Three beginner mistakes made in your first competition- Adrian Larsen

Are you signing up for your first powerlifting competition?  If so, here is a list of things to avoid.  
First, do not attempt to cut weight.  Many experienced lifters will cut weight in a attempt to break a record.  Maybe a state record, national record or world record.  Whatever the case is, you will have enough things worrying you than to have to worry about cutting weight.  I have cut weight for a ton of competitions.  It takes it's toll on you mentally.  So for the first few competitions try not to let weight classes play into the equation.  Spend more time understanding the flow of the competition and most importantly have fun.  

Second common mistake is something that I have seen at every single competition I have been too. Someone looking at the roster to see who is in their weight class.  Guess what, it doesn't matter.  You compete against yourself and yourself only.  No matter who is in the weight class, competing to hit a personal best should be the only matter at hand.  So don't worry about who is in the same weight class or what they may open up with.  Stay focused with the task at hand. 


Finally, a common mistake made for a beginner is warming up too quickly.  Sometimes meets go quick sometimes they go slow.  Look at the speed of the competition.  Also don't be afraid to ask the meet director if they plan on having any breaks in-between flights.  The meet directors job is to make a smooth experience for the lifters.  So do not be afraid to approach them with questions.  The worst thing you can do in a competition is think everything is moving quickly, hit the final warm-up weight and then find out there will be a 15 min break.  So pace yourself accordingly while warming up.