UCLA Club Sports

What is powerlifting?

Powerlifting is a strength-based support consisting of three lifts: squat, bench, and deadlift. (Not to be confused with Olympic weight lifting that includes the clean-and-jerk and snatch.) 

 

Do I need lifting experience?

Nope! We will accept everyone at all levels (including those that have never even touched a barbell). 

 

What does a powerlifting competition look like? Do I have to compete?

Competing is not required, but highly suggested. Competing is a great way to test your strength, meet other strong folks, get a sense of the community, and most importantly HAVE FUN.  

 

Competitors are separated based on sex, age, and weight class. Each person then gets three chances to lift the maximal weight possible in each of the three lifts. The highest of each of these lifts are totaled and a winner is declared. 

 

Is there a big time requirement for your club?

No requirements here! Attending practice, volunteering with the team, and attending social activities is highly recommended as it makes our team closer, but don't worry if things get busy and you can't attend. 

 

What is team practice like? Do I have to attend practice?

We practice Monday and Wednesday beginning at 7:30 PM, Friday beginning at 6 PM, and Saturday beginning 12 PM. Practice is not mandatory, but encouraged (especially for those who are new to lifting and would like more 1-on-1 help from more experienced team members). Members are welcome to come by and work out anytime within our practice windows as many times a week as they like.  

 

Practices are normally held in our own small gym space called the "Cave." However, we will hold two days of open practices during week 1 of fall quarter at the "Drake Rig" for prospective members. (See map)

 

If you can't make it to practice, no worries! Our members often frequent the Wooden or Bruin Fitness Center outside of practice time, saying 'hi' or coordinating a gym trip with other members is encouraged!

 

What can I expect outside of training?

We have a plethora of social activities and events planned throughout the year including socials, mock meets, and field trips.  

 

So, I know the basics, how do I take my training to the next level?

We believe the key to growing as a lifter is consistency and good programming. There are a handful of members who offer personalized coaching services, but prewritten programs can be just as effective. We recommend checking out liftingvault.com for a selection of powerlifting programs based on your goals. Need help finding one for you, just ask! 

 

So, I want to compete. What now?

In general, you should look at a meet that is at least 12-16 weeks away from the current day. From here, you would ideally complete a peaking block, which is a type of program that is used to gradually build up your strength and peak for one max-out day. These blocks tend to be extremely draining, so don't let it get to you if you see temporary dips in strength! Avoid injuries, eat/sleep properly, and have fun!

 

I'm interested, but I don't want to get hurt!

We hear you! It is our goal to educate members on safe technique, promote warm-up routines, and encourage safe lifting practices (ex: spotting, discouraging constant overshooting, etc.) all in an effort to prevent injury. From a lift feeling uncomfortable to how to rehab a previous injury, if you have concerns let us know what we can do to help!

 

I am not registered, can I still attend practice?

Registration (submitting a physical, signing up on ideal logic, paying club sports fee, and club dues) will not be required until the end of Week 2. Didn't attend open practice? That's a-okay, come see us at practice. Are you or a friend interested in coming for the first after week 2? Come on down! Having difficulties paying dues? See our document on how to register. But if things are still unclear, we are always more than happy to discuss concerns on a case-by-case basis. Just reach out to one of the officers in a DM via our Instagram. 

 

Have more questions?

DM us on instagram @uclapowerlifting or drop it in the group me: https://tinyurl.com/uclaplgroupme2023-24