I think this is a really difficult question to answer, specially since comparing training programs in newbies (which is the easiest thing to do experimentally) just isn’t going to cut it as everything works early and the difficult part doesn’t start until you start to push your physiological limits. Genetics obviously plays a huge role in everything, some people just grow no matter what they do, while others don’t. If I’m gonna go with my gut, I’d say I think genetics makes the biggest difference. I’ve seen some powerlifters become hyooooge when they cut down (they were huge before that too, ofc, but they just looked fat :p)

I think before we try to answer the difference in training, we have to answer are bodybuilders really bigger than powerlifters?

From the study (which I can’t find), there wasn’t much difference. And looking at natural powerlifters and bodybuilders, I don’t see much difference either. The big difference in strength people see is largely because of the technique, reptittion specificty and tendon attachments. If you take deadlifts, you will not see a big difference in strength since there is not much a technique component compared to squats and bench.

Most people think powerlifters ONLY train 1-3 reps.

Nope. Most of the powerlifting routines have high reps and moderate reps done for their main and assistance exercises. Look at west side. If you take Ed Coan, he starts with 12 reps and gradually hit 1-3 reps in many weeks.

Most people think powerlifting routines do not have much volume

Nope. In fact, any powerlifter will say that volume is the key. Almost all powerlifting routines hit a body part or lift atleast twice a week. Take westside, Korte’s, Smolov and so forth. Look at olympic lifters; they are hitting the same lifts 1-3 times a day for 4-6 times a week. Their volume is much higher than most bodybuilders routine who hit a muscle once a week.

Both powerlifting and bodybuilding overlaps a lot in their training.

I agree with above

Do you guys have any pictures of powerlifters dieted down? I know ther is one of Dave somewhere.

if you search for Michael Sidorychev
you will find some photos
He is powerlifter and strongman and have very impressive look

Who looks bigger? The first is a powerlifter and the second is a bodybuilder.

If you are unaware, the pictures above are of the same guy! Powerlifter Dave Gulledge. In the firt picture, he is around 320. In the second he is 265.

anoopbal - 17 June 2011 11:50 AM

the pictures above are of the same guy!

Hey, I knew that!

Few points of r0ids role in training made by Lyle
http://forums.lylemcdonald.com/showthread.php?t=11500&page=5

Lyle has always something good to say. Thanks for the link Anatoly. You are a true Exercise Biology member!