How much do I need to bench to show up at a competition?

[letsrun4it]

you don't understand... its like running a marathon- VERY few people are there to actually WIN it. everyone else is just there to DO it and to beat there own record.
Its like that at a powerlifting competition- you'll get cheered on nomatter what you're doing. Yeah, the biggest lifters get the big cheers, just like the winner of a marathon, but it doesn't diminish what you do, nomatter what it is.

thanks, i used to be a distance runner so i totally understand the analogy..i didnt know regular lifters showed up at competitions

 

[plifter]

thanks, i used to be a distance runner so i totally understand the analogy..i didnt know regular lifters showed up at competitions

Local and state level contests draw lifters of a wide range of strength and experience. National and world level meets usually have a minimum qualifying total but most contests have beginners to experienced veterans. It's great because you show up with a goal of lifting a certain amount of weight as opposed to a goal of "beating" an opponent. The weight is your opponent.

 

[TheProject]

you don't understand... its like running a marathon- VERY few people are there to actually WIN it. everyone else is just there to DO it and to beat there own record.
Its like that at a powerlifting competition- you'll get cheered on nomatter what you're doing. Yeah, the biggest lifters get the big cheers, just like the winner of a marathon, but it doesn't diminish what you do, nomatter what it is.

stilleto's right. I think I benched 225 my first meet in the 198lb class.

When I first started lifting, I didn't want to compete until my total was over 1000lbs...had I done that, I wouldn't have even done a meet for a couple of years.

Just register and do it. It's a hell of a lot of fun. I know I miss it on occasion.

 

[jimm]

You Are from Seattle, Washington, correct? if so then check out these sites;

http://www.washingtonapf.com/events.html
http://www.nwusapl.com/wa/index.html

And keep your eyes open for listings in the magazines and other websites for local meets. The APC is working its way over to Washington also.

Good luck and most of all have fun, that is why we do this.

Be strong and safe
JIMM

 

[Scotsman]

stilleto's right. I think I benched 225 my first meet in the 198lb class.

When I first started lifting, I didn't want to compete until my total was over 1000lbs...had I done that, I wouldn't have even done a meet for a couple of years.

Just register and do it. It's a hell of a lot of fun. I know I miss it on occasion.

Don't you mean you never would have competed.

Competing is a hell of a lot of fun, you learn a ton and usually meet great people.

Cheers,
Scotsman

 

[plifter]

As I've always said, the only competition is between you and the bar and you get to decide how much weight is on the bar. Set your goal for a weight that you want to lift and then go for it. There's no shame if you miss it. The best advice I have for newbies is to pick an opening weight that you can lift easily, especially on the squat. Squatting with 3 judges is different from doing it in the gym. Make sure you read up on the federation's rules. It varies a bit from one lifting organization to another. If you become familiar with them well in advance of the meet you will be much better prepared. My first meet wasn't so great for me because I didn't know you were required to wear a one piece singlet on the bench. I didn't have a singlet and couldn't find anyone with a spare. I ended up benching in my squat suit. That doesn't work too well as the straps on the suit held my shoulders back.

 

[TheProject]

Don't you mean you never would have competed.

Competing is a hell of a lot of fun, you learn a ton and usually meet great people.

Cheers,
Scotsman

Nah, I broke 1000 at my last meet.

 

[Scotsman]

Nah, I broke 1000 at my last meet.

Grams don't count my man.

Cheers,
Scotsman

 

[Earth]

Lol

 

[niasdaddy2005]

Lol

I agree with the above statements, but would also like to know what a competitive bench would be in the 165 lb class. If anyone has this info or any recent event results at 165lbs please post, Thanks.