In a small fitness studio nestled in Harbin, capital city of Heilongjiang province in northeastern China, barbells take precedence over other pieces of equipment.

"Dead lift, squat, and bench press form our core training program," says Zhao Wei, the studio manager and a strength coach.

"Unlike bodybuilders who chase exquisite muscle lines, our emphasis is more on strength enhancement," Zhao explains. "Powerlifting doesn't demand an array of equipment; barbells are adequate."

Born in 1975, Zhao discovered his affinity for fitness in his adolescence. "Growing up on a farm, I engaged in physical labor quite often, which made me feel more energetic than my peers," Zhao recalls, adding that he began simple exercises like pushups during this time.

"I relocated to Harbin in 1989 and started working out in a gym. That was my first encounter with barbells, but no one guided me in its proper use," Zhao says, noting that this lack of instruction led to injuries due to unscientific training.

After 2000, Zhao became one of China's earliest powerlifting enthusiasts. "I started competing in several contests and managed to bag a few awards," Zhao recalls.

During these competitions, Zhao sensed the disparity in powerlifting between China and other countries. Following his retirement in 2013, he pivoted to coaching.

On Tuesday morning, two of Zhao's trainees arrived at the studio for their session. Donning knee pads, applying magnesium powder, and strapping on a belt, they loaded hundreds of pounds onto the barbell. With a mighty shout, they hoisted the barbell onto their shoulders and bent over.

Although they lack the distinct muscular lines of bodybuilders, their robust physiques empower them to lift hundreds of pounds.

Presently, Zhao oversees more than 1,000 trainees, many of whom opt for online training due to geographical distances from Harbin.

"Mr Zhao is revered for his meticulous techniques and a well-established training system, so numerous people aspire to learn from him," trainee Zheng Jiashen says.

In recent years, Zhao has observed a surge in powerlifting's popularity among China's youth, including many women. Short video platforms have seen a growing number of clips sharing powerlifting techniques and experiences.

"This sport is relatively easy to start, and the required equipment isn't hard to procure. Moreover, it doesn't demand stringent dietary control like bodybuilding," Zhao comments.

"I have been practicing powerlifting for nearly a decade. It has significantly benefited my life and work, making me feel more energetic and confident," says another trainee, Zhang Nan.

Now, some foreigners are also learning from Zhao, and many of his Chinese trainees have secured prizes in international competitions.

"The gap in powerlifting between China and foreign countries is narrowing, and performance improvement is not just about innate talent, but also about scientific training," Zhao says.

"I am condensing decades of experience into a book that will soon be published," Zhao adds.

Xinhua