Competitions

RidleyRider

So right now I've just decided to take part in a powerlifting competition at some point in the year but I haven't the first clue how things run with them. I've just got training on track but have some more fine tuning to make it what I want- but that's for another thread.

So how do things work? Realistically I wouldn't be at a point where I could compete and not make a tool outta myself till the second half of the year when I've put on a few kg and the big compounds are at a heavier weight.

Are they classed by age/weight or what? By the time I feel myself that I'd be fit to compete my stats would stand at this;

Age: 18/19 (depending on comp date)
Weight: 75-80kg
Squat: 160kg
Deadlift: 200kg
Bench: 100kg

Okay the exercise weights are more what I'd like and are totally guestimates on what I hope to be at.

How would that fair out for me come comp? Also anyone know any competitions in the latter part of the year?

Thanks

Sugar Free

RidleyRider wrote: »

So right now I've just decided to take part in a powerlifting competition at some point in the year but I haven't the first clue how things run with them. I've just got training on track but have some more fine tuning to make it what I want- but that's for another thread.

So how do things work? Realistically I wouldn't be at a point where I could compete and not make a tool outta myself till the second half of the year when I've put on a few kg and the big compounds are at a heavier weight.

Are they classed by age/weight or what? By the time I feel myself that I'd be fit to compete my stats would stand at this;

Age: 18/19 (depending on comp date)
Weight: 75-80kg
Squat: 160kg
Deadlift: 200kg
Bench: 100kg

Okay the exercise weights are more what I'd like and are totally guestimates on what I hope to be at.

How would that fair out for me come comp? Also anyone know any competitions in the latter part of the year?

Thanks

Check the Strength and Strength Sports forum for upcoming competitions, the IPO's are on in April I think. Aside: Mods, might it be an idea to link those comps here too?

The first thing I would say is that the sooner you do a comp, the better. There is no 'right' time to do one in terms of strength levels, at the bigger comps there are often 14 year olds benching little more than the bar.

Just commit to a comp and get one under your belt. I've never met anyone (who has actually competed before) who would scoff at someone who stepped onto the platform, regardless of their numbers.

They would be organised by age, weight and often equipped/unequipped. It's been a while since I've been to a comp so i'll let others give the group breakdowns but going by your figures you'd be in the T3 class at either 75kg or 82.5kg category.

I'll leave some of the active PL'ers to give a breakdown of comp day itself.

COH

RidleyRider wrote: »

So right now I've just decided to take part in a powerlifting competition at some point in the year but I haven't the first clue how things run with them. I've just got training on track but have some more fine tuning to make it what I want- but that's for another thread.

They run as follows..

1 - The weigh in. Either day before or the morning of the comp depending on the federation. Once thats done you are told what flight you are in. Lifters are seperated into different groups depending on the number of competitors. On weighing in you give your openers (the weight you intend to lift for first attempts on each three lifts) You can change this up until your flight begins if necessary. Make sure to give your rack heights (how high you want the squat stands/monolift and bench press set up). For example, in my last comp I gave my three openers @X,Y and Z. My rack height was 13 on the monolift and 2 on the bench as these are where I was most comfortable.
2 - You warm up for your squatting, some find this daunting at their first comp as there is usually 1 rack/monolift for everyone to warm up in. Dont be afraid to ask for spots, and dont be afraid to ask for rack heights or weights to be changed, everyone is usually friendly and helpful
3 - You squat. 3 attempts! You should keep an eye on the order of lifting.. and you will be told to be ready when you are 2 people out. Make sure you are familiar with the rule book for each fed. On successful completion of first lift you inform the MC/Judge of the weight you want for second attempt and so on. If you fail your first attempt you can not ask for a lighter weight, make sure your opener is a safe bet expecically in your first comp.
4 - Usually you have time for a break, get some food in the start warming up for the bench.
5 - You bench - 3 attempts. Same as above
6 - Break/eat then start warming up for your deadlifts. Same as above.

So how do things work? Realistically I wouldn't be at a point where I could compete and not make a tool outta myself till the second half of the year when I've put on a few kg and the big compounds are at a heavier weight.

Nobody makes a fool of themselves, there is no standard you have to hit to compete at national level. I've seen 110kg guys bench 60kg in comps etc and nobody batted an eyelid.

Are they classed by age/weight or what? By the time I feel myself that I'd be fit to compete my stats would stand at this;

Classes are by weight and subdived by age.. Teens, Juniors (<24), Open (25-39) and masters over 40.

Age: 18/19 (depending on comp date)
Weight: 75-80kg
Squat: 160kg
Deadlift: 200kg
Bench: 100kg


Okay the exercise weights are more what I'd like and are totally guestimates on what I hope to be at.

Gym lifts are easy, the equipment is familiar, you are on your own timetable and you are not being judged. Squatting can take alot out of you so you are not guaranteed a new 1RM bench in comp straight after. Just get your openers on the board and take it from there. For example, if you have lifted 100kg and thats your all time best in the gym you might open at 85, if thats easy go to 92.5, if that comes up ok (remember you must pause on the chest!) try 100+ . Each fed has its own rules for each lift, for example in the IDFPA your head must stay on the bench, and your feet must be flat, but in the IPO your head can come off bench and you do not have to have heels on the ground.

How would that fair out for me come comp? Also anyone know any competitions in the latter part of the year?

Thanks

A 460kg total @75 or 82.5kg as a junior would be great! But dont worry about the numbers themselves just get something on the board and enjoy yourself. SOOOOOOO many people have this notion that you have to be at record setting level to compete that they never end up just getting on the platform.

IDFPA single lifts are next weekend in Cork
IDFPA Nationals are in Gorey in March I think
GPC Nationals are in Limerick March 24th
IPO Nationals are in Dublin in April.
IPO and GPC usually have a couple or regional comps later in the year too.

I suggest adding each fed on facebook as all info regarding dates is on their respective pages.

Any other questions feel free to ask or if you are in Dublin and would like a hand you'er welcome to come down to Raw Condition and I'll have a look at your lifting etc. just send me a PM and we'll set something up.

Kieran

RidleyRider

COH wrote: »

They run as follows..

1 - The weigh in. Either day before or the morning of the comp depending on the federation. Once thats done you are told what flight you are in. Lifters are seperated into different groups depending on the number of competitors. On weighing in you give your openers (the weight you intend to lift for first attempts on each three lifts) You can change this up until your flight begins if necessary. Make sure to give your rack heights (how high you want the squat stands/monolift and bench press set up). For example, in my last comp I gave my three openers @X,Y and Z. My rack height was 13 on the monolift and 2 on the bench as these are where I was most comfortable.
2 - You warm up for your squatting, some find this daunting at their first comp as there is usually 1 rack/monolift for everyone to warm up in. Dont be afraid to ask for spots, and dont be afraid to ask for rack heights or weights to be changed, everyone is usually friendly and helpful
3 - You squat. 3 attempts! You should keep an eye on the order of lifting.. and you will be told to be ready when you are 2 people out. Make sure you are familiar with the rule book for each fed. On successful completion of first lift you inform the MC/Judge of the weight you want for second attempt and so on. If you fail your first attempt you can not ask for a lighter weight, make sure your opener is a safe bet expecically in your first comp.
4 - Usually you have time for a break, get some food in the start warming up for the bench.
5 - You bench - 3 attempts. Same as above
6 - Break/eat then start warming up for your deadlifts. Same as above.



Nobody makes a fool of themselves, there is no standard you have to hit to compete at national level. I've seen 110kg guys bench 60kg in comps etc and nobody batted an eyelid.



Classes are by weight and subdived by age.. Juniors (<24), Open (25-39) and masters over 40




Gym lifts are easy, the equipment is familiar, you are on your own timetable and you are not being judged. Squatting can take alot out of you so you are not guaranteed a new 1RM bench in comp straight after. Just get your openers on the board and take it from there. For example, if you have lifted 100kg and thats your all time best in the gym you might open at 85, if thats easy go to 92.5, if that comes up ok (remember you must pause on the chest!) try 100+ . Each fed has its own rules for each lift, for example in the IDFPA your head must stay on the bench, and your feet must be flat, but in the IPO your head can come off bench and you do not have to have heels on the ground.



A 460kg total @75 or 82.5kg as a junior would be great! But dont worry about the numbers themselves just get something on the board and enjoy yourself. SOOOOOOO many people have this notion that you have to be at record setting level to compete that they never end up just getting on the platform.

IDFPA single lifts are next weekend in Cork
IDFPA Nationals are in Gorey in March I think
GPC Nationals are in Limerick March 24th
IPO Nationals are in Dublin in April.
IPO and GPC usually have a couple or regional comps later in the year too.

I suggest adding each fed on facebook as all info regarding dates is on their respective pages.

Any other questions feel free to ask or if you are in Dublin and would like a hand you'er welcome to come down to Raw Condition and I'll have a look at your lifting etc. just send me a PM and we'll set something up.

Kieran

Kieran that's a fantastic reply thanks a million! A hell of a lot clearer on everything now. I must try go to the GPC's in Limerick in March if not compete maybe.

I'll head onto facebook now and start adding them although I may have a few already. Actually having a few issues finding GPC on facebook but I'll keep looking. I'd be more looking to keep my first competition local or maybe make a powerlifting holiday of one:P

Again Kieran, Thanks a million for the reply.

COH

No worries. Ill be down in Limerick for the GPC myself so might see you on the platform