When to Start Competing??

I’m fairly new to powerlifting style workouts, but I’m getting into it and want to get better. I’ve been thinking that it would be fun to try out a meet, but I want to know if there is a certain strength level I should be able to reach first? I’m progressing pretty quickly on linear progression, but here are my current maxes:

All approximations at the moment:

Bench: 180
squat: 275
Deadlift: 430

I might be able to lift a little more, but it probably isnt far off of what I posted at the moment. However squat is going up very quickly (it was 250 a few weeks ago)

You should compete as soon as you can. One of two things will happen:

1.) You like the sport and you choose to pursue it. You meet people with similar goals. You have the opportunity to network with these people and you’ll likely find guidance from more experienced lifters. Setting a competition date brings a certain bit of urgency and pragmatism to your training. For many it’s extra motivation to train that much harder and get that much stronger.

or

2.) You compete and you figure out you hate powerlifting. Some people don’t do well lifting in front of others. Some people like to lift weights but do not like to compete.

Either way there is no benefit to waiting.

I agree with the above. Also, meet experience is like gold. You might as well as go grab a total and put it in the bank.

alright, yeah im going to try to find a meet nearby. Do we need to declare weight classes in advance (I weight 165 but am gaining weight)? I remember it being pretty strict when I wrestled but idk if this is different?
I appreciate the help. I’m trying to learn as much as I can about powerlifting.

[quote]bbbb1234 wrote:
alright, yeah im going to try to find a meet nearby. Do we need to declare weight classes in advance (I weight 165 but am gaining weight)? I remember it being pretty strict when I wrestled but idk if this is different?
I appreciate the help. I’m trying to learn as much as I can about powerlifting. [/quote]

You show up and get weighed. That’ll determine your class.