Competition Calls

Some of my favourite competitions are for Novice lifters, and as most are either first or second time competitors, there can be some confusion around what happens on the day.

I've always said you should practice how you wish to compete, but it's hard to practice something you aren't aware of.

These are the main competition calls that you'll hear on the day:

GENERAL - "Bar's loaded" - you may approach the platform. This will be called before each lift, and only when the platform is set and ready.

SQUAT - "Squat" - you are allowed to now squat. "Rack" - you have finished your squat rep and look controlled, so you may now re-rack the bar.

BENCH - "Start" - you may now descend the bar to your chest, "Press" - once the bar is controlled and stationary on your chest, this call means you can press it away from your chest and lock out the arms. "Rack" - you have finished your bench rep and look controlled, so you may now re-rack the bar.

DEADLIFT - "Down" - this is the only call you get for your deadlift, and it will be once the bar is controlled at the top with shoulders, hips and knees locked out. Once you hear this call, you can return the barbell to the floor.

If you'd like to know more, chat about the rules of each lift or simply ask any other random questions you might have around competition day, simply shoot me a DM and I'd be happy to help out!