re: J. Bickham of Covington power lifting/RB

As a former lifter and current coach of the sport, I can assure you that squat suits do not add anywhere near 200 lbs to your squat. It varies between individuals, but is usually around 60-80 lbs. The bench shirts on average typically add around 50 lbs. The sole function of the suits/shirts is to hold your muscles in place, meaning you put little effort into stabilizing the weight and more into the actual lifting motion.

Also keep in mind that lifters must break parallel and control the weight before racking it in the squat, and must have the bar lie motionless on their chest before pressing in the bench press.