Written by Ivy Knight
Once I first began lifting heavy, I heard about this factor known as a Powerlifting Meet. I appeared it up. It sounded superb however then I noticed that you simply needed to put on this stuff known as singlets… primarily a unitard. At first web site, I believed, “that is essentially the most unflattering garment I’ve ever seen!”. My second thought? “By no means ever will I ever put on that. So I suppose I’ll by no means compete.”
However then I met a extremely superior group of ladies and so they 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 sporting 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 obtained me curious… however I used to be nonetheless very hesitant. The nearer I obtained 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 neighborhood. And I felt like I couldn’t characterize this neighborhood 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 obtained every kind. A few of them match however appeared terrible and a few of them didn’t match in any respect. One specifically was my normal measurement however due to the shortage of high quality materials it ran EXTREMELY small. I needed to measurement up 3 sizes. As an already massive lady this was robust! And even after I did that it was nonetheless extremely ailing becoming and really uncomfortable.
I bear in mind crying pondering that I might by no means discover one thing that I felt good in and due to this fact would have a horrible meet.
Finally I discovered one which labored however I used to be nonetheless nervous. As somebody who didn’t fully 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 facet my then excellent buddy. She was a strong 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, instructed me that I needed to take my sweats off. I virtually threw up. This is able to be the primary time anybody apart from 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, obtained my lights after which walked off. The world didn’t tilt of its entry. In truth, one of many different rivals coaches, obtained 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 very least my sweatpants again on however I quickly stopped placing them on after my makes an attempt. I fully forgot I used to be even sporting a singlet. I ended up having an unbelievable 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 fearful about sporting a singlet ever once more.
We did nonetheless, determine to create one which made you wish to put on it and really feel good in it.
I needed to share my story as a result of I nonetheless bear in mind the dread and terror I felt interested by sporting 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 inform you that it’s not that dangerous.
The reality is, nobody seems to be good in a singlet. They’re downright foolish however there’s a purpose we’ve got to put on them to compete. It’s a mandatory evil.
After a when you’re so wrapped up within the competitors, you neglect you’re sporting 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 the very best feeling ever and if you’re hitting PRs and strolling as much as accumulate your medals you received’t even keep in mind that you wore a singlet!