Why participate in barbell competition, and if you decide to compete how do you approach it. Learn about this and the exciting new International Barbell Federation (IBF).

Andrew interviews Jordan Stanton, owner of Next Level Barbell and the Strength Union, both in or around Portland, OR, as well as former owner of the United States Strengthlifting Federation (USSF). As a gym owner, in-person coach, online coach, lifting federation owner, and competitive lifter, he has experienced barbell competition in all its aspects.

Why compete?

Competition focuses lifters' training, organizing it around a purpose connected to time. It also provides some motivation, not only mentally because the meet is on the calendar, but also to train hard and take recovery seriously.

Consider participating in an online or in-person meet, regardless of your training level.

Generally, you want to taper before a meet and practice heavy singles. You definitely need to be familiar with the rules of the meet. Having a coach can really help here.

For many, though, the most important thing is not stressing about the meet or how you do but simply experiencing the meet. Lift heavy as people cheer you on. See how all the different rules and aspects of a meet change your lifting and your training leading up to your programming.

The USSF went online during Covid. Now, the USSF has been reflagged and is the International Barbell Federation (IBF).

If you're seeing this before or in October 2024, sign up for the online meet from October 9-20, 2024.

You can do a powerlifting version (squat, bench press, deadlift) or strengthlifting version (squat, overhead press, deadlift).

Make sure you read the rules and ensure you execute accordingly the day you lift.

An online meet is a great lower stress way to compete in your normal environment, not having to take a day out to go somewhere and spend most of the day competing.

Consider participating in barbell competition as part of your overall training approach, even if just one time.

PS - If you're interested in taking online coaching with Barbell Logic for a test run, check it out here.

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