Ready to Compete? How to Train, Peak, and Dominate a Lifting Meet

Ready to compete? In this episode of our Strength With Purpose series, Barbell Logic coaches Niki Sims and Andrew Jackson break down how to train and prepare for a powerlifting meet—from setting your timeline and peaking properly to managing stress, rules, travel, and equipment. You’ll learn how meet prep differs from general strength training, how to avoid common first-time mistakes, and how to approach meet day with clarity and confidence. Whether you're chasing a PR or simply want to step on the platform, this episode is packed with actionable coaching advice for lifters who care about health, strength, longevity, and competing with purpose.

✅ What You’ll Learn

• How to shift from general strength training to powerlifting competition prep

• Ideal meet prep timelines (why 6 months is best—but 6 weeks can work)

• How to peak and taper each lift for maximum results

• What to expect from rules, weigh-ins, and meet-day logistics

• How to manage life stress, travel, and realistic expectations

• The role of strategy, openers, handlers, and pacing on meet day

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 – Intro: caffeine-free Squirt, dead rats, and deadlifts
02:30 – Ready to compete? Why competition training is different
04:00 – Ideal meet prep timelines: 6 months, 6 weeks, or 6 days
08:00 – Peaking and tapering: testing what works for you
11:00 – Niki’s meet prep: chasing PRs, real-life planning, and equipment updates
16:00 – Weight class strategy: to cut or not to cut?
20:00 – The importance of heavy singles in competition prep
24:00 – Managing fatigue, volume, and travel while training
30:00 – Meet day 101: weigh-ins, warmups, and avoiding burnout
34:00 – Powerlifting vs. weightlifting meet formats explained
37:00 – Attempt selection strategies: 9-for-9 or PR-focused?
39:00 – Final thoughts and where to get coaching help

🧭 Ready to Compete? Begin with the Platform in Mind

If you’re ready to compete, the first thing to change is your mindset. Training for a competition isn’t just lifting—it’s lifting with a deadline, under pressure, and by the rules. Lifters who thrive on the platform know that every part of training—from volume and intensity to rest and nutrition—starts to serve one date: meet day.

Whether you're still running linear progression or already an intermediate lifter, your training will need to evolve. You’ll shift toward heavier singles, greater specificity, and timed peaks. This episode outlines exactly how and when that shift should happen.

🕰️ The Power of a 6-Month Prep Window

Niki and Andrew both agree: six months is the sweet spot for powerlifting prep. This longer runway allows lifters to test peaking strategies, experiment with taper timelines, and handle unexpected life events without derailing progress.

But not everyone has six months. So what then? If you're just a few weeks out, don’t panic. You can still prepare—but you’ll need to prioritize heavy singles, reduce volume carefully, and avoid overreaching. Lifters often underestimate how long it takes to recover from stress and fatigue, especially with the deadlift. Learning what your body needs is part of the journey.

🛠️ Equipment, Rules, and Platform Psychology

Meet day isn’t the same as gym day. From calibrated plates that feel heavier to pause benches and strict command timing, the competition platform demands precision. Practicing those standards ahead of time is essential.

You’ll also need to adjust mentally. Lifters often forget that judges are watching every move. You’ll be lifting in a singlet, in front of a crowd, following a cadence you don’t control. That pressure is real—but manageable—with preparation. Niki shares her own prep experience, from choosing gear to learning the rulebook to re-learning how to lift for a judged audience.

✈️ When Real Life Doesn’t Care About Your Meet

Let’s be real: most lifters have jobs, families, and stress that don’t disappear during meet prep. Niki’s own prep includes four major trips—including one during peak week. So how do you keep training?

By staying flexible. You don’t need perfection to make progress. Plan around travel. Prioritize