Powerlifting Competitions—A Confidence Builder for Every Lifter
Powerlifting competitions are beneficial to help keep your focus to keep improving.
Introduction: More Than Just Lifting Heavy Things
Imagine this: the chalk dust settles in the air as your name echoes through the gym. The crowd claps in anticipation. You approach the barbell, heart pounding, adrenaline rushing, and for a brief moment, it’s just you and the iron. The weight might be heavy, but so is your determination. This isn’t just about lifting; it’s about transformation.
Powerlifting isn’t reserved for seasoned lifters. It’s a platform for anyone—yes, anyone—who’s ready to test their limits, face their fears, and build confidence along the way.
If you’ve ever wondered whether competing in a powerlifting meet is for you, the short answer is: it might be the best decision you ever make for your personal growth. Let’s break it down.
Why Powerlifting Competitions Are About More Than Strength
Powerlifting competitions are often seen as exclusive arenas where only the strongest athletes belong. But the truth is far more inclusive. These events celebrate progress over perfection and grit over glory.
1. You Step Out of Your Comfort Zone
Let’s be real—few things are as terrifying as performing in front of an audience. But that’s precisely why it’s so transformative.
Competing puts you in an environment where you can’t hide from your doubts.
It challenges you to embrace the butterflies in your stomach and channel them into focused energy.
Stepping onto the platform isn’t about beating others; it’s about beating your own inner critic. And there’s something wildly liberating about that.
2. You Learn to Focus Under Pressure
Imagine this: You’re standing on the platform, and the judge shouts, “Squat!” Your brain is screaming, “What if I mess up?” But your body? It’s laser-focused.
Powerlifting teaches you to thrive in high-pressure situations:
You learn to control your breathing, align your movements, and execute despite the noise around you.
That mental toughness? It carries over into every aspect of life—whether it’s nailing a presentation at work or staying calm during life’s unexpected curveballs.
Addressing the Big Fears
Let’s tackle the elephant in the room—those gnawing doubts that hold you back.
Fear of Failure
“I’ll embarrass myself if I miss a lift.”
Newsflash: Everyone misses lifts. Even the pros.
Powerlifting meets are about testing your limits, not achieving perfection. The real success lies in showing up and giving it your all.
Think of failure as a rite of passage. Each missed lift is a stepping stone to your next personal best.
Fear of Judgment
“What if everyone is watching and thinking I don’t belong here?”
Powerlifting meets are some of the most supportive environments you’ll ever experience.
Whether you’re lifting the barbell or breaking records, the crowd will cheer for you like you’re the hero of an underdog movie.
The truth? Most people are too focused on their own lifts to judge yours.
Why Competing Builds Confidence
The barbell doesn’t lie. It doesn’t care about your insecurities or your excuses. What it does is reveal your strength—both physical and mental.
1. It Redefines What You’re Capable Of
You’ll leave the meet with a new sense of what’s possible.
That first-time competitor who doubted their abilities? They walk away with a newfound respect for themselves.
2. It Teaches You to Embrace the Journey
Powerlifting competitions aren’t about the weight on the bar—they’re about the weight you carry within yourself and how you choose to handle it.
The confidence you gain is less about lifting and more about realizing that you can face challenges head-on and come out stronger.
Competing builds confidence.
We’ll take you through all the steps to prep for your first meet - and be with you through the whole process.
Your First Steps Toward the Platform
Ready to take the plunge? Here’s how to get started:
Attend a Meet: See what it’s all about before signing up. Watch, learn, and soak in the energy.
Start Practicing Commands: Get comfortable with the meet-specific rules and movements.
Get Familiar with Movement Standards: Make sure you are squatting to depth, doing paused bench presses, and locking our your deadlifts for example.
Join a Supportive Community: Connect with other lifters and coaches who can guide you and cheer you on - like our Powerlifting Team at Thunder and Lightning Athletic Club.
Get all your Paperwork in Order: You will need a membership, a drug certificate, etc. in order to register for your first meet.
Get your Equipment: You will need to make sure your equipment is on the approved list of the federation you are lifting under. This includes socks, shoes, belt, wrist wraps, knee sleeves, singlets, shirt under singlet, etc.
Register for a Meet: Find upcoming meets and make sure you register on the registration day - they tend to fill up fast.
Remember, it’s not about being “ready.” It’s about starting. We have a Powerlifting program at Thunder and Lightning that periodizes programming to align with meets - so that your peak strength is ready for meet day!
Conclusion: Just Lift the Bar
Powerlifting competitions are more than lifting heavy things—they’re about lifting yourself. They’re about transforming self-doubt into self-belief, learning to perform under pressure, and stepping into a supportive community that celebrates your progress.
So, is a powerlifting meet right for you? There’s only one way to find out. Don’t wait for the perfect moment; create it.
Take the first step toward discovering your strength. Book a free consultation to chat about your goals and see if competing is in your future.
Set up your free consultation here.
Let’s lift something heavy—together.
PS: We still have a few spots open in our 6-Week Nutrition Kickstart Challenge! The challenge starts February 3 but we’re doing intake consultations right now - sign up here. This is your chance to build lasting habits and make 2025 your fittest year yet. Powerlifting training requires proper nutrition. Let’s do it!
If you want to read more about why this challenge can help you make sustainable changes, read our blog about it here.