Your first powerlifting meet: what to expect

Your first meet is less about the numbers and more about getting comfortable with how the day runs. Here is what happens, in order.

Weigh-in

Usually two hours before lifting starts. Bring your ID and federation membership. You will also declare your opening attempts here.

Choosing openers

Pick an opener you could triple on a bad day. A confident first lift sets up the rest of the meet; a missed opener puts you under pressure immediately.

Commands

Each lift has referee commands: "Squat" and "Rack" for the squat; "Start", "Press" and "Rack" for the bench; "Down" for the deadlift. Practise them in training for a few weeks before the meet.

Warm-ups

Time your warm-ups so your last one finishes about two attempts before you are called. Your coach plans this — in the SLF app it is in meet day mode.