Blackbird Powerlifting Classic Mock Meet
Our annual Blackbird Classic will be a Powerlifting Meet this year! Please take a moment to read through all the details about the event and what’s in store for the future of our Blackbird Powerlifting Program.
- Date: Saturday, September 14th
- Time: 10:30 AM
- Registration: Sign-ups sheets will be posted at the front desk. Registration is $50. You will receive a t-shirt with your registration and all other proceeds will go towards funding additional powerlifting equipment.
- T-Shirt: Register by August 24, 2024 to receive an event T-shirt! After this date, registration will still be open, but the T-shirt cannot be guaranteed. Unisex sizing.
- Payment: Registration fees will be automatically charged to your card on file unless you specify otherwise.
- Eligibility: This is an in-house meet for current Blackbird members. You do not have to be in Powerlifting/Barbell Club to participate.
Each lifter will have the opportunity to warm up before their attempts begin. Following the warm-up, each athlete will have three attempts at each of the following lifts, performed on the platform in front of the judges: Squat, Bench, and Deadlift. The order will be: first attempts for all athletes, followed by second and third attempts, ensuring everyone has adequate rest between attempts. Choosing your weight attempts can be both exciting and a little nerve-wracking, and our powerlifting coaches are more than happy to provide guidance!
The total number of registered lifters will determine the length of the event, which we anticipate will last about three hours from start to finish.
Our goal is to create a relaxed and encouraging environment that allows all lifters to showcase their true strength. While we won’t enforce the strict standards of sanctioned meets, lifters will need to meet these basic criteria to earn credit for their lifts. If you’re interested in practicing for a sanctioned powerlifting meet, please let your coaches know so that they can inform the judges of your request for sanctioned meet standards.
- Squat: Must achieve full depth (hip crease below parallel).
- Bench: Must show control of the barbell after unracking, touch and momentarily pause on the chest, and demonstrate control at the top before re-racking.
- Deadlift: Must have full extension of the hips and knees at the top of the lift, with shoulders behind the bar, and control the weight back down to at least the knees before dropping the barbell.
Weigh-Ins: Powerlifting meets typically require weigh-ins to allow comparisons within weight classes. We will offer two options:
- Total Lifted Weight: All competitors will have their total lifted weight counted, without consideration of body weight.
- WILKS Score: For those who wish to compete based on body weight, an optional weigh-in will be available at the start of the meet, allowing us to calculate a WILKS score and rank lifters relative to their weight. Weigh-ins are not mandatory unless you wish to compete as part of the WILKS scoreboard in addition to your overall total.
💪 SIGN UP AT THE FRONT DESK TODAY! 💪
Blackbird Powerlifting Program Updates
The Thursday classes will continue at 6 AM and 6 PM.
To better align with our powerlifting program, we’re transitioning to 4-class punch cards for $55. Cards expire after 7 weeks after the purchase date. We encourage athletes to join at the start of a training block for optimal results.
Our next block starts 9/19/24.
NEW BLACKBIRD POWERLIFTING OPTION:
We are thrilled to announce the launch of our new 3 day/week Powerlifting Program, designed for those eager to elevate their training! For just $125/month, you’ll gain access to structured programming through our TrueCoach App, with a primary focus on strength training for Squat, Bench, and Deadlift, along with targeted accessory work to enhance your lifts. Much like our available Custom Weightlifting Program, you do not have to be a Blackbird member to take advantage of the Powerlifting 3 day/week Program!
This program follows a traditional approach to powerlifting, featuring consistent movements programmed over four-week cycles. This structure allows you to progressively build on the weights you’ve achieved in the previous weeks, optimizing your strength gains. Each cycle will include a deload week to allow for adequate recovery, before the introduction of a new training block that incorporates fresh accessory work and rep schemes to keep your progress on track.
While participants are encouraged to join the Thursday barbell class for face-to-face coaching, please be aware that your programming may differ slightly from the class. With your purchase of the 3 day/week PL Program, you’ll also have open gym access whenever the facility is open, the ability to send videos for feedback on your lifts, and virtual coaching support when you can’t attend in person.
Thank you for your enthusiasm and support as we gear up for this exciting event and continue to grow our powerlifting community! Let’s lift some heavy weights together! Please forward any questions to Andi and Kristin ([email protected]).
Let’s do this!