Let’s face it, if you’re serious about powerlifting, you’ve undoubtedly had the thought, “I should test this at an actual competition,” when staring at your deadlift PR in the gym. Then it dawns on me: Where in the world can I locate a powerlifting tournament in my area? I’ve been there. I searched through countless Facebook groups and forums for three weeks last year. It took that long before discovering a meet that was three hours away and already packed. A complete waste of time. Therefore, I thought I would create the guide I wish I had—no technical terms, just practical advice that average lifters like us can use.
First Off: Stop Scrolling Blind—Use These Tools to Find a Powerlifting Competition Near Me
For this, you don’t have to be an expert in technology. You just need to know where to look to discover the finest places to find local meetings.
Let’s start with Powerlifting Watch. For lifters searching for meets, this website is comparable to the Bible. It will list all of the upcoming meets in your area if you just enter your zip code and choose a radius. (I generally choose 100 miles because nobody wants to drive six hours for a 10-minute competition). It even provides you with the name of the organizer, the cost of admission, and if there are still openings. A “beginner friendly” statement was included in the description of the tiny meet I found last month in Indianapolis. It is 45 minutes from my flat. Excellent.
Next up is Meetup. Yes, I am aware that Meetup is used for purposes other than book clubs; it is frequently used by local powerlifting groups to advertise meets. You may definitely discover a group run by lifters who post about forthcoming contests if you search for “powerlifting” or “strength sports” in your area. I joined one last year. The administrator saved me a ton of time by sending out a weekly email with meet information.
Additionally, avoid falling off on Instagram. Follow nearby gyms and lifting coaches or use hashtags like #PowerliftingCompetition[YourCity] (mine is #PowerliftingCompetitionChicago). Many smaller meets aren’t featured on major websites, yet coaches will provide information about them in their stories. Just following his trainer, my friend Jake discovered a meet at a crossfit club last month. It turned out that there were only 20 spots available, so he joined before it filled up.
Why Your Local Gym Might Be the Best Kept Secret for Competitions
Here’s a pro tip: Stop asking Google and start asking the people at your gym. Most gyms (especially the ones that focus on strength training) have connections to local meet organizers.
Last spring, I was complaining to my gym’s head coach about not finding a meet. “We host one every three months—you just never asked,” he replied, laughing. It turns out that a minor, low-pressure competition for beginners is held at his gym. It’s in partnership with a powerlifting organization in the area. It was perfect; there were no big crowds and just other lifters from nearby gyms.The atmosphere was laid back. Because I wasn’t under any stress, I managed to set my own record on the bench press there.
Ask your fellow lifters if your gym does not host meets. That man who always does deadlifts at six in the morning? Within two hours, he most likely knows every meeting. My gym’s lifters have given me advice and informed me about “underground” meetings. They are even more relaxed and small, unlisted events. In the lifting community, karma goes a long way. Be sure to ask politely and perhaps offer to spot them the next time.
Prepping for That “Powerlifting Competition Near Me”—Don’t Drop the Ball Here
Don’t just show up at a meet without any preparation. Here are some tips to help you avoid appearing inexperienced:
Examine the weight divisions first. You must determine where you fit in because each meet has distinct classifications (e.g., 181 lbs, 198 lbs, etc.). If this isn’t listed on most websites, send an email to the organizer. They will be pleased to assist you. It was cruel that I had to drop water weight overnight since I made the mistake of not checking once and showing up five pounds over my class. It’s not worth it.
Second, be aware of the equipment regulations. Some competitions allow you to wear wrist wraps and a lifting belt, while others are “raw,” meaning you only need a singlet. Once more, the meet page generally has this information, but if not, inquire. When you arrive with your favorite belt, you don’t want to discover that you can’t use it.
Additionally, utilize it to prepare if you’re interested in velocity-based training, or VBT, as you should be. Six weeks prior to my most recent meet, I began using a VBT sensor to measure bar speed. Instead than just lifting big weights every day, I adjusted my workouts based on how fast the bar was going. I thought I was overtraining, so whenever my speed dropped, I took a day off. Because that kept me fresh for the competition, I ended up PR-ing on all three lifts.Believe me, VBT is a game-changer for everyone preparing for a meet and isn’t only for pros.
Locate That Meeting!
Finding a powerlifting competition in your area is ultimately not difficult; all you need to do is know where to seek. Ask questions, connect with your gym staff, and use Powerlifting Watch. You might be surprised to learn how accepting the lifting community is; most lifters want you to succeed, not criticize you.
I vividly recall my first meet: the entire room roared when I completed my final deadlift, despite my extreme nervousness. That sensation? It’s far superior to any gym PR. Go ahead and crush those lifts by searching instead of scrolling. You underestimate how close your first competition is.
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