5 Limiting Beliefs Preventing You From Doing Your First Meet
Here at Ironside, we believe that competing is a highly important and transformative experience for many individuals. From first-time beginners to World-class athletes, the sport of Powerlifting is open to all. One unique aspect of it is that there is no barrier to entry, and everyone can participate. This fact strengthens the community aspect and unites you with like-minded individuals. Competing only heightens all of these benefits- highlighting what Powerlifting is all about. Getting on that platform and becoming an official athlete is an exciting feat- and one that I advocate everyone to be a part of. However, there are a lot of misconceptions and myths about what that entails, preventing more humans from experiencing this sport. Let’s break down the truths, the lies, and the realities- so there are fewer barriers between you and that platform.
“I’m not competitive enough.”
One of the most commonly stated reasons for not competing is that one isn’t competitive enough to do so. Whether referring to a relative weight class or just an arbitrary standard of strength/ “competitiveness” in general, it misses the point of Powerlifting entirely!
Is Powerlifting a competitive sport? Yes. Are you technically up against other humans-by age, weight class, gear, etc.? Yes.
However, it’s primarily an individual sport. Powerlifting is about building the strongest version of yourself & learning what YOU’RE capable of. Especially for a first meet, the main purpose is to highlight growth and reflect on your progress.
You don’t need to set World records or win first place to be involved in the sport. Go into it ready to hit your own PRs, and do so in a competitive environment. That in and of itself is an impressive achievement. Focus on the "you vs. you" mentality. Your current state vs. where you started. Let the platform reveal all that you've built.
2. “I’m not strong enough.”
Similar to the previous reason, feeling weak or insecure about your numbers is another common reason why people don’t get into competing.
Many think there’s an arbitrary strength standard before one can “earn” the platform. It could be certain numbers or a feeling of inadequacy- strength can have many relative definitions.
On the contrary, the only barrier to entry in Competition is the ability to lift the 45-lb barbell. Many lifters can do that in their first week or month of training. So, if you can squat, bench, and deadlift the bar, you can Powerlift.
The reality is chasing an “acceptable” level of strength is a moving target and discourages you from participating. The goal in Powerlifting is to continually strive for self-improvement, not put it off until you’re “good enough.” Each meet allows you to measure your progress and reveal your strength- that’s the beauty of it. You can find lifters of all different levels and backgrounds at a local meet- and the community aspect is one of the best components. You can and should experience that, no matter how much you can squat.
3. “I don’t want to sacrifice every aspect of my life.”
We hear phrases like “no pain, no gain,” “dedication,” “obsession,” etc., all the time in sports.
While it’s true that training and pursuing athletic goals requires some sacrifice, priority, and discipline- it doesn’t need to consume your life.
As a Powerlifter, you can still enjoy other activities- such as hiking, biking, swimming-especially outside of meet prep.
You can have an off-season.
You can enjoy your favorite foods and avoid extreme or rigid dieting.
You don’t have to spend hours on end every day in the gym.
You can adapt your training to your work schedule.
You can do all of these things and still gain strength, make progress, and hit PRs.
Powerlifting is a hobby, it’s a tool for self-care and self-development, yet it allows for flexibility. It doesn’t have to be your entire life.
Building simple habits is all it takes to make gains. This can look like:
-Following a solid program with your coach
-Training 3 or 4 times a week for about an hour in duration
-Eating nutrient-dense foods often, prioritizing protein, but still including the foods you enjoy
-Getting as much sleep as you realistically can
-Staying hydrated
These are all healthy habits that EVERYONE should be doing. With Powerlifting, the training and nutrition are just more specific to your sport. Especially as a newer lifter, Powerlifting doesn’t have to consume you, and progress comes more quickly. Often as you advance, the sacrifices may increase- but the motivation of continual growth does, too.
Don’t let the idea that you can’t have a “normal human life” stop you from participating- you can do both and still be strong.
4. “I don’t want to be stared at or judged.”
This sentiment is common not only in a competition setting; but in a gym setting, too.
Gym intimidation already exists, so wouldn’t lifting on a stage with judges make things worse?
This fear is valid- some are more prone to stage fright than others, and nerves are very common on meet day. Many lifters experience it to some degree.
However, this can be made out to be worse than it is.
The idea that other lifters will be judging you is very unlikely! On the day of, you are 100% focused on yourself, as are others around you. Lifters have a clear vision: get on the platform & hit their PRs. You might get some cheers and congrats, but everyone else will be too “in the zone” to worry about what you’re doing.
There are assholes no matter where you go- I find that Powerlifting has fewer of them, and lifters tend to be extremely supportive. Making friends is almost inevitable at whatever meet you compete in. But, at the odd chance you run into a rude person who says something off-putting, do you want to let that stop you?
Would you be more proud of yourself for doing the damn thing & competing because you want to, or not doing it because you’re afraid of some random person being rude to you? Don’t let that be the reason you don’t sign up.
Also, many people watching meets are family members & friends, most of who don’t even know anything about Powerlifting. There are so many lifters going at once that no one will remember what you look like or what your last lift was.
If you go into it prepared, having spent plenty of time training to competition standards and building your strength, there's no reason to worry about something terrible happening. You don't sign up for a meet unprepared, you'll be ready for the platform, and your lifts will highlight that. Be proud of who and what you've become!
While competing can raise some anxiety, and rightfully so- there are higher standards, and it’s something new- I can tell you the experience is worth it. Doing things that scare you often leads to the most growth and fulfillment in life. And if you have a support team on the day of, you’ll feel more at ease. Once you get that first squat out of the way, the nerves will decrease. Embrace them, expect them, and do it anyways!
5. “I’m not an athlete.”
"Athlete" is a powerful descriptor. It can possess many meanings depending on the individual. The word holds weight in most people’s minds.
Maybe you’ve never been that athletic. Sports weren’t your thing, you were picked last in gym class and haven’t ever felt very “fit.”
Or maybe you used to be an all-star athlete but no longer identify with it.
Whatever it is, the term “athlete” doesn’t seem to fit you. You can’t fathom ever being considered one.
The truth is, in Powerlifting, anyone can become an athlete.
I’ve mentioned countless times that there is little barrier to entry because it’s true.
You can become an athlete with hard work, consistency, and participation in Powerlifting.
Change your definition. Question: why can’t you be an athlete?
Not good enough?
Not strong enough?
Not dedicated enough?
It’s too late in life?
Not jacked or thin enough?
Too busy to pursue it?
Powerlifting is the sport for the misfits- those who feel that they don’t belong, and haven’t been able to find a team anywhere else. It’s a diverse sport: all body shapes, ages, and genders are welcome. There’s no one “look” or “type” in Powerlifting. You don’t have to fit a mold.
Strength is a variable that anyone can build- and you can become extremely proficient with time. It’s an individual sport- your success is dependent on your consistency. You don’t need freak genetics or to be a previous high school champion to get strong. That’s one thing that sets it apart from other sports.
The little things: consistent training, proper nutrition, and sleep will get you far. You can still be a “normal human” with a career and other interests to be a successful lifter.
Once you start, you have years to continue progressing. It becomes addicting: you want to see yourself achieve more.
Powerlifting questions the definition of “athlete” itself. "Athlete" is not a body, a look, or a number. "Athlete" is a mentality and a state of being. It’s achievable if you want it badly enough.
And when you compete, you do become an official athlete. That title can encompass many different individuals.
Jumping off the deep end into a competition can be a scary feat. It’s a brand new experience full of uncharted waters. However, competing can truly revolutionize you. Embracing your strength and uncovering your potential is a life-changing opportunity- one that all should experience. The good news? Powerlifting and meet day is open to everyone: there are very few obstacles in your way. You can make it happen for yourself: don’t fall for all the myths preventing you from doing so. Get on that platform, try something you’ve never done before- I guarantee you won’t regret it.
