The Barbell Classic is my favorite competition and here's why...

Yesterday was the second Barbell Classic & I was happy to compete in it! After all, it's my favorite competition of the year! Let me tell you why.

I'll be honest, this year I was once again pretty nervous. I had SO many friends that planned on doing the event but they all bailed on me! I didn't want to do it alone, but I knew I would no matter what!

Thankfully, my buddies Justin and Kyle decided to go with me and I couldn't have asked for better people to compete with.

For most people, the Barbell Classic isn't something you go to with the expectation of winning. Sure, we all would like to think that WE could be the best at a certain lift, or even at all the lifts. Realistically, before you get there you know where you stack up among other lifters. The truth is, you go to the Classic to beat yourself. It is the perfect atmosphere to set PR's. 
It's totally different from being on a weightlifting stage where things are quiet and all eyes are on you. Here, it's like being in a big garage with all your friends. Loud music, weights dropping, everyone cheering. It'd be hard not to caught up in the adrenaline pumping atmosphere that makes PR's happen. 

The Barbell Classic had a new meaning for me this year. Last year, it was easy to PR. I was new to the sport and it was a great way to test my limits. This year, while I'm still fairly new, I knew that I'd have to work a little harder to set those personal records.

BUT I DID. 
I was ecstatic about my lifts.
For those who are interested, this is what I ended up with:
Snatch - 133lbs (60kg) PR
Clean & Jerk - 183lbs (83kg) PR
Back Squat - 335lbs PR
Bench Press - 160lbs PR
Deadlift - 375lbs

What was even more exciting was getting NINTH place even when body weight was a factor in the competition. This gives me the confidence that I'm on my way to bigger & better things!

While hitting big numbers is fun, growing my fitness family is even better. I have an immense passion for weightlifting, but the encouragement and support from those surrounding me is what helps me go the extra Kilo. 

My favorite part of the day was encouraging new lifters to pursue the next step. Talking to those who love to lift and motivating them to keep at it even when they don't see the progress they're making. Motivating others is one of the key reasons I do what I do. I say this over and over again, but I want everyone to know that big, small, short, or tall, if you work hard enough, you can succeed. When I step out to take a lift, I don't want people to watch, I want them to feel something.Whether your PR is 170lbs or 70lbs it is still an amazing accomplishment, relative to that lifter. I don't know anyone who didn't get a PR yesterday, so hugs and high fives were given all day long!

I was humbled by the amount of people that knew me through my blog or had followed my trip to University Nationals. Thank you for your love and support! It's going to keep me motivated while I take time off from lifting due to an injury I sustained yesterday. 

Remember, all it takes is all you've got!

Check out Lex Artis for future events.

And in case you missed this goofy picture.... For your enjoyment...