Casual PL meets

[Enderunicorn]

I was wondering if anyone knew of any powerlifting meets that were v much more for less competitive beginner types just fun supportive type ones for people who enjoy powerlifting. I've been lifting around 5 years and I'll never be competing at high level but like the idea of trying some meets.

I’ve competed (only the once although plan to do so again) and been to two other meets (to support others).

All the meets I have been to were completely beginner-friendly. I have seen some meets aimed at novices advertised but I do not think you need one of those particularly. A regular local meet should be alright.

Do you have a coach or are you connected to a club? Because there are some meet-specific rules you need to follow. It’s extremely helpful to have someone there on the day with you to support you with various practical aspects of competing.

No club or coach. I know there are v specific rules around how you hit the lifts and some may have restrictions on what shoes/straps etc you use. I'd probably have my husband there as he's been lifting a lot longer than me although no interest in competing.

Mine was a divisional novice British powerlifting competition. Super friendly and supportive. Some people might have been more competitive but plenty were just in it to have fun and beat themselves. I've heard the same from others re divisional comps being super friendly and supportive. They're run to IPF rules which you can see online.

Local powerlifting gyms also sometimes have comps. They're not always run to IPF standards.

You can find your division if you look on British powerlifting website. I know about gym ones from Instagram and just knowing people who might mention it.

There's also British powerlifting union who have a tested bit and an untested bit. I don't know much about their comps. They have their own world champs etc I believe but the level seemed to be lower when I looked. They also have more local comps that I get the impression are smaller but I don't really know.

But don't be afraid of a British powerlifting divisional competition. They're really for everyone, you don't have to be super competitive (or you can be if you want).

What a brilliant question. I too would love to dip my toe in the water somehow but i have absolutely no one to talk to about it. I'm not part of a gym and dont have a PT. How do you get into it, just turn up and take part?

Do it!

Search on British powerlifting for your division - they're regions. They will have a list of comps and how to enter. You'd need to be a British powerlifting member.

See if there's a Facebook group for your division as then you can meet the lovely welcoming people.

At comp lots of people have what's called a handler, who helps you submit lift attempts, warm up, gets you to the right place at the right time etc. People will offer to do that for you if you're new and they see you don't know what's going on. They might offer in advance on the Facebook group. Don't be afraid to ask people for help. Most powerlifters I've met are passionate about it and want to help newer lifters (see how quick I've responded as evidence!)

Lifts need to be to comp standard. This means following the commands. Squatting to depth. Pausing the bar in your chest on bench. Locking out on all your lifts. Wearing an approved singlet, T-shirt and socks. There's videos on YouTube that talk you through this plus what to expect on comp day. (I can dig some stuff out when I'm not meant to be working)

If you can afford it you could get an online (or real life) powerlifting coach. They can help with all this stuff and will make a big difference but not everyone has one.

Comps in gyms are less formal but I don't know how you find them other than finding the powerlifting gyms in your area and asking around. There's no list I know of.

Comps are often live-streamed on YouTube so you can watch what they look like there. Search for your division on YouTube.

Happy to answer anything else!