 200kg weights or a 200kg squat with 100kg bands and 100kg plates?

[RS6759]

also, which is harder, a 200kg squat with 200kg weights or a 200kg squat with 100kg bands and 100kg plates?

You're missing the point.

[mal1ce]

It also allows you to train with out gear while simulating the lift with gear, since in most cases, the lift will be easier at the bottom and harder at the top.

[davisj3537]

so it's basically improving speed and acceleration of the lifts?

also, which is harder, a 200kg squat with 200kg weights or a 200kg squat with 100kg bands and 100kg plates?

They are in no way comparable. For the squat with 200kg it is 200kg through the entire movement. The squat with 100kg and bands is only 100kg at the bottom and 200kg at the top.

As Mal1ce said, it is a great tool for geared lifters. Bands and chains are for advanced lifters that have a goal in mind. Just putting bands or chains on the bar cuz it looks cool is stupid.

It is designed to improve lockout strength. An additional benefit is it also improves speed. The setup can be altered to put emphasis on one or the other.

[Unit1994]

Forget about bands and chains and just lift.

[samsont]

For a begginner there is no advantage, dont do it. For elite level guys it changes the lift by making the lockout harder, bottom portion easier, etc etc. At novice stages in training however strait weight is your best bet.

wether or not its optimal or not I'm pretty sure it does that regardless if youre elite or not

OP:

Plenty of elite level guys don't use bands or chains. Plenty of non elite guys do use them, and vice versa.

Its called accommodating resistance, now use google

[TheTwiglet]

Using chains over yourself or a barbell means that as more of the chain is on the ground (when lowering the bar or when you havent lifted the bar yet), the lift is lighter, as the ground is holding a portion of the chain. As you lift and more chain comes off the ground, the lift gets heavier.

With bands, and depending on how you have them (from top or bottom) your lift will either get heavier as you lift (due to bands on the ground, now pulling down when stretched) or lighter (bands hanging from power rack were helping hold some of the weight before but less as you lift and they become limp).

Yes, you can all rep me.

[Skursk55]

With bands, and depending on how you have them (from top or bottom) your lift will either get heavier as you lift (due to bands on the ground, now pulling down when stretched) or lighter (bands hanging from power rack were helping hold some of the weight before but less as you lift and they become limp).

Yes, you can all rep me.

This is a little unclear. The lift feels heavier as you go regardless of which way the bands are set up.

I know what you meant, just trying to clarify.

[InspecktaDeck]

wether or not its optimal or not I'm pretty sure it does that regardless if youre elite or not

yeah I worded that wrong

[hammerfelt]

Step 1) Cause stress

Step 2) Adapt to stress

Repeat.


Some people will incorporate bands and chains to cause stress. Not using bands and chains until exhausting other stressors such as increased weights on the bar, sets, reps, speed is generally considered a good idea.

[Paneetius]

helps with speed

[Big Sexy J]

You don't have to be an elite powerlifter to use accommodating resistance in training. They are just training tools that can help lifters get better at the actual lifts.

[showmestate08]

I use chains to look cool.

[HamburgerTrain]

If you want to use them, keep the accommodating resistance low (<40lbs of chain, nothing larger than a light band) for your lifts. Using this methods can make you tremendously strong and fast if you use them the right way. I don't get why people are so quick to completely dismiss one method or another of training. I use/have used bands and chains for the majority of time I have been training for PL (about 5 years) and have seen great benefit from using them both.

[heavyeveryday]

Thanks everyone, i got it.