Your first meet.

[timmzzy1]

I want to do a meet, but think I need to get a little stronger first

Just enter, aslong as you get a pr its a good meet, you can never be too weak to enter a meet

[arian11]

Just enter, aslong as you get a pr its a good meet, you can never be too weak to enter a meet

If its your first meet, then everything is a PR...

[timmzzy1]

If its your first meet, then everything is a PR...

Fair enough, but it would be irritating if you went into your first meet and didnt atleast get your gym pr

[arian11]

Fair enough, but it would be irritating if you went into your first meet and didnt atleast get your gym pr

That's what alot of people do because they go way too heavy on their 1st attempts, try and cut a ton of weight or don't even know what the commands are for each lift.

[timmzzy1]

That's what alot of people do because they go way too heavy on their 1st attempts, try and cut a ton of weight or don't even know what the commands are for each lift.

Yeah, my first meet i ended up doing something i could do for a triple as my 3rd attempt for each lift, but it was more just to get a feel of the environment and get used to the commands

[RRRAAAYYY2]

I am going to go for my first meet in February. It is a RAW meet, and I am starting to see issues in my knee squating. Is it common for someone to skip one of the lifts altogether, or should I do something very conservative? I can probably do 315 without hurting myself, but for my wieght, it is way off pace.

Also the tip about checking the weights in your gym, very true. I just checked our ezcurl bar and it was off by 9lbs. Really messed up where I thought I was, LOL.

[pSick]

This thread has givin me a lot more confidence as a newbie competitor. I have my first meet March 23rd and almost backed out just to view it for experience purposes. Instead I'll most definitely be competing, and looking for some upcoming local meets for the viewing exp instead. I read through this a couple times, it's helped out a lot.

Special thanks to Arlecchino and everyone that contributed to this sticky--it's helping exactly the people you were targeting! Wish me luck!

[DerAlta]

I am going to go for my first meet in February. It is a RAW meet, and I am starting to see issues in my knee squating. Is it common for someone to skip one of the lifts altogether, or should I do something very conservative? I can probably do 315 without hurting myself, but for my wieght, it is way off pace.

Also the tip about checking the weights in your gym, very true. I just checked our ezcurl bar and it was off by 9lbs. Really messed up where I thought I was, LOL.

No, it's not uncommon to skip a particular lift. It's really up to you depending on how you feel. Personally, I think you'll regret it afterwards if you don't go for all three lifts.

This thread has givin me a lot more confidence as a newbie competitor. I have my first meet March 23rd and almost backed out just to view it for experience purposes. Instead I'll most definitely be competing, and looking for some upcoming local meets for the viewing exp instead. I read through this a couple times, it's helped out a lot.

Is that one on the 23rd in Rhode Island?

[pSick]

Is that one on the 23rd in Rhode Island?

Ithaca, NY actually. I'll be in the dead lift only category--thinking of ordering my singlet with 'Newbie' on the front =P

[davisj3537]

edit: reposted into new thread.

[RockmanX88]

First meet I recommend bringing in more food than you think you need since meets can be extremely long.

[cm85]

Had my first meet yesterday. Only way I can describe it is that it was the most fun I have ever had doing something.

[FenderElectrics]

Sure this has been asked a bunch sorry if so...

what is a good website to help find local powerlifting meets? googling around isn't helping me much for some reason I'm trying to find anything in the Chicago area not concerned about which federation will play by whatever rules I need just want to get my feet wet.

Thanks for any help

[Fivefootkillerz]

Sure this has been asked a bunch sorry if so...

what is a good website to help find local powerlifting meets? googling around isn't helping me much for some reason I'm trying to find anything in the Chicago area not concerned about which federation will play by whatever rules I need just want to get my feet wet.

Thanks for any help

http://www.powerliftingwatch.com/node/4421

[FenderElectrics]

http://www.powerliftingwatch.com/node/4421

awesome thanks!

[mcbeast275]

awesome thanks!

Yo anything powerlifting you need to know is on that site!


For the OP... Loved/Hated my first meet. I was so nervous. I am happy I competed though & encourage everyone who has interest in it just to go in and do it. I originally had goals I want to hit on the platform for my first meet. **** that. Just get up there & it will build your confidence. Confidence=STRENGTH!

[zachmorgan39]

Been thinking about entering some powerlifting meets. At 174 my lifts are all RAW Sq. 350 Bp. 315 Dl. 450... I know my squat is low. If I was to compete would I get embarrassed?

[DerAlta]

Been thinking about entering some powerlifting meets. At 174 my lifts are all RAW Sq. 350 Bp. 315 Dl. 450... I know my squat is low. If I was to compete would I get embarrassed?

No, as long as your lifts meet the rules of the meet, you'd have fun and wouldn't get embarrassed. So now, all you need to do is pick one, read the rule book, get a singlet and do the meet.

You won't regret it.

[JetLife]

I've been curious to compete in a meet and there's finally one taking place April 6th. I know my 'Gym' pr's but I'm a little nervous about what to list for my attempts. I don't want to under/over estimate myself. How long are the wait times between attempts? I'm use to waiting 3-5 mins when going heavy.

The event is going to be a USAPL one and I'm curious about a couple things. The rule book mentions no Psychomoto Stimulants allowed. So taking Jack3d or C4 extreme months prior and the morning of is forbidden? How do they go about drug testing, do you get them done yourself and then bring your documents from the Dr. in?
Also what's the difference between the Military Division and the Junior division?

[SPFjudge]

I've been curious to compete in a meet and there's finally one taking place April 6th. I know my 'Gym' pr's but I'm a little nervous about what to list for my attempts. I don't want to under/over estimate myself. How long are the wait times between attempts? I'm use to waiting 3-5 mins when going heavy.

The event is going to be a USAPL one and I'm curious about a couple things. The rule book mentions no Psychomoto Stimulants allowed. So taking Jack3d or C4 extreme months prior and the morning of is forbidden? How do they go about drug testing, do you get them done yourself and then bring your documents from the Dr. in?
Also what's the difference between the Military Division and the Junior division?

Sup brah, I'll be at this meet. You cannot take any Jack3d. Its banned by wada. Not sure about C4 cause I'm not a preworkout taker.
A good rule of thumb is that you want to open with a weight that you feel very comfortable with for a triple for your first meet, double for intermediate lifters. You'll wait about 10 minutes more than likely if the flights are full. (Should be). For a 2nd attempt go for something that is also very doable. Some will disagree here be I feel like a first meet lifter should go 9/9 so on your 3rd go for another weight that you are about 95% sure you'll hit (remember the total is the important thing so making all lifts makes the highest total, not going 6/9).

With USAPL meets be sure to know the rules and commands on all lifts.
Squats: you take the weight out and get set and wait for the "start" command. Then squat, and again wait for the "Rack" command. So 2 commands total.
Bench: Take the weight out and wait for the "start" command. Then bring the bar to your chest and get the "Press" command. Then press it and wait again for the "rack" command. So 3 commands total.
Deadlift: pull it at your own pace without hitching and wait for the "down" command. one command total.

Also, squat depth is the biggest reason for missing lifts for beginners. I would be best to video your squats and ask others if they're good or not.

Drug testing is done immedietly after the event. 10% of the lifters must be tested and including all american records. Winners are usually tested.

[NOVACommute]

There's a lot of motivational information in this thread. I joined a powerlifting team at work fewer than three weeks ago. I showed up and said, "I'm not strong." The team captain said, "that's ok; just show up consistently."

When the OP stated that people ask if their lifts are big enough to compete, and that the answer is 'yes,' I had to chuckle, because that was my # 1 concern. And I had to chuckle a little more as I read through the thread with others who have the same concern as myself... yet their lifts are much larger than mine! Heck, within days of joining the team, I learned that I'd never actually done a barbell squat in my life! All of my previous squats were 3/4 of a squat.

Our next meet was supposed to be 9 March, however, budget constraints have resulted in the trip being cancelled as of this past Friday. I can't blame the decision maker, I would have made the same decision. However, it's a little disheartening... I was excited to go, get last place or close to it, learn something, and have a benchmark to fuel improvement.

So thanks to the OP for taking the time to write up this motivational and informative series of posts.

[davisj3537]

There's a lot of motivational information in this thread. I joined a powerlifting team at work fewer than three weeks ago. I showed up and said, "I'm not strong." The team captain said, "that's ok; just show up consistently."

When the OP stated that people ask if their lifts are big enough to compete, and that the answer is 'yes,' I had to chuckle, because that was my # 1 concern. And I had to chuckle a little more as I read through the thread with others who have the same concern as myself... yet their lifts are much larger than mine! Heck, within days of joining the team, I learned that I'd never actually done a barbell squat in my life! All of my previous squats were 3/4 of a squat.

Our next meet was supposed to be 9 March, however, budget constraints have resulted in the trip being cancelled as of this past Friday. I can't blame the decision maker, I would have made the same decision. However, it's a little disheartening... I was excited to go, get last place or close to it, learn something, and have a benchmark to fuel improvement.

So thanks to the OP for taking the time to write up this motivational and informative series of posts.

I'm also obsessed with bacon. Repped. lol

[Ghostfaces]

I have my first meet on 4/20. How much would my squat/deads gym prs translate to the meet? Lets say my 1rm gym squat is 325. 285 1st attempt, 305 2nd attempt, 320 3rd attempt. Should I lower it or??

[davisj3537]

I have my first meet on 4/20. How much would my squat/deads gym prs translate to the meet? Lets say my 1rm gym squat is 325. 285 1st attempt, 305 2nd attempt, 320 3rd attempt. Should I lower it or??

Judging from you sig it should be higher and it will also increase from now to then. If it were at 325 then those attempts sound reasonable.

[JetLife]

I have my first meet on 4/20. How much would my squat/deads gym prs translate to the meet? Lets say my 1rm gym squat is 325. 285 1st attempt, 305 2nd attempt, 320 3rd attempt. Should I lower it or??

Why not make your 3rd attempt a new pr?
Consistent training from now til then, you should be able to have 325 be your second attempt.

[Ghostfaces]

Why not make your 3rd attempt a new pr?
Consistent training from now til then, you should be able to have 325 be your second attempt.

I was just saying hypothetically if those were my numbers by the meet. 5lbs less so it can be a guaranteed lift. Also my 1st meet and I never squatted without a mirror before.

I saw your post above, you're going to the Savannah meet? Will you be going to the P4P at Johns Creek?

[SPFjudge]

I was just saying hypothetically if those were my numbers by the meet. 5lbs less so it can be a guaranteed lift. Also my 1st meet and I never squatted without a mirror before.

I saw your post above, you're going to the Savannah meet? Will you be going to the P4P at Johns Creek?

If you're in John's Creek, you need to find your way to Quest Gym.

[JetLife]

I was just saying hypothetically if those were my numbers by the meet. 5lbs less so it can be a guaranteed lift. Also my 1st meet and I never squatted without a mirror before.

I saw your post above, you're going to the Savannah meet? Will you be going to the P4P at Johns Creek?

I know how you feel about the mirror, it's a nice form-check aid but Now I'm at the point where I can feel myself being ATG or below parallel without a mirror.

And No I won't be going the the P4P event. It's too far of a drive and it's already sold out.

[Ghostfaces]

Thanks for the responses guys.

@SPFJudge Quest looks awesome but my current gym is just too convenient for me. $12/month, 3min drive.

[SPFjudge]

Thanks for the responses guys.

@SPFJudge Quest looks awesome but my current gym is just too convenient for me. $12/month, 3min drive.

thats cool. If you want your total to go up you need to be around others who want the same and know how to do it. You gotta be in a great atmosphere to be at your best. You wouldn't go to mcdonald's for a NY strip steak.