Ok, so you’ve signed up for your first competition. We’re not going to worry about what sport it is (i.e. strongman, powerlifting, highland games etc.) because what you’re going to need for all of them is basically going to be the same. In this article we’re going to go over two things that you should bring to your competitions. That’s what’s in your gym bag and what’s in your ice chest. Admittedly some of this is going to be personal preference but I’m basing what I write on my own personal experience as well as the experience of the Atlas Strength Shop athletes… You know…. The ones that keep winning.
What’s In Your Gym Bag?
We’re going to start with the obvious and move on to the crap you’re probably not going to think of.
First and foremost, you should bring your supportive gear. Double check the rules of the organization that you’re competing in and make sure what you have is allowed ahead of time. You also don’t want to pull anything new out the day of that hasn’t been tested. There’s nothing worse than buying a new set of knee sleeves just to get to the venue and find out they don’t fit.
Next you should pack some equipment to help you warm up. I always back bands at the very least but if I can I’ll also throw in a light dumbbell to help warm up my rotators. A lot of times I’ll also bring a light kettlebell and a mace as well. This may be overkill but a lot of people seem to want to borrow it. Especially the mace at a highland games.
The next thing you want to think about are shoes. I use an average of 3 pairs of shoes over the course of five events at a strongman competition. I’ll usually use a lifter for any of my overhead or loading events. I’ll use something with a flat sole for deadlifts, and finally I usually wear my Reebok Nano’s for all my moving events.
The next thing you’ll want to bring is personal hygiene supplies. I always bring deodorant… for obvious reasons and baby wipes for the not so obvious reasons.
Finally, you’re going to want to bring an extra change of clothes. This includes a shirt, pants, socks and underwear. I never really thought of this until I competed at a competition in Arkansas. During the car deadlift a girl’s bladder practically exploded all over the platform. Hopefully she brought something to change into.
What’s In Your Ice Chest
This one is going to be a lot more obvious and a lot more specific. Take my reasoning into consideration and fill yours with what makes sense.
The first thing I always make sure is in my ice chest is water… This should be a no brainer but there you go.
Next, I like to have some form of caffeine to keep me going through out the day. Lately, my go to has been Monster Hydro with a pack of StrikeForce Energy. Sipping on this helps keeps me a steady stream of energy though out the day without having to worry about the crash from pre workout… Its going to be a long day… Stay away from pre workout!!!
As for food I usually grab a couple of boxes of Uncrustables. Yes, I’m talking about those individually wrapped peanut butter and jelly sandwiches you give to kids. I love these for competition day because the servings are small so you can eat one in between each event and not feel too heavy. They have everything you need from the protein and fat of the peanut butter to the simple sugars in the jelly. They’re also a great way to meet new people so bring extra for the new friends you’re going to make at the show. I’ll also usually bring a couple of pre portioned proteins for a little extra. Whatever you do though don’t eat anything too heavy!!
So that’s what I like to bring to my competitions. Do you bring something else? Shoot me an email at cameron@atlasstrengthshop.com and let me know what I missed. Also don’t forget about the 1st Annual Rougarou Classic coming up in Baton Rouge this May!!! We’d love to have you.
If you liked this article, then please come back for more. Also don’t forget you can follow our Instagram here and our Facebook here. As also if you have any questions feel free to email me at cameron@atlasstrengthshop.com
Release the Titan in You,
Cameron Ray