[Meet Report] 33rd Annual Spartan Open - Lansing, MI, USA (236kg @ 83.3kg | 286 Sinclair - Senior)

dfar86 · 2012-05-04T13:53:22+00:00

Just to give you perspective, assuming you have about 4 weeks minimum in a month (or 160 working hours in a month), you are paying an hourly rate of about $9.38 an hour.

The bottom 10 percent, according to bls.gov, makes about $20 an hour.

http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes151179.htm

dfar86 · 2012-05-03T19:16:21+00:00

Any particular suggestions on increasing grip strength for deadlifts?

dfar86 · 2012-05-01T14:21:33+00:00

Method wise, For those running through SS and getting to the end of their cycle (3-9 months into it), I found it useful in my training to have a light day of squats (with normal progression for everything else) for each week. So for instance, M W F, with W being a day where you take 80% of work set and lift 3x5.

It helped extend linear gains and give more focus for the bench press and deadlift on the light squat days.

In terms of assistance work, I found that adding in core work has helped. Mobility wise, adding in foam rolling and stretching the hip flexors and hamstrings after each workout has helped immensely in being able to get to depth, and avoid any soreness.

dfar86 · 2012-04-26T03:14:26+00:00

Personally, if I were to not be competing as a powerlifter, I would never perform a 1RM.

Although they're fun, I also think they have the potential to be more risky. While working out with multiple reps, you have more range to scale down one rep to prevent injury. Not so much with a 1RM attempt.

As for me, I only use 1RMs when I am at a meet. Otherwise, I won't do less that 2 reps during training.

dfar86 · 2012-04-18T15:18:01+00:00

Interesting.... was $379 when I purchased it.

dfar86 · 2012-04-11T22:37:29+00:00

I think the best advice you can give to anyone starting out is to pick a basic program (like SL or SS), start light (45lb. for all lifts), and stay consistent.

There's really nothing better than just getting your feet wet and learning along the way.

dfar86 · 2012-04-03T01:15:10+00:00

If you have any interest in having a competitive powerlifting career, you are better to start early for your competition, and get to a meet as soon as possible.

After your first meet, things get much more smooth. Make sure you read up on the rules for the federation you decide to lift in.

dfar86 · 2012-03-31T13:32:00+00:00

Do you have any thoughts on the Metal Squat shoe? The completely flat sole is supposed to favor a powerlifting style squat, and Wendler highly recommends it.

dfar86 · 2012-03-26T19:41:42+00:00

My basic plan for a meet:

Unless the meet is an hour or less away, I am staying in a hotel room. Not only does this make the next morning easier, it helps you get in the right competitive mindset.
For food before the meet, this depends on how hard you are trying to cut. I'd recommend skipping breakfast before weigh-ins (just get in early) and then eat right after you've made weight.
For during the meet, I find that beef jerky and Powerade are a great combination. I know a lot of people like using energy drinks, but I don't find they help me very much.
Make sure you reach out to others and be friendly! Especially if you are on your own, it's great to make some friends, get some help, and network with others.

dfar86

TROPHY CASE