“I am thrilled to announce that I will be competing in my first powerlifting competition on January 28th 2023! As a beginner in the world of powerlifting, I have found a passion for this incredible sport. The dedication, but especially all the knowledge and determination of doing the exercise right and as effective as possible, has truly inspired me.
Many times I get the question what is the difference between Powerlifting and bodybuilding? Because Powerlifting and bodybuilding are two different types of strength training and physical conditioning sports.
Powerlifting is a sport in which athletes compete to lift the maximum amount of weight in three lifts: the squat, bench press, and deadlift. The focus of powerlifting is on strength and power, and the goal is to lift as much weight as possible in these three lifts. Powerlifting competitions typically consist of three attempts in each lift, and the athlete’s best lift in each category is added together to determine their total score.
Bodybuilding, on the other hand, is a sport in which athletes train and diet to develop and showcase their musculature. The goal of bodybuilding is to create a physique that is aesthetically pleasing, symmetrical, and well-proportioned. Bodybuilders typically focus on building muscle size and definition through a combination of weight training, cardio, and nutrition. They also often use posing routines and perform in front of judges in order to showcase their muscular development.
While both powerlifting and bodybuilding involve weight training, the focus and goals of the two sports are quite different. Powerlifting is primarily about maximizing strength and power, while bodybuilding is more focused on aesthetics and muscle development.
So what about my Powerlifting journey?
Initially, I wanted to learn how to perform a stronger squat and I was hesitant to try the bench press because I thought it was a men-only exercise. However, I have since learned that this is not true and the bench press has become one of my favorite exercises. After my 525 KM cycling trip on a wooden bike through Europe, I was looking for a new challenge and powerlifting seemed like the perfect fit.
Over the past several months, I have been training hard and focusing on increasing my strength and improving my technique. I am confident that I am ready to take on this challenge and am excited to compete against other athletes, even those who lift way more than me. Powerlifting requires not only strength, but also discipline and mental toughness. The mental toughness is really underrated, but the ones who are reading my blogs for a while know that I love to test my mental toughness as well.
I am looking forward to testing my limits in this demanding and rewarding sport and am grateful to be part of such a supportive and passionate community of powerlifters. Wish me luck as I embark on this new journey! I will be sure to share my experiences and lessons learned along the way.” I’m also thinking to start a new Instagram account where I will share my journey. What do you think?
Love, Mariëtta
Update:
I did it! I participated in my first official Powerlifting competition and despite being nervous and having to consume fast sugars (which I don’t like), I persevered. My first squat was not successful as I missed the starting command, but my second squat of 95KG was accepted. The third attempt at 100KG (which I can, I lifted 105KG in training) was declined because I didn’t go deep enough. This is something to work on for next time. After the squat, I immediately had to warm up for the bench press and found my rhythm. The most important thing was to have fun and it went well, resulting in a new personal record with a lift of 50KG, followed by 55KG (another PR), but 57.5KG was too much. The deadlift was also a success with another PR, starting at 105KG for safety (you can be disqualified if your lift gets declined), then 112.5KG, and finally a new PR of 120KG. I can’t believe it… I’m now qualified to participate in the NK! See the video from the day below, this is a kind of different Mariëtta.
“Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve.”
― Napoleon Hill
?This is one of my favourite quotes I live by! The people that know me well, know that I always love to challenge myself and that’s what I did last Sunday.
?❌We have all failed at things, and this time I have won but failed as well. As soon as I’m hitting above 100 KG squat there is that inner voice that says: I can’t, it’s too much, too heavy… This inner voice is representative of everyone’s life. Therefore for me, it always helps to just take the first step and make things happen, continue to fail at stuff that’s the most powerful tool to use!
?But it also depends on how you prime your brain and teach your mind to overcome it first. You have to get your mind right and visualize it happening beforehand. This first official #Powerlifting match made me help overcome some truly BS beliefs ?and I learned a lot!
I have hit 55 KG bench press and 120 KG deadlift and I thought this isn’t possible. Beating these feats won’t happen by chance, they will require strategic planning and focused training! Special thanks to my coach ?
Ps. I always remind myself that fear and excitement are indistinguishable to the brain. When I feel scared, I embrace the excitement???
