3 Tips for First Powerlifting Meet 

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.

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

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

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.

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!

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

Great video here Brandon. It is much appreciated

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.

Thanks for this, and good luck to you!

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

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.

Thanks for these tips!

Just the tip

Can’t wait to do another and another and another

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.

Awesome work

Maybe I should go for it 🤔 I've never competed, but it looks fun!

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

I'll see you in Memphis my dude.

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

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.

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

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

Thanks man

Good advise from someone that does the deed!!

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.

Hey brandon wondering what you think of the blue collar cerakote barbell from bare steel equipment? How is the knurl for not being a power bar and only 28.5 mm

Any tips you can share for first time meets would be much appreciated.

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

Hey Brandon, I'm looking for an affordable barbell for powerlifting so I can have that feel and know what I'll be handling as well. I'm training in a commercial gym. Much love from Canada brudder.

Is that the famous Eleiko Prototype Bar you are talking behind? 👀

Can you talk about the difference between USAPL and USPA.

Hi Brandon. I need a barbell primarily for OHP in my garage. What is the best bar available for this? STAINLESS STEEL OHIO POWER BAR?

Tip 4. Know what gear you can use belt, sleews, shoes, wristbands and so on.

Best website to find meets?

Tip 1-3 check in with Goob to make sure the fed you’re in isn’t filled with pieces of shit lol.

Show us your meet

Don't be like me lol. I was getting really close to being able to lock in a 1500 total. That was my goal for my first meet... During training, I tore my quad off the bone and it led to several other complications. The way my leg healed, it may never be a reality to hit that number again. It's been 1.5 years and it's still not right after hundreds of hours of PT and knees over toes training. Just go for the experience and build over time. You may meet people along the way that help you progress faster than if you hadn't attended. Powerlifting is one of the most supporting sports I've ever witnessed.

No more training vids since you dropped Evolve AI?

Can we get tips on just the tip? #StayBig

Now I feel like Alfredo.

Im a culprit/victim of destroying the bathroom during a meet due to poor food choices. Between each lift was a battle between my stomach and my peppered angus from not exploding, or making sure it didn’t during my flight. Turns out I’d end up with dirty undies anyways. 😢