This guide, In the beginning, there was Power lifting: a brief introduction to the world of Power lifting and how to train for Power lifting, will introduce you to the world of power lifting by one of its inhabitants. In the beginning will show the basic steps for starting on your journey including the lifts, assistance exercises, stretching, Plyometrics, and, briefly, diet and supplementation. The lifts, assistance exercises, and plyometric work will be covered in a detailed program. The program will break down each major lift in detail and the assistance exercises and plyometric work needed to help develop these major lifts. The program will outline the proper way to do the lifts in an effective and safe manner Stretching and safety will be covered in detail in the guide so that you don't risk injury and can lift confidently. Diet and supplementation will be covered in order to give you a basic understanding but it will not be inclusive of all the information you need. It will simply provide the framework you need to be successful. By the end of the guide, you will know how to properly Power lift and will have a plan laid out to get there. You will know how to stretch properly and be safe. You will have an understanding of diet and supplementation and their importance to power lifting. In the end, you will have the tools to be successful and to become a more powerful you. About the Expert Nathan DeMetz is a long time "average guy" type of bodybuilder, power lifter, and mixed martial artist. He power lifts and practices kickboxing and Jiu-Jitsu. He does this not because he wants to compete but because he loves it. As Mr. DeMetz would say "it is his greatest hobby". He has been a lifter since 2002 at the age of 22 . He is also a second year martial artist and has a few years of untrained "brawling" under his belt. Nathan is now about to turn 32 and he will tell you that he is in the best shape of his life and that he owes it all the his commitment to lifting and staying fit. He has an intense desire to succeed. Nathan is not a competitive athlete but he has competed in some local bench press contests and even competed in the "20 and Hot" bodybuilding contest held by Champion Nutrition. He competed six times and placed in the top 10 three times. He won the bench press contest of the former equipment retailer New Home Fitness and placed third in the bench contest held by Ritchie's Fitness, formerly Atlas Fitness. Nathan has also competed in some non-sanctioned bare-knuckle fights but those days are behind him. His gym owner has approached him about entering the 2012 March Madness contest hosted by Vitamin Giant. Nathan is considering it. In the gym Nathan boasts some impressive lifts. He has lifted at different weights throughout the years. His most impressive lifts come from when he weighed 205 lbs. At this weight he bench pressed 350 lbs, dead lifted 535 lbs, and squatted 500 lbs. He is currently 185 lbs boasting a 350 lb bench press, 495 lb dead lift, and a 445 lb squat. Nathan is strong in a host of other lifts as well Nathan is loosely described as natural lifter. He does not use synthetic substances such as steroid, pro-hormones, synthetic testosterone boosters, or anything similar. He does use various supplements that are herb or plant based and uses extra vitamins and minerals. He believes hard work will get you where you need to be. He believes in a holistic approach to the health of the mind and body. For this reason he does not refer to himself as Power lifter or martial artist but instead refers to himself as an athlete. He feels this better reflects his true goals and the way that he trains. HowExpert publishes quick 'how to' guides on all topics from A to Z by everyday experts.