Julie’s Adventures in Powerlifting (Part 2)- Lifting is Easy. Training is hard.
Five months ago, I decided to train for my first powerlifting meet.
The meet is now five weeks away.
How is it going?
The training has been challenging in ways I hadn't initially expected. Let me take you back to the beginning (cue flashback sequence).
The Beginning
Since I am a personal trainer and have years of experience training for athletic endeavors (century rides, CrossFit competitions, 5ks), I had some idea of what my powerlifting training might look like in the beginning:
focus on technique
lighter weights
higher reps
prepping my body for efficient movement
That's my logical brain working.
My fun, playful side pictured scenes from Rocky, me moving heavy weight, my coach screaming out ways to improve my technique (my coach looks like Micky and is smoking a cigar). I imagined heavy weights, punching slabs of meat, and running up steps in Philadelphia (North Haven, CT, to me), the crowd cheering me on.
That's not really what happened.
What really happened and how it was hard in a different way
The Pace
My first few sessions were SLOW AF, and that drove me crazy! I came in on the first day with a printed-out "cheat sheet" outlining the recommended warm-up movements. I didn't know what the heck some of the exercises were, so warming up took super long. I had to be patient with myself, and that was hard!
Some of the movements were slow, too. During my first few sessions with the back squat, I spent slowly squatting down to a box. The speed or lack of speed drove this fast-paced mama crazy.
I did, however, know there was a method to the madness. I had put my training in the hands of powerlifting professionals, so I knew I was in good hands.
Resting
The time spent resting between sets was also challenging for me. I just wasn't used to resting so much. If you have ever lifted very heavy weights, you know that you need to spend quite a bit of time resting in order to continue to lift heavy.
The Social Aspect
When my daughter was seven, she created the verb "chatterboxing" to describe my tendency to talk to everyone everywhere I went.
Sample Sentence: "We are late because Mama was chatterboxing with a stranger in Walgreens."
At the gym, during my rest time, the Chatty Cathy in me wanted to talk, and since I didn't know too many people, I only had myself to talk to… sad face. So that made those early days even more challenging.
Have no fear! It did get better. A LOT better!
Fast forward nearly 5 months. How do I feel now?
I still have to refer to my cheat sheet, but warm ups don't take me nearly as long and I actually enjoy them.
All of my lifts feel solid (slow, steady, thoughtful), and I've even PR'ed in all of my lifts. Woot woot! All that training is working! YES!
During my downtime, I feel comfortable sitting, breathing, and not talking. I also feel comfortable striking up conversations with coaches and a few other gym members around me. I am feeling more like a member of the community and that feels amazing.
With the increased stability and strength combined with the growing feelings of support and belonging, I LOVE my training days. I look forward to them, and I am so glad that I decided to check "Powerlifting Meet" off of my bucket list.
What's next?
Over the next five weeks, my training will include heavier weights and more meet-specific training.
I will learn more about what weights I may want to open with (my first lifts for the meet).
I will know more about the ins and outs of lifting commands (don't ask me, I have no idea what they are yet).
In summary, things are going really well. My routine is stable, and I love knowing when I will be working out each week. Things are coming together and it feels great.
This week, I am taking care of smaller details, like purchasing gear for the meet. I got my lifting belt, wrist wraps, and knee sleeves in the mail last week, and I just ordered my singlet (I still can't say I'm thrilled about wearing a unitard in public - pics to follow). Lastly, I am in the process of researching the cutest deadlifting socks. They WILL make me stronger, I swear!
I also know that there next few weeks will require me to dig deeper. I'm going to lift heavier than I ever have, which will require some mental gymnastics, visualizations, mantras, and mindset shifting. But I'm looking forward to it, and with the support of my coaches, community, family, and friends, I know I can do it!
About Julie
Julie Bailis is a Personal Trainer, Health & Wellness Coach & owner of Mountain View Wellness LLC. Through Mountain View Wellness, Julie creates in-person and virtual wellness programs that help her clients create and sustain healthy lifestyles using fitness, nutrition, and mindfulness.
Julie’s programs empower her clients physically, mentally, and emotionally. Whether your goals are to improve your health, create healthy habits, lose weight, increase balance, or move with more joy and less pain, Julie can help you.
Email or book an exploratory coaching call with Julie and learn about how she can help you create and sustain a new, healthy lifestyle that lasts.
Julie is also available for public speaking events, workshops, and seminars. Julie is gifted at creating an upbeat, positive, and empowering vibe and teaching others how to break down their big aspirations into tiny practical everyday habits. She is happy to talk about wellness, Habit creation, and ways to design a life of wellness and joy.
Email Julie at julie@mvwct.com for more information on specialty programs.