If you want to wait and get 5 or 10 lbs on your lifts thats no big deal. But like everyone else is saying, it doesnt matter, go and have fun.
[quote]OBoile wrote:
[quote]MementoMori wrote:
Good question, lately I’ve been wondering the same thing.
My raw numbers are
Squat 385
Deadlift 425 approx without wraps
Bench 225
I’m 6’0 185, would probably drop a few pounds to get down a weight class
Objectively speaking what do you guys think are good lifts ratio to bodyweight wise to be competitive at a novice comp as the OP asked? The benefits of learning and finding friends aside (though I’m sure these make it very worthwhile.)[/quote]
You’re stronger than I was when I did my first contest (330 squat, 248 bench and 407 deadlift). If you’re anywhere near St. Catherines, you should come out and watch some of the Provincial Championships this weekend. Details can be found here:
www.ontariopowerlifting.org
[/quote]
I’m in Ottawa unfortunately. But I’m sure I can find some useful information on that website anyway. Maybe I will compete this summer. You guys are doing a good job of selling the concept.
How did you place?
Go. go and lift, and have a blast. Best time in the world. Do a really low key local meet. Those are the best.
numbers only count to the people under the bar.
If you have the interest I say go for it. In my experience, most powerlifters are just glad to see more people competing regardless of how well they do. It’s the same with olympic lifting too here, people are usually very welcoming to beginners. I think it’s really the same in most relatively small sports, my ex played rugby (very small sport over here) and when I went to a few games with her people left and right were trying to convince me to start playing.
Besides, there’s no better way to learn than to actually compete. Chances are it will make you grow both as a lifter and a person.
Good luck.
[quote]maraudermeat wrote:
i really wish people would get out of this mindset of “am i strong enough to compete” and “will i be competitive”. If your competing to beat other people, you have the wrong mindset IMO. powerlifting is about lifting more weight than you did at your last meet or setting a bigger total. . [/quote]
YES couldnt have said it better.
you are never not strong enough to compete.
Picking brains is always ood at meets too
helped me out alot
DO IT
EliteFTS.com - Donnie Thompson on When to Compete
Reading these numbers makes me feel better(not trying to b a dick). I now know that being 5’11’’ at 174 with numbers as follows:
bench:275
Squat:290
DL:455
Arent so bad.
Go for it guys, new experiences will not only make u a beter lifter…but a better person all together
do it. you might just meet some guys you can start training with on occasion and learn more/get stronger. a lot of powerlifters are more then happy to have beginners come train with them. It’s all about giving back…
Here’s the website for the SoCal meet in Santa Clarita described above. I’ll be competing for the first time in 25+ years.
Also, I agree with Marauder’s philosophy. Always “compete” against your previous best lifts, not others. The competition serves as a motivator and, for me at least, to enforce discipline. It’s also a great way to meet other lifters.
[quote]MementoMori wrote:
[quote]OBoile wrote:
[quote]MementoMori wrote:
Good question, lately I’ve been wondering the same thing.
My raw numbers are
Squat 385
Deadlift 425 approx without wraps
Bench 225
I’m 6’0 185, would probably drop a few pounds to get down a weight class
Objectively speaking what do you guys think are good lifts ratio to bodyweight wise to be competitive at a novice comp as the OP asked? The benefits of learning and finding friends aside (though I’m sure these make it very worthwhile.)[/quote]
You’re stronger than I was when I did my first contest (330 squat, 248 bench and 407 deadlift). If you’re anywhere near St. Catherines, you should come out and watch some of the Provincial Championships this weekend. Details can be found here:
www.ontariopowerlifting.org
[/quote]
I’m in Ottawa unfortunately. But I’m sure I can find some useful information on that website anyway. Maybe I will compete this summer. You guys are doing a good job of selling the concept.
How did you place?[/quote]
I was 4th out of 5 in that contest for the 82.5 weight class (I weighed ~77kg, so I was at the light end of the class).
Lifted in gear a few months later and got 3rd out of 6 (I think it was 6 anyway). I did 412, 275 (actually less than my raw bench now - I suck with the shirt, and 424 in that contest.
However, neither of the meets was particularly high level as the first was close to nationals (so many of the good lifters go there) and the second was clost to provincials (which again, takes many of the good lifters).
That being said, there were several guys worse than me so it wasn’t like I didn’t belong.
Ottawa has a couple of good PL teams (listed on the web site), and there is a meet there every year. You should give them a call. In general, people are pretty friendly and encouraging in the sport.
@ OP: I live in the Southern California area. Which county are we talking about? It’s a relatively large state, but I’m always down to meet a fellow PL rookie(I just had my first meet last month).
Thanks again for all the input! I never had the intention of competing to win anything…rather to test myself and see what kind of numbers I can put up and hopefully set some PRs. I’ll start looking for a meet and get myself signed up ASAP!
BTW Im in San Diego
[quote]GymJones wrote:
BTW Im in San Diego[/quote]
Fancy that, Im in San Diego also. A bunch of us train at a gym out here called San Diego barbell www.kegricebarbell.com
Its a great club with a bunch of good guys. Check it out sometime!
I’d echo what others are saying here. Don’t worry about how strong you are. I have my first powerlifting competition tomorrow actually! Getting nervous now but im not worried about anyone elses strength levels. I’m going in to have fun and hopefully do my best.
I can’t remember your stats off-hand now but im pretty sure your stronger than i am! I’ll post back with some feedback after it if you’d like.
[quote]Maximum Bro wrote:
[quote]GymJones wrote:
BTW Im in San Diego[/quote]
Fancy that, Im in San Diego also. A bunch of us train at a gym out here called San Diego barbell www.kegricebarbell.com
Its a great club with a bunch of good guys. Check it out sometime![/quote]
I’m also in San Diego. Thanks for the info on San Diego Barbell. I’m in North County so it’s a bit far away to join but could be a good place to drop in now and then for inspiration.
BTW, the Cal State Games will be held in July right in San Diego. Check the website.
Well we’re gonna be in for ME squat Saturday at 10am, so if you wanna drop by feel free!
[quote]OBoile wrote:
[quote]MementoMori wrote:
Good question, lately I’ve been wondering the same thing.
My raw numbers are
Squat 385
Deadlift 425 approx without wraps
Bench 225
I’m 6’0 185, would probably drop a few pounds to get down a weight class
Objectively speaking what do you guys think are good lifts ratio to bodyweight wise to be competitive at a novice comp as the OP asked? The benefits of learning and finding friends aside (though I’m sure these make it very worthwhile.)[/quote]
You’re stronger than I was when I did my first contest (330 squat, 248 bench and 407 deadlift). If you’re anywhere near St. Catherines, you should come out and watch some of the Provincial Championships this weekend. Details can be found here:
www.ontariopowerlifting.org
[/quote]
Ill be at that meet watching one of the masters II guys I train with beat the current bench record. I’m not going to compete, but it will be the first meet that I come and watch to see what it’s like.
[quote]schultzie wrote:
[quote]OBoile wrote:
[quote]MementoMori wrote:
Good question, lately I’ve been wondering the same thing.
My raw numbers are
Squat 385
Deadlift 425 approx without wraps
Bench 225
I’m 6’0 185, would probably drop a few pounds to get down a weight class
Objectively speaking what do you guys think are good lifts ratio to bodyweight wise to be competitive at a novice comp as the OP asked? The benefits of learning and finding friends aside (though I’m sure these make it very worthwhile.)[/quote]
You’re stronger than I was when I did my first contest (330 squat, 248 bench and 407 deadlift). If you’re anywhere near St. Catherines, you should come out and watch some of the Provincial Championships this weekend. Details can be found here:
www.ontariopowerlifting.org
[/quote]
Ill be at that meet watching one of the masters II guys I train with beat the current bench record. I’m not going to compete, but it will be the first meet that I come and watch to see what it’s like.
[/quote]
Damn schultzie, I didn’t know you were there. I was there Saturday for about half the day helping out in the warm-up room loading bars and crap. Are you going to compete this year? You’re with Golden Triangle now aren’t you?
MementoMori, if you’re in Ottawa, then there is currently a bench only meet scheduled for March 27th and a 3 lift scheduled for July 17, both in Ottawa (these are tentative). I’d expect the OPA website linked earlier to post all the Ontario meets within the next couple weeks.
Myself, I’m planning on competing in April (St. Thomas), May 15 (London, ON) and August 3rd weekend (St. Catherines).
OBoile, when are you competing again?
[/quote]
Damn schultzie, I didn’t know you were there. I was there Saturday for about half the day helping out in the warm-up room loading bars and crap. Are you going to compete this year? You’re with Golden Triangle now aren’t you?
MementoMori, if you’re in Ottawa, then there is currently a bench only meet scheduled for March 27th and a 3 lift scheduled for July 17, both in Ottawa (these are tentative). I’d expect the OPA website linked earlier to post all the Ontario meets within the next couple weeks.
Myself, I’m planning on competing in April (St. Thomas), May 15 (London, ON) and August 3rd weekend (St. Catherines).
OBoile, when are you competing again?[/quote]
Yea I was just looking at the website today. Currently they don’t have those competitions up as far as I could tell. I wouldn’t do a bench only contest (as this would be a surefire trip to last place) but a 3 lift competition is exactly what I want. I’d already decided that summer would be the best time to pursue this. So if I am still living in Ottawa (moved away past summer) I will definately see what I can do about joining this contest.
Every competition I’ve seen (havent been seeking out elite ones though) for my weight class in the general area I would place somewhere in the middle of the pack, which would thrill me. This of course is based on the assumption that I put up lifts anywhere near my gym maxes and that my form is as acceptable as I’d like to think it is!
[quote]Ruggerlife wrote:
[quote]schultzie wrote:
[quote]OBoile wrote:
[quote]MementoMori wrote:
Good question, lately I’ve been wondering the same thing.
My raw numbers are
Squat 385
Deadlift 425 approx without wraps
Bench 225
I’m 6’0 185, would probably drop a few pounds to get down a weight class
Objectively speaking what do you guys think are good lifts ratio to bodyweight wise to be competitive at a novice comp as the OP asked? The benefits of learning and finding friends aside (though I’m sure these make it very worthwhile.)[/quote]
You’re stronger than I was when I did my first contest (330 squat, 248 bench and 407 deadlift). If you’re anywhere near St. Catherines, you should come out and watch some of the Provincial Championships this weekend. Details can be found here:
www.ontariopowerlifting.org
[/quote]
Ill be at that meet watching one of the masters II guys I train with beat the current bench record. I’m not going to compete, but it will be the first meet that I come and watch to see what it’s like.
[/quote]
Damn schultzie, I didn’t know you were there. I was there Saturday for about half the day helping out in the warm-up room loading bars and crap. Are you going to compete this year? You’re with Golden Triangle now aren’t you?
MementoMori, if you’re in Ottawa, then there is currently a bench only meet scheduled for March 27th and a 3 lift scheduled for July 17, both in Ottawa (these are tentative). I’d expect the OPA website linked earlier to post all the Ontario meets within the next couple weeks.
Myself, I’m planning on competing in April (St. Thomas), May 15 (London, ON) and August 3rd weekend (St. Catherines).
OBoile, when are you competing again?[/quote]
I’m not sure. Likely either London (which is where my family is) or Ottawa. My wife will be lifting in Ottawa at the RAW meet (not posted on the OPA site, but Barry is planning to run one as a qualifier for the Arnold’s) so that may make the most sense, but I’d like to lift in London I think.
I was helping out with the Provincials, and I think that any meet put on by the Niagara guys is a good choice to compete in. They run a tight ship.