🏆 My First Powerlifting Meet

link for meet results: https://www.openpowerlifting.org/m/usapl/TX-2025-13/by-goodlift

Competing in my first-ever powerlifting meet was very exciting. I had never competed before in powerlifting so I didnt really know what to expect. I was only going in to see if I could match my all time gym personal records. At the time that was 485 squat, 340 bench, and a 545 deadlift. However there were a few problems I would need to fix for these to count in competition. For starters the squat depth for 485 at the gym was questionable. Most gym goers owuld say it was depth but powerlifting judges are usually stricter on this metric. For bench I never did pause reps I would always do touch and go so doing a paused bench press was going to cut my max back alot. Then for deadlift I achieved it using wrist straps which are NOT allowed in powerlifting. So I had to learn 3 major things. Proper powerlifting depth, pause bench press, and using chalk instead of straps for dealift. Despite these challenges I believe I did really well and I came reqally close to my gym records. What makes it even more impressive is I actually came in 5 pounds underweight, and this is the first time in my life Ive ever attempted to max out on all 3 lifts. So for example when I hit 545 for the first time I was not already tried from squatting and benching. Overall the expeirence was great and Im happy with my progress from gym bro to powerlifer! I also qualified for Collegiate Nationals in the equipped division! I am exicted to compete for that in apirl! Stay tuned for my next blog post on that meet. Check out my instagram for pics!

📊 Meet Results

✅ Squat: 474 lbs (215 kg)
✅ Bench Press: 319.6 lbs (145 kg)
✅ Deadlift: 540.1 lbs (245 kg)
Total: 1333.8 lbs (605 kg)

Shoutout to my coach, Derek Jung the president of UTDPL. his guidance, programming, and support were instrumental in my success.