Powerlifting and meets

Discussion in 'Fitness, Health & Nutrition' started by guesswhat, Jun 9, 2015.

  1. I plan to go watch my first powerlifting meet in the next few weeks. Mostly to see what it's like in person rather than on YouTube.
     
    Has anyone been to any, or better yet competed in any powerlifting meets? I'm curious as to the general atmosphere of it. I usually hear it's a friendly place with like minded individuals. Any tips as I learn about this sport are welcome. I imagine different events are funded and setup differently, while still adhering to something like the USAPL rules.
     
    Evenetually I would love to "compete" even if it's just against myself and to set new PRs. First I have to figure out what qualifications are required for a first meet, as well as hitting a certain total number in my training before trying a meet. It seems in my research you are required to lift a certain min. total for Nationals, but I'm interested in local/state meets.

     
  2. #2 guesswhat, Jun 16, 2015
    Last edited by a moderator: Jun 16, 2015
    I've found some general information and am sending in paperwork soon to compete later on this year. So if anyone else is interested I will list some key points to look into/remember.
     
    1. Know what substances are banned. THC is one of them and will get you banned in most federations/organizations for the year if you test positive. Usually 10% of lifters are tested at a minimum. It is supposed to be randomized, but some speculate it happens more to the top lifters.\t
    2. Know which federation your meet will be held under. Get a membership before hand. Some meets will allow you to get a membership at the time of the meet. Sometimes waiting will cost more. This should be specified in the form you fill out to sign up for the meet.\t
    3. Sign up early to avoid late fees. This also helps to ensure you'll get anything registered lifters will get like trophies, medals, or shirts. Also some meets have caps on the number of lifters and you may not make the cut if you wait too long to sign up.\t
    4. E-mail the person(s) running the meet with any specific questions you may have. As in, would this be a good first meet to lift at? They are very helpful.\t
    5. Learn when your weigh-in time will be, usually it's 2 hours prior to the meet or sometimes within a 24 hour window.\t
    6. Make sure you have approved gear (raw or equipped) at the federation you will be lifting under. They will check your equipment in prior to the meet, usually at the weigh-in. Also know your starting lift numbers at this time as they are usually recorded. Chances are it will be in kilos and not pounds. Make sure your opening numbers are ones you can hit usually for 3 reps. You can go up in weight at a meet, but you can't go back down.\t
    7. Familiarize yourself with how the meet runs:
    • Learn judge commands for lifts that you are competing in. Bench has 3, squat has 2, and deadlift has 1.
    • Learn about flights. Each flight consists of up to 14 lifters. Your first flight will be ordered in weight lifted from least to most. Each flight after will re-adjust to continue lifts from lightest to heaviest. Also use this time to judge when to warm-up.
    • Know when to get on the platform, and what to do immediately after. You have one minute to get on the platform and start the lift (wait for judge commands when necessary) once the announcer says "bar is loaded." After the lift you will go to specify your next weight to be lifted.
    • You need 2 out of 3 white lights for a complete lift. Be nice if you fail a lift, don't blame the judges. You can ask what you did wrong though. Usually not squatting to depth, not waiting for rack commands, etc. will get you red lights. Dropping a deadlift from the top of the lift will also red light you.
    Bring food and drinks. Get on a plan for peaking during the meet date. Try finding friends or a coach to help you if possible, though I intend to do without for the time being.
     
    That's a general overview. YouTube and other sites have tons of great information to assist in understanding how the meet is run or how to prepare your body.
     
    Past that it's competing against others in your weight class and division, sure. But mostly it's a positive atmosphere where you push your own limits and have fun!
     

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