Both power lifting and weight lifting use a form of the traditional "bench press" as their competitive basis. In weight lifting, the competitor assumes his or her position on the bench and the weight is handed to him or her just above their chest. The lift is complete when the athlete successfully raises the weight such that the arms are fully extended and the weight is held motionless. The only modification for this sport is that the athlete may be strapped to the bench.

In power lifting, the weight is handed to the competitor at arms length with elbows locked. The lift is complete when the weight is brought down to the chest, without touching the chest, held motionless, and then extended back to arm's length and held motionless. The only modification for this sport is that the athlete may be strapped to the bench.

Athletes must be at least 15 years of age and compete in 11 different weight classes as follows:

• up to 88 lbs
• 88.25 - 97 lbs
• 97.25 - 105.75 lbs
• 106 - 114.25 lbs
• 114.75 - 123.25 lbs
• 123.5 - 132.25 lbs
• 132.5 - 148.75 lbs
• 149 - 165.25 lbs
• 165.5 - 181.75 lbs
• 182 - 198.25
• 198.5 -220 lbs
• over 220 lbs

Each year, WSUSA sanctions the National Junior Wheelchair Championships that include a weight lifting/power lifting competition.

Who Can Participate

Power lifting and weight lifting are available to athletes in the following categories:

• dwarfs*
• amputees
• spinal cord injured/wheelchair
• cerebral palsy/brain injury/stroke
• les autres