Raw Powerlifting Competition Attire

[KickerNine]

As someone one enjoys lifting raw, I am not looking to wear a bench shirt or a squat suit in a contest. Not that there is anything wrong with it.

For the majority of powerlifting competitions, however, a singlet is minimally required. I understand that a singlet is not a "lifting aid", but is there any brand of singlet (Titan, Inzer) that competitors here prefer? Could I simply purchase a wrestling singlet instead?

If someone has participated in a powerlifting contest raw, I would appreciate hearing from you as to your attire for the contest. The contest I am interested in would not take place for quite some time (next June) but I thought I might as well get any competition attire during the holidays this year and train in it.

Also please do not let this thread devolve into a raw versus geared flame war. I don't want to waste Luke, Dan, Welch, Maverick, Maxgain or Firehawk's time.

[DaRkAnGel]

All singlets are pretty much the same but the first contest I lifted in I went raw and I used an inzer singlet. Also brought chuck taylors to squat in, and my wrestling shoes to deadlift in. Don't forget to bring knee high socks as well depending on the contest it may be required (and you may want them anyways so that you don't end up bleeding).

[F_Mac]

Most feds will let you wear a wrestling singlet. But as far as brand preference, it doesn't really matter at all. Just get one that fits and go from there. There's no real advantage to training in the singlet, like you said, it gives no assistance, but there also wouldn't be any harm in it either.

For deadlift you may also need socks that cover the shins. IPF requires them, I can't speak for any of the other federations on this though.

When is your meet? What federation?

[KickerNine]

Thanks for the prompt helpful replies. I will get some knee high socks for training. What advantage do the wrestling shoes provide for the deadlift? Lower soles?

Next June sometime. USAPL New York State Bench Press Championship (not a full PL meet). Coming off a shoulder injury so I do not have time to train for the full USAPL NY PL meet in December. Perhaps next year.

[Bearbait]

The titan singlets don't have much stretch to them. I'm 5'10" about 220 and a 3xl titan was still pretty snug. I would go with the one Inzer sells it is made by Matman and has some stretch to it and is way more comfortable.

[KickerNine]

Originally Posted by Bearbait

The titan singlets don't have much stretch to them. I'm 5'10" about 220 and a 3xl titan was still pretty snug. I would go with the one Inzer sells it is made by Matman and has some stretch to it and is way more comfortable.

Thanks. Inzer it is. Plus, according to the websites, the Inzer singlet is $33 whereas the Titan one is $40.

[Firehawk]

One trick for the singlet is get one that's a bit too big for you so that when you bench it still appears your ass is on the bench even if you lift off a little .

[KickerNine]

Originally Posted by Firehawk

One trick for the singlet is get one that's a bit too big for you so that when you bench it still appears your ass is on the bench even if you lift off a little .

Thanks for the suggestion. Given that I do not use the arching method to bench, however, I expect my posterior to remain in full contact with the bench at all times.

[F_Mac]

Is there a reason why you don't arch when you bench?

[Firehawk]

Even if you don't use the arch method, it's still very easy to drive your ass off the bench. But yeah, why not? You'll put up bigger numbers immediately, Mr. Powerlifter.

[KickerNine]

Originally Posted by F-Mac

Is there a reason why you don't arch when you bench?

Originally Posted by Firehawk

Even if you don't use the arch method, it's still very easy to drive your ass off the bench. But yeah, why not? You'll put up bigger numbers immediately, Mr. Powerlifter.

I recognize that if done properly arching could give me a higher max on bench. I have not done so for a few reasons:

1. Although I have been benching for over two decades (Dad started me at an early age), I never had any real training in the three powerlifting lifts. Even when I played college football, our strength and conditioning coach was not well versed in powerlifting techniques. In other words, I am largely a self-taught powerlifter (albeit one who is disproportionately strong on bench and well below average on squat and deadlift). I learned to bench a certain way and I have continued to do so. I won a bench press contest in college and had one of the highest bench press to body weight ratio on the team as well. In other words, I have had a modicum of success using the method with which I am familiar and there has been no real reason to change the status quo. Even if I do participate in a powerlifting competition, I do not really care whether I win or lose, only that I tried my best. If that best is 50 pounds less due to the fact that I did not arch, so be it.

2. I also train for other competitions, including the Arnold 5k Pump and Run, which I have discussed on this forum in the past. Arching is not allowed in that competition and I would not want to reorient my training to any great extent that would compromise my ability to succeed in such an event.

3. The two times I tried to arch I actually felt weaker because I had to worry about form rather than simply try to muscle the weight up. I recognize that with practice I would most likely surpass my current PRs, but, as I stated above, the impetus to change just isn't there.

Sincerely,

"Mr. Powerlifter"

[Firehawk]

Many people feel weaker when they change, but that's because the focus on the muscles is different at first, but this is quickly remedied. The reason for more weight going up is the range of motion mostly.

How's the shoulders holding up? You bench elbows out too?

Have fun at the meet. It ain't about numbers anyways really, it's about PR's. Good luck.

[KickerNine]

Originally Posted by Firehawk

How's the shoulders holding up? You bench elbows out too?

Have fun at the meet. It ain't about numbers anyways really, it's about PR's. Good luck.

Left shoulder is great. Right shoulder is still problematic (popping noises abound) but pain free as of now. I have always taken a rather narrow grip on bench (pinkies a half inch inside the rings) although I suspect that this has more to do with my short wingspan than anything else.

Thanks. Looking forward to it, even if it is eight months down the road and I won't begin training for it specifically until mid-March.

[Firehawk]

Don't wait for yoru shoulder to start aching before you do anything about it. I suggest to start warming up with the 'rotator hell' routine, i think that's what they call it. I can't remember. It's from elite fitness. It's 10 exercises, all 10 reps, one right after the other...no rest. Use 5-10lb weights each hand. This will build your rotators up and keep those shoulders healthy. Do it every day before you bench, and if you start getting pain, do it every single day of the week. Just a tip. Best of luck bud.

[KickerNine]

Thanks for the advice. I will give it a shot.