Lifting questions

[Jhun12]

Rip,

3 questions

1) Do you recommend for powerlifting pausing all first reps for the bench or only when doing heavy singles?

2) How did you train the week of the meet when you were actively competing in powerlifting that worked best?

3) When running the halting/rack pull program when did you reintroduce the deadlift before a meet?

[Mark Rippetoe]

1. I don't coach Powerlifting. You get stronger on the bench by utilizing the stretch reflex at the bottom.

2. I did a heavy workout with doubles or triples the Monday before the meet, and then Thursday did a circuit of light squat/bench/deadlift to keep the grooves fresh.

3. I didn't deadlift except at the meet. I knew how to deadlift, and it didn't need reintroduction.

[Jhun12]

I get you don’t actively coach powerlifting, but I respect your opinion. When Starr was coaching you for meets did he have you pausing all your bench reps? Also, did you always use straps in your training for your pulls?

[Mark Rippetoe]

You have to practice the pause. Do NOT listen to the judge, just make the pause correctly. Not all the sets need a pause. I strapped all my heavy rack pulls and haltings, but not the warmups.