Powerlifting is an actual competitive sport. My anecdotes (to go with OPs) is that the competitive powerlifters I know have injuries, and the 'gymbro' types wh

Powerlifting is an actual competitive sport. My anecdotes (to go with OPs) is that the competitive powerlifters I know have injuries, and the 'gymbro' types who use the big lifts for health and some light bodybuilding, for the most part do not. Chasing that new ATH is addictive, and a great way to exceed what your body can safely handle.