3 Tips for First Powerlifting Meet

So you're thinking about competing? Great! In this video I'll go over 3 really basic but important tips to get you ready for your first meet.

Got a home gym question, product idea, or want to work together?

[juliansedor]

I'm very new to powerlifting. I've never gone to a gym to workout, I've mostly done dumbbell work and calisthenics at home. I got my first barbell, plates, and cheapest usable squat rack I could about 6 weeks ago. I immediately fell in love with powerlifting. I don't know if I'll ever compete, but this is the most motivated I've ever been to working out. I have to stop myself and remind myself that I need to take breaks so I don't overtrain. It's really wonderful.

[onikz]

thanks brandon
I'll be attending my 1st PL meet this week
I need this

[scrappylifter]

Good suggestions! USAPL occasionally has rookie meets at a local level for first-time competitors. It's a great time for a first meet! As a referee, it hurts to see someone miss a perfectly good lift because they jumped commands, but we've all done it. Incorporating commands into a training cycle is smart. The excitement and adrenaline on meet day can make muscle memory kick in. If you're used to not beginning and ending squats with locked knees, etc., it can show up on the platform.

[Doomfist]

Straight to the point and no bullshit thank you! I’m working on getting on the stage for the first time either this year or next year! Been naturally strong for years and have always looked to be a part of this community!

[allen.]

Needed this! My first meet is in march! Thanks Brandon!

[JasonLeeno]

Powerlifting meet bathroom definitely makes you feel bad for the cleaning staff.

[MacMillerFlowSicker]

Love this. Been a fan of yours for a long time. Great tips competing in my second meet in March. Doing push/pull for the first time usually just bench. Gonna use these tips. Hope all is well man.

[reggie]

One thing ive seen trip up 1st time lifters is not having the approved equipment, having briefs instead of boxers is a big one also not having deadlift socks. Pain in the neck to have to drive to the closet walmart to get the right underwear last minute.

[freakied]

Find out where the bathrooms are before your need them. Bring your own wet wipes/tp just in case.

[twistedbarbell]

Awesome info and aptly timed for me! I can speak to the tip about procrastinating to signup for the meet - I missed out on two (Nov & next month) for waiting too long! They sell out quickly and I had to adjust my meet date and training blocks in the AI, as a result.

[soranhernandez]

Did my second meet back in 2019, went all out on the advanced techniques for that one just for fun, did decent. After water cutting 22lbs making weight literally to the exact number, 74kg (163lbs). Ended up getting a 225kg (496lbs) Deadlift in the teen 3 category.

My now wife was pissed, I apparently looked pale and eyes were sunken, I looked like death but fortunately felt great!

One thing to try, look for a food that really makes you feel good before a workout, lots of carbs. My power food is sushi rice.

[keatonsstrengthtraining]

Very helpful tips! Will be sure to incorporate these into my first PL meet!

[isaiahrobinson]

This was right on time. Have my first meet in 6 days 🙏🏾

[scooobyj]

Good tips. Hope this helps someone go for it and enter a meet.

[apexsurge]

Thanks man! My first meet is the 25th of March!

[ront]

Good advise from someone that does the deed!!

[JoseReyes-jymv]

Never been at a Southern California meet that didnt have big hitters lol.
Definitely competitive.
But everyone is friendly.

[Alex_Piazza]

Interesting timing because it is something I've been considering doing lately. I have to say, while I understand your point about not waiting until you think you're competitive, it was a bit humbling to look at the results from last year's event at my local gym and seeing the guys in my class were putting up 100lbs more (per lift) than I am currently...I think I'll wait a little longer for that level but will do the online type events to get more comfortable with the lift mechanics.

[martystrasinger]

Thanks for this, and good luck to you!

[StrongerTraining]

Can’t wait to do another and another and another