First time Powerlifters

[BendtheBar]

There may be numerous "class" choices for you to choose from.

If you are a Master you can compete in open.
If you are a natural lifter you could compete in tested or untested.
You could even do bench only, deadlift only, or bench and deadlift (push pull) depending on the meet.

You can only enter one class, so think it over wisely. If the meet takes place over 2 days, it can be fun as a Master to compete with the younger guys - more energy and competition. So don't rule that out.

[LtL]

Originally Posted by BendtheBar

Stay off your feet as much as possible and relax in between lifts. It's a long day. If you stand all day your back might hate you n that 2nd or 3rd deadlift attempt.

Also try to relax your mind inbetween attempts as well. You will use a lot of adrenaline over the course of the day. Save as much as you can for lifting and keep nervous energy to a minimum.

[BendtheBar]

Don't worry about "making a weight" for your first meet.

Just compete for the experience. If you like it, zero in on a weight class next time.

[J_Byrd]

While the meet is transitioning between lifts, find a place to get off your feet. If possible, I try to take a small 20 minute nap.

[bruteforce]

Do you eat between events? How much and what?

[LtL]

Eat foods that you normally eat. Some people don't eat at all. Some eat lots. The mistake people make is consuming foods that they don't normally and making themselves sick. For this weekend I will be eating a fair amount of food first thing in the morning to help get my weight back up after weigh-ins but I will then snack on things like tuna mayo rolls, oreos and crisps throughout the day whilst sipping BCAAs and Gatorade. Hopefully I don't puke but I'm not making any promises

[DieselWeasel]

Be conservative with your attempts, especially if it's your first or second meet. Have a good idea of your capabilities, using what you've done in the gym as a way to choose attempts, not some unreasonable numbers with no basis in reality. Open light, with a weight that you can triple, for all three lifts. Believe in yourself. Remove all self-doubt. Have fun.

[Bodybygamma]

Lift some weights, learn some lessons. Powerlifting is just 3 attempts for 3 lifts nothing more. Don't mentally defeat yourself. Open up with something you can lift and take it from there. I did my first powerlifting meet a week after my 3rd strongman meet. The more meets you do the better you get. Learn from your mistakes, watch everyone and learn from there triumphs and mistakes as well.

[Bodybygamma]

Wilks Calculator - Calculate wilks points in kg or lbs

[SCStrong]

What would a typical meet look like from a competitor's stand point? ( A day in the life of view, so to speak).