The Importance of Competiton

Competition will bring out the best in anyone. It can sometimes bring out the worst in us, but lets focus on the positive. When you sign up for a competition, there is not only a deadline that will be met; there is also a responsibility to be as prepared as possible as well. Training takes on a whole new meaning when gearing up for a competition.

There are some markers that must be met in order to have a successful competition. Whether those markers are set by you or the organization you are competing in. You will also be competing against other people who are competing with themselves and against you. Remember the most important part is doing better than what you did in training. Nobody gives a shit what you do in the gym. The only thing that matters is how you perform on the platform, field, or court.

Lets use powerlifting as an example. You will have 3 attempts at each lift (squat, bench, and deadlift) to build the biggest total you can with the 3 best of each lift. Take into consideration that this is your first meet, it doesn’t matter all that much how you do as long as you get a total. In my opinion the best goal to have in your first meet is to go 9 for 9, meaning you missed none of your lifts. This shows intelligence and discipline. Youre smart enough not to attempt a weight that you know will crush you and your disciplined enough to stick to a plan. Its okay to have a rough idea on what you want to total, just don’t go crazy.

If your best squat is 225, your best bench is 185, and your best deadlift is 275. This total is in the gym is 685lb. A good goal to shoot for is 715 to 725lb. Anything over 685lb is a win in my opinion. Because you have done better in competition than in training. Also take into account that adrenaline will take over and will give you a boost in strength because of your excited state of mind. Adrenaline is a hell of a drug.

I like to save all of that for the contest. I never try to get myself psyched up for a lift or movement. I prefer to make sure that my technique is on point and a well oiled machine by the time its time to perform for real. Some people like to get themselves amped up for training, but I find that my central nervous system takes a bigger hit and its harder to recover.

So my plan is to always follow a plan leading up to the competition. Stick to the plan. Pay attention to my diet. Focus on recovery. And put everything I have into the competition after I have done all of the work in training. So no matter what you plan on competing in, sign up, train hard, and have fun. There will be no nerves if you just train hard and smart. Remember, at the end of the day all you are doing is lifting weights in front of other people. Or  you are showing everyone all the training and hard work you’ve done has paid off.

Either way, sign and get after it. You only have one shot at this life and no matter how you live when you are old you will be in pain. Get out there and make some stories.