@lightnthedark Ugh, I know the weight class feels. I love the way I look and feel (and eat) at 144, but I need to lift at 138 (USAPL). However, I'm pretty sure I'll love the way I look at 138, too, so...it'll work out.
@terranova Thank you! I run into that mentality a lot with women--"Oh if I only had your arch." Yeah, it helps, but there's no cheating your way to big numbers (no matter what the IG trolls think!).
@dawn16 Thank you so much! I actually wouldn't recommend deathbench to beginner or intermediate women--I'll talk a little about why in my program review.
@dawn16 Yup, I swam til halfway through my jr year. Swimmers and gymnasts are definitely the ones who come in and become successful benches! Gymnasts also have the advantage of flexibility for the arch--check out savvysavit on IG if you dont already follow her.
When I got an MRI for a sprained...
@dawn16 Bench Artist, I love it!
So, this meet prep I faithfully(ish) followed Deathbench (search r/powerlifting for the spreadsheet). I wouldn't recommend it as the most efficient bench program for most women; I'll talk about more in a program review in a few days. As a beginner and...
@tryingtoraisethemright I'd say to enter as a 72, pay attention to your diet, do a small water cut, and try to weigh in as light as is easily possible. That way you have the benefit of the wilks without the stress of making weight!
I've been done lifting for 2 hours, so it's totally time to think things out. Please excuse rambling! Grainy lift vids are currently in my IG story, and I will update the post when I get quality videos.
Background
Previous meet PR: 365 @ 63 or 385 at 64.3, so as a 72. Been powerlifting 1.5...
@dasiebe01 5'5 is actually on the tall side for 63. I think the podium at nats was 5'4, 5'3, 5'5, 5'3 and 5'3. 72 is probably more comfortable for 5'5 women with a fair bit of muscle, depending on levers.