S2E5 - Injuries and Powerlifting Competitions: Managing Setbacks and Navigating Meets

In the powerlifting world, injuries are an unfortunate reality. Whether it's a tweak in training leading into a competition or something more significant happening during the powerlifting meet itself, injuries will happen. However, it's how we reduce our risk for them and manage them so they don't get worse leading into or during the competition.   Prepping for a Powerlifting Meet? Download our FREE Powerlifting Meet Day Bundle HERE!   In this episode of the Progressive Rehab & Strength Podcast, we dive into the complex dynamics of injuries in powerlifting competitions, from preventing them to managing them when they inevitably occur.   We'll break down why injuries seem to crop up as lifters approach competition time, addressing key factors like:   Overtraining Mental stress Physical demands of peaking for performance  How to decide whether to push through an injury or pull back  When is it wise to adjust your attempt selection to avoid making things worse   We'll also discuss the financial and future opportunity costs of competing through injury—how much should you weigh your investment in the competition against your long-term lifting goals? When is it best to step back and preserve your health for the future?   Injuries during a competition present a whole new set of challenges. What's the best course of action if you get hurt mid-meet? Can you adjust your attempt selection in real time to avoid further damage? Should you skip an attempt, put in a number versus a 0, or pull out completely? These are the tough decisions that many lifters face.   Plus, we'll talk about the sometimes frustrating process of adjusting your first attempt—how to make changes when you're warming up and things don't feel right, and why your opener matters more than you might think. Do you change the number at weigh-ins? And what happens when you tweak something warming up right before your first lift?   If you've ever dealt with the stress of managing an injury before or during a powerlifting competition, or you're wondering how to avoid major setbacks in your competition journey, this episode of the Progressive Rehab & Strength Podcast is for you. We'll share strategies, practical tips, and personal insights to help you navigate those challenging moments and come out stronger on the other side.   Tune in for this essential conversation on staying healthy, making smart decisions under pressure, and keeping your long-term goals intact leading into a powerlifting competition!   Resources mentioned in this episode: #1 - Key Features of the PRS Sustainable Training Method: Bridging the Gap Between Barbell Training, Powerlifting, & Rehabilitation How to Manage Strength Training Fatigue in Your Barbell Training | Fatigue Management While Powerlifting Tracking Your Barbell Training: The Importance of RPE & E1rm in Reaching Your Goals in Powerlifting & Strength Training #5 - Part 1 - Pain & Injuries in Barbell Training - What Are Injuries & How Do They Happen? #6 - Part 2 - Pain & Injuries in Barbell Training - Do You Need an MRI? #7 - Part 3 - Pain & Injuries in Barbell Training - The Athlete Recovery Process The PRS Sustainable Training Builder- FREE     If you're enjoying our podcast, please leave us a review on  Apple or Spotify.   Need help with an injury or programming? Book a free consultation call with one of the PRS Clinical Coaches here!   Interested in attending some of the free PRS community events and getting early access to PRS Podcast episodes? Sign up for our weekly newsletter here!   Join our Facebook Community for free form checks, live Q&As & more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/PRS.Barbell.Mastery     Got questions or guests you'd like to hear on the show? Submit them here: https://forms.gle/7Vu2HmgHoeQY9xM59    Get in touch with the show! Web: https://www.progressiverehabandstrength.com Email: [email protected]  Rori IG: @rorimegan_prs Alyssa IG: @alyssahope_prs