how much do I need to lift to be able to compete?

[circusgirl]

Yes, yet another thread from me but - I'm curious to know as to what my totals should be before I start entering competitions.

Not to expect to win, but just to not look silly.

My totals so far are quite low compared to other folks on here - DL 95kg (c. 210lbs), SQ 62.5kg (c. 130lbs) and Bench c. 45-50kg (not sure) (c. 100-110lbs). BW - 67kg or so, so in the 60-67.5kg category (147lbs).

I know my bench is pretty weak, so obviously I'm working on it as hard as I can.

I've found it hard to find complete records of all competitors in meets with the results on-line, I jsut keep running into records of 160kg benches set by scary Russian broads

I'm thinking that I should, given that EVENTUALLY I'd like to win stuff, enter as soon as possible for something so that I'd get experience in handling meet nerves etc (used to cause a lot of extra fatigue in the ring in martial arts tournaments, for example).

Advice folks? I would hate to lift 100kg less than the next placed lady though!


Oooh and some good news - I have finally tracked down the University's Weightlifting Club. They are giving me an induction on Wednesday - there is a special gym in the sports centre to which club members only are allowed a key. Serious lifters only need apply. They want to show me how to do the OL lifts, they were really keen when they heard I was interested in lifting specifically, as most of their members are lifting for strength for other sports. They know about Westside style training, and were cool with the idea of me using that system. Can hardly weight I mean wait..... Hopefully I can store boards, box etc in there and not carry them around....

 

[DBCooper]

Well first, don't worry about setting records your first meet, go for the experience. Alot of meets barely have any women lifting at all. Once you get your lifts going just go for pr's at the meet esp the total that's what it is about. Start with a Yugo and train to be a Rolls Royce. Hope you have fun in the process.

 

[Priscilla]

Jump IN!

Just jump right in there and let it fly is my recommendation. You never know where you may fall among the competition until you try it. PLUS, getting to a meet and on the platform, well it seems that with all the adrenalin, your lifts always seem to be that much better.

Good luck!

Priscilla
www.littlepowerhouse.com

 

[TheProject]

I went through the same thought process. I'd been waffling on competing, simply because my total's pretty low. I had originally set a goal for myself of breaking Class 4 before I compete, but everyone I ask tells me the same thing: ignore your total, and go compete.

 

[spatts]

Yep. My original goal was to hit Elite by December 1 (1053lbs @181). The chances of that happening are pretty slim, but that doesn't mean I'm not going to compete. I need the experience, and I will always do the best I can no matter what the total is. I'll be lucky to crack 1000, but what I will gain from just having done it will help exponentially in future meets.

 

[Deciever1]

the total you need to compete is 135 lbs..

45 for the squat, 45 for the bench, 45 for the deadlift..

who cares what your total is, just compete

 

[Hannibal]

As Doc Holiday once said in Tombstone..."My hypocrisy know no bounds."

Get out there and compete. Go for the experience. Go to learn where your lifts need work. Just go. I did the same thing...wanted to wait until I was "strong enough". You never will be strong enough. Also worrying about being embarrassed is wasted energy. Once you learn about the powerlifting community...you will know that your competitors are more likely to cheer you on than to cheer your failure. There is a camaraderie in Powerlifting that is rarely found in any competitive sport.

It may be some time before you are "competitive", but it is never to early to compete. In the end, the only person you truly compete with is yourself.

 

[circusgirl]

Thanks for the encouragement folks!

 

[WalkingBeast]

Hi Im new to this board and to powerlifting in general. But I wanted to thank everyone for giving me alot of incentive to start powerlifting. Ive always been about gaining size, more of a bodybuilding mentality, but strength has always been my best attribute. Reading these posts has inspired me to change things in my routine. Im 5'8 185-190lbs (pic in profile) with a 350 bench,465lb deadlift and unsure of squat since I never really do them, think Im going to start though,also Ive done 495lbs on the deadlift when taking the bar off the rack hitting the floor and coming back up (not the same though) and a 545lb hack lift off the floor. Impressive strength guys thanX again

Beast

 

[MULE1]

Go and Have FUN!!!!