Written by Ivy Knight
Once I first began lifting heavy, I heard about this factor referred to as a Powerlifting Meet. I regarded it up. It sounded wonderful however then I noticed that you simply needed to put on these items referred to as singlets… basically a unitard. At first website, I assumed, “that is probably the most unflattering garment I’ve ever seen!”. My second thought? “By no means ever will I ever put on that. So I assume I’ll by no means compete.”
However then I met a extremely superior group of ladies they usually invited me to their meet. I went and I liked it! The ambiance, the adrenaline, the entire occasion was virtually magical.. and EVERYONE competing was carrying a singlet.
This was virtually 9 years in the past. There was about 10 girls competing in a meet with over 100 lifters. Most of them had been about my age, a few of them had been older however all of them had completely different physique sorts.
It bought me curious… however I used to be nonetheless very hesitant. The nearer I bought to those girls the extra I noticed them compete.
A few 12 months later, I began the Women Who Powerlift Instagram web page. It made me even nearer to the powerlifting group. And I felt like I couldn’t symbolize this group if I didn’t compete. So I began doing my homework.
I discovered a meet, began coaching and began looking for the dreaded singlet.
I bought all sorts. A few of them match however regarded terrible and a few of them didn’t match in any respect. One specifically was my standard dimension however due to the dearth of high quality materials it ran EXTREMELY small. I needed to dimension up 3 sizes. As an already massive lady this was robust! And even after I did that it was nonetheless extremely sick becoming and really uncomfortable.
I keep in mind crying pondering that I’d by no means discover one thing that I felt good in and subsequently would have a horrible meet.
Finally I discovered one which labored however I used to be nonetheless nervous. As somebody who didn’t utterly love her physique then, I by no means wore tank tops not to mention shorts so I singlet was my literal worst nightmare!
I skilled for about 16 weeks. The day of the meet was right here and I used to be terrified. I competed alongside aspect my then superb good friend. She was a stable 5’7 and about 100lbs lighter than I used to be. She rocked her singlet. I’m 5’0 and have all the time been a SHW. I in contrast my physique to hers and I felt embarrassed. I put my singlet on and instantly put a pair of sweatpants and a sweatshirt on over it.
It was time to begin warming up and my husband/coach on the time, informed me that I needed to take my sweats off. I virtually threw up. This might be the primary time anybody moreover him would see me in a singlet however I used to be right here and there was no turning again.
I took my sweats off and everybody stopped and gasped… simply kidding!! Nobody cared. Completely nobody! Everybody within the heat up space continued to heat up or snack or no matter they had been already doing.
I walked on the platform did my first squat, bought my lights after which walked off. The world didn’t tilt of its entry. In reality, one of many different opponents coaches, bought my consideration and complimented my squat!
Because the day usually goes, my adrenaline was up and down and throughout. After the primary squat try I needed to place at the least my sweatpants again on however I quickly stopped placing them on after my makes an attempt. I utterly forgot I used to be even carrying a singlet. I ended up having an unimaginable first meet and was desperate to do it once more actual quickly! Since then- virtually 8 years ago- I’ve competed about 7 instances. And I’ve by no means nervous about carrying a singlet ever once more.
We did nonetheless, resolve to create one which made you need to put on it and really feel good in it.
I needed to share my story as a result of I nonetheless keep in mind the dread and terror I felt fascinated about carrying a singlet.
When girls inform me they’re scared to compete as a result of they received’t put on a singlet, I get it! However I’m right here to let you know that it’s not that unhealthy.
The reality is, nobody seems to be good in a singlet. They’re downright foolish however there’s a motive we now have to put on them to compete. It’s a mandatory evil.
After a whilst you’re so wrapped up within the competitors, you overlook you’re carrying it and it even turns into snug.
So don’t let your fears cease you. If you wish to compete go for it!!! It’s one of the best feeling ever and while you’re hitting PRs and strolling as much as acquire your medals you received’t even do not forget that you wore a singlet!