10% Off Use Code REPEAT10 | FREE Shipping On All Orders! | 2 Day Delivery Available | Ships In 24 Hours
10% Off: REPEAT10 | FREE Shipping On All Orders!
Available 24/7
Your first powerlifting meet can be both an exciting and nerve-wracking experience. You’ve put in hours of hard work training, perfecting your lifts, and dialing in your technique, but now it’s time to think about something equally important: what powerlifting gear to bring to the meet.
Being fully prepared with the right equipment can help you feel more confident and focused on the big day, from your first attempt to your final deadlift. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned competitor, this comprehensive checklist will cover all the essential gear you’ll need to pack for your powerlifting meet. Let’s dive in!
The singlet is the standard competition uniform for all powerlifting federations. It’s a one-piece suit that allows judges to clearly see your body positions during each lift, ensuring that you meet the standards for each movement.
Fit and Comfort: Make sure your personalized powerlifting singlet fits snugly but comfortably, allowing a full range of motion for squats, bench presses, and deadlifts.
Federation Guidelines: Always check the general rules of the federation you’re competing in to ensure your powerlifting singlet meets its requirements. Some federations require specific brands or styles.
A high-quality lifting belt is crucial for providing core stability during heavy lifts, whether in powerlifting meets or training sessions. It helps increase intra-abdominal pressure, which supports your spine and allows you to lift heavier weights safely.
Type of Belt: The most common type of leather belt used in powerlifting meets is 10mm or 13mm thick. Ensure it’s broken in before the meet to avoid discomfort when you begin warming up.
Belt-Positioning: Practice wearing your belt during training sessions to find the best position for each lift, whether it’s slightly higher for deadlifts or lower for squats.
Knee sleeves or wraps are a must for squats, as they provide support, warmth, and compression to your knee joints.
Knee Sleeves: These are typically made from neoprene and offer compression and warmth, which can enhance performance and prevent injury.
Knee Wraps: More advanced lifters may opt for knee wraps, which provide extra tightness and support during heavy squats. Keep in mind that wraps require practice to apply correctly.
Wrist wraps help stabilize your wrists during heavy bench presses and can also be useful during squats and overhead presses on meet day. They prevent your wrists from bending backward under heavy loads, reducing the risk of injury.
Sizing: Wrist wraps come in different lengths, so choose one based on your wrist size and how much support you need.
Break Them In: Like belts, wrist wraps should be broken in before you even get to the warm-up area to ensure comfort and familiarity.
Wearing the right shoes for each lift is critical for meet day performance and safety. Here’s what to bring for each main lift:
Squat Shoes: Most lifters prefer shoes with an elevated heel (such as Olympic weightlifting shoes) for squats. The raised heel improves depth and helps with ankle mobility, making it easier to hit parallel.
Deadlift Shoes: Flat, minimalist shoes or even deadlift slippers are ideal for deadlifts because they reduce the range of motion by keeping you closer to the ground. Some lifters even deadlift barefoot, but check with your federation if that’s allowed.
Bench Press Shoes: For bench pressing, flat-soled shoes (like Chuck Taylors or Vans) offer stability and traction for leg drive.
Chalk is essential for maintaining a strong grip during heavy lifts, especially deadlifts. Sweaty palms can cause the bar to slip, and using chalk helps prevent that.
Bring Your Own: While some meets provide chalk, it’s always a good idea to bring your own. You can bring a block of chalk, liquid chalk, or even baby powder if the federation allows it.
Chalk Bag: To avoid making a mess in your gym bag and on the meet’s floor space, consider keeping your chalk in a bag or container.
Mental Fortitude: If their federation allows it, some powerlifters use ammonia-smelling salts to give them an extra mental edge before making heavy attempts. However, some healthcare professionals are concerned about this practice, and so some powerlifters just use other focus techniques.
In many powerlifting meets, deadlift socks are mandatory to protect your shins and keep the bar clean. These are tall socks that cover your shins and prevent the bar from scraping your skin during the deadlift. Things happen, and it’s better to be safe than sorry.
A mouthguard is optional, but many lifters use one during max effort lifts to protect their teeth. Clenching your jaw during heavy squats or deadlifts can put stress on your teeth, and a mouthguard can prevent injury.
Custom Fit: You can use a boil-and-bite mouthguard for a more customized fit, or invest in a professionally made one for maximum comfort.
Powerlifting meets can be long, lasting several hours. It’s crucial to stay hydrated and keep your energy levels up throughout the day.
Water: Bring a large water bottle to stay hydrated between lifts. Dehydration can affect performance and concentration.
Snacks: Pack easy-to-digest snacks like fruit, protein bars, sandwiches, or rice cakes to keep your energy levels steady. You’ll need quick-digesting carbohydrates to replenish glycogen stores between events.
Stretching and warm-up items such as light resistance bands can help. They are great for activating muscles, improving mobility, and preventing injury during warm-ups.
Band Work: You can use resistance bands for shoulder warm-ups before bench pressing or for hip and glute activation before squats and deadlifts.
Stretching: Use bands for dynamic stretches or to help maintain mobility during the meet, especially between attempts.
Sweat and chalk can leave you uncomfortable after each lift, so pack a small towel to wipe off between events. By the time you're done with your third attempt in a lift, you might appreciate a fresh shirt, especially if your singlet is drenched or the meet venue is cold.
Sweat Towel: A small cooling towel can help you stay dry and focused, especially if the meet lasts all day.
Layered Clothing: Wear layered clothing that’s easy to remove, such as a hoodie or sweatpants, so you can stay warm between lifts but remove them easily when it’s your turn to compete.
Many experienced powerlifters bring a notebook to track their attempts, results, and even observations about their lifts. This can help you stay organized and reflect on your performance after the meet.
Attempt Tracking: Use the notebook to write down your planned attempts for each lift and any adjustments you might make after warm-ups.
Notes: Jot down any feedback from judges or personal thoughts about your performance to help guide future training.
Mindfulness Trick: Long meets mean long wait times—consider bringing headphones and a playlist that hypes you up or helps you stay calm before your lifts.
Don’t forget to bring your identification, federation membership card, and any other documents required for check-in at the powerlifting meet. Some federations also require you to bring a printed copy of the rulebook or confirmation of your body weight class registration.
Weigh-In: Make sure to have everything ready for weigh-ins, including your ID and any proof of registration or payment.
Rulebook: A handy copy of the federation’s rulebook can help clarify any last-minute questions about equipment, lift standards, or general rules.
You’ve come a long way, from powering through your warm-ups to testing your progress in your first meet day. By packing the right gear, you can focus fully on your performance and avoid any last-minute stress.
At Sports Gear Swag, we have all the powerlifting apparel you need for your powerlifting journey. Aside from singlets, we also offer moisture-wicking powerlifting shirts, custom training socks, and more. Gear up and crush your lifts today!