Hey guys,
Anyone ever do a USPA meet? How was it? What was your experience with them?
I haven’t done a meet since 2019. Had one lined up in 2020 and the world’s reaction to COVID ruined that. Then I had a glute injury, mental breakdown(1/2 joking) and general life stuff push training back on the importance meter. It’s the usual story, kids, work blah blah blah. Anyway I see a meet close by at the beginning of December. I’m a little worried about going full meet. I haven’t squatted more that 225 in the past 3 years. Push/Pull is an option.
USPA entry and membership are a bit pricey, but I get it. I just got spoiled doing those Albany Strength backyard meets. I’m not looking to qualify for anything, just want to push myself and get back on the platform.
So, long winded but is a USPA meet generally suited for a dad trying to hang on to his youth and put some numbers back up?
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Screw it, I’m in the meet. I’ll let you guys know how it goes.
I’m really nervous about my squat. I’ve always improved my numbers with each meet, but this time I’m going to have to be realistic and probably not hit a PR. 12 weeks to train, we’ll see how it goes.
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I did one like 7 years ago. Huge range of competitors, from complete newbs to yoked out monsters. It was a 24 hour weigh-in, in my hometown which was awesome. Not because I did some crazy cut, but because there was no massive delay on the comp morning (which happened both times I did USAPL).
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Just wanted to report back, the meet was yesterday.
Overall is was a great day. The meet was well organized and ran smoothly. The meet director and everyone that was working (loaders, spotters, judges etc) did a great job.
Good mix of ages and experience. Out of 38 lifters there were about 10 competing for the first time, so you had a good bit of red lights for missing commands which is pretty standard.
The judging was very strict, but consistent. Squat depth was always legit as was having control of the bar after the lift. Pauses on the bench are very deliberate and they actually wait for the bar to become motionless, no touch and go “press” commands.
I’ll definitely do another USPA meet when I see one nearby. Good, professional people. Thank you.
On a personal note I did what I set out to do, but was a little annoyed with myself. I was too conservative with my weight selections, especially in the squat. Training went well, but the glute injury had me second guessing myself. After my third squat attempt I new I should have slapped another 40lbs on the bar. Bench I had a little more, and honestly may have been able to deadlift a small PR if I went for it. But, I got back on the platform after injury and a long time gone, so mission accomplished.
314, 226, 485. Total 1025 @ 196
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+90 pounds in 3 months on the Squat Comeback, with no set backs or re-injury. Nice Work! It’s normal to always want a little more, but that’s Good.
What’s next? Returning to “normal” training, or prepping and doing another meet soon to get those pounds here and there that you may have left on the platform?
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Thanks man. I intended to lean out and get back into cardio but I had so much fun and felt like I had more in the tank so I’ll be looking for a meet early summer.
I need to focus on building my legs for a while. They’re definitely a weak point. I can afford to take some focus off deadlifting. Its always been a strong point and on meet day i feel like i can pull whatever i want. A lot of front squats in the months ahead. Maybe I’ll get a gym membership for the leg press.
Bench needs work too (god I suck at benching). I’m going very triceps heavy with the training for the next few months.
So it’ll be “bodybuilding” my weak points for a while until I see a meet close by.
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