Powerlifting training is very concerned with hard data — easily trackable numbers, indicators of your strength — that you can see improve dramatically over a short period of time. A woman might start out deadlifting 50-70 pounds, and after a few months, can safely and easily deadlift 200 pounds. If that seems like an extreme number to you, you probably don't realize how strong women really are. I've lost track of how many women in my gym can deadlift over 200 pounds. It's an extraordinary feeling to see those abilities increase. If you start out being able to squat 65 pounds for five reps, then you can do 95 pounds for 10 reps, there can be no mistake: you are stronger. The numbers don't lie.