Amdi, Christian HSpence, Alyssa-JoyHelms, Eric RMcGuigan, Michael R2026-02-092026-02-092025-10-31Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, ISSN: 1064-8011 (Print); 1533-4287 (Online), Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins, 40(1), 76-89. doi: 10.1519/JSC.00000000000052611064-80111533-4287http://hdl.handle.net/10292/20600This study aimed to examine powerlifters' training practices related to exercise specificity. A total of 548 powerlifters responded to an anonymous online survey, with 401 completing all questions. On average, lifters trained 4.25 times per week and performed the competition-style squat, bench press, and deadlift 1.64, 2.48, and 1.37 times per week, respectively-typically using 1-7 repetitions at ratings of perceived exertion (RPEs) of 6-10. Almost all lifters (>97.5%) incorporated varied practice, including barbell variations (squat: 1.50×, bench press: 2.14×, deadlift: 1.26×) and accessory exercises (squat: 1.73×, bench press: 2.46×, deadlift: 1.72× per week). These were generally performed with 4-7 repetitions at RPE 6-8.5 for variations, and ≥8 repetitions at RPE 6-10 for accessories. The most common barbell variations involved slower eccentric phases, added or prolonged pauses in the bottom position, among others. Most lifters modified how they programmed (i.e., volume, frequency, relative-load, or RPEs) the competition lifts (88.2%), barbell variations (71.7%), and accessory exercises (62.3%) as competition approached, whereas 35.1-45.7% changed exercise selection depending on competition proximity. However, 49.0-58.7% maintained consistent exercise selection throughout competition periods. These programming decisions were influenced by athlete characteristics such as gender, use of supportive equipment, age, weight class, relative strength, and training status. Collectively, these findings indicate that varied practice is common in powerlifting.This is the Author's Accepted Manuscript version of an article published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research © 2025 National Strength and Conditioning Association. The Version of Record can be found at DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000005261exercise selectionresistance trainingvariationvaried practice42 Health Sciences4207 Sports Science and ExercisePhysical Activity1106 Human Movement and Sports Sciences1116 Medical PhysiologySport Sciences3202 Clinical sciences3208 Medical physiology4207 Sports science and exerciseHumansWeight LiftingMaleAdultFemaleResistance TrainingYoung AdultPhysical ExertionAthletic PerformanceSurveys and QuestionnairesMiddle AgedHumansWeight LiftingAdultMiddle AgedFemaleMaleAthletic PerformancePhysical ExertionResistance TrainingYoung AdultSurveys and QuestionnairesHumansWeight LiftingMaleAdultFemaleResistance TrainingYoung AdultPhysical ExertionAthletic PerformanceSurveys and QuestionnairesMiddle AgedJournal ArticleOpenAccess10.1519/JSC.0000000000005261