upcoming meet-any hints?

[MidwestJ]

2 weeks from yesterday I'll be competing in a bench meet here in Missouri and this will be the first big meet I've ever been to. I've done a few in High School but I believe that this will be a little bit bigger than those.

I'm looking for any hints or things to remember for the meet; any tricks you all do or things you all take with you etc etc to compete. 1 guy is for sure goin and I'm tryin to get another to go for support/video recording etc.

Thanks

 

[solidj55]

A good nights sleep the night before, a good meal thats not too heavy but will keep you running throught the meet(assuming youve already made weight), bring your bench press shirt, baby powder, chalk for your hands, and a little ephedrine and caffiene never hurt anyone either.

 

[Arioch]

Do you have access to an experienced powerlifter/referee?

In my experience, what gets passed at high school meets would not be allowed in the warm-up area of a regulation meet. So having someone with real competitive experience is definitely a must.

Do not make radical alterations to your diet late in the game, it will just screw you up. Make sure the food you pack (never count on anyone else to bring anything, that way you are always prepared) is food that you can digest easily, even if it means you are eating baby food and drinking pedialyte.

See if you can check out the meet site before hand. You usually wind up lifting in one of two conditions: #1, antarctic, #2, death valley in a monsoon. Prepare accordingly, such as sweats, extra water, water soluble vitamins, etc.

 

[MidwestJ]

thanks for the info. The meet is all raw; it doesn't allow bench shirts...so I'm gonna wear a long john shirt that's skin tight to keep me warm and tight. They don't even allow wrist wraps either.

Unfortunately I don't know anybody experienced in this format of competition so that' out.

But I appreciate the feedback. All other opinions welcome

 

[CytoMel]

Make sure to bring one of those gallon sized jugs of water-you will need it. Try to scout out the bench and if you have short legs try to get a few plates under your feet when you go. make sure not to rush your attempt too fast and make sure the hand spacing is correct before the liftoff (I messed this up one contest). Make sure you have clean teeth for your winning smile when you get those pics taken

 

[barbell265]

Points to remember; 1) Get a good nights sleep! 2) eat a good balanced breakfeast! 3) Open low to build confidence and get the feel for the bench, especially if you have never benched on it before, very important! 4) stay focused from the time you sit until the time you stand up! Hand placing, grip, sweet spot and press to lock out.

I got planted at my first ever meet cuz I was overconfident; didn't practice enuf with my shirt, didn't sleep well, didn't eat well and missed my sweet spot. If you miss your first attempt it is very difficult to stay focused and strong for a second or third attempt. IMO