Whats up guys, just thought i'd share my good/bad experience with my first bench contest.
First of all, there was only 12 guys and 1 chick so there was nobody in my division which kinda blows. I paid $45 for a trophy pretty much. I got to see some good lifters though and learned a lot. My max went up from 300 sloppy to 325 with strict form... I don't know what it is about a moment like that but it was definately easier to lift a lot heavier at a meet than in my own gym any day. I think i'm gonna invest in a bench shirt, which might get me up to 350. Then I could lose 6 lbs. and be in the 181 class and have a good shot at future larger meets... whaddya guys think?
Overall, it was a positive experience and I got a new max and a trophy so I'm satisfied.