IN PERSON

POWERLIFTING

COACHING

FOR ALL ATHLETES

SERVICES

TRAINING

Receive individualized programming from the top strength coaches in the world.

TEAM COACHING

Our premier service is available to everyone, from professional athletes to weekend warriors.

EDUCATION

Boost your performance with expert tips, training techniques, and inspiring success stories.

REHAB & INJURY MANAGEMENT

Recover faster and stronger with our expert Rehab & Injury Management program getting you back in the game.

MENTAL SKILLS COACHING

Harness your mental strengths and conquer your weaknesses to excel both on and off the platform.

WHERE WE TRAIN

Train with us in Weatherford, TX, and experience unparalleled results. No matter the distance, your journey will be worth it.

OUR COACH!

LEN NUANEZ

Squat: 639 lbs

Bench: 424 lbs

Deadlift: 617 lbs

Current Titles:

International Powerlifting League (IPL) World Champion

NASA Powerlifting National Champion

USPA Hawaii State Champion

19 National Records

24 State Records

Weatherford Barbell Club Athlete Since 2021

WHO WE WORK WITH

We work with athletes who value training and coaching that is professional, innovative, and proven effective at every level. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, our methods are designed to elevate your game and help you reach new heights. Dive in and optimize your workouts today!

What Our Clients Have To Say

After 2 months of training I was able to progress into full range of motion

movements for the

first time in years, as well as full depth back

squats with no pain.

JOSEPH R.

Weatherford Barbell Club helped me reach my goal of deadlifting 300#! Something I have chased for years and I reached my goal in under 6 months!

MORGAN R.

I started to work on my balance and fitness. What we have done is beyond words, I am now doing all 3 lifts and feel more confident in my abilities.

MICHELLE D.

READ THE

LATEST

How tough are you?

It's Mental

July 02, 20244 min read

overcome adversity, powerlifting, resilience, mental fortitude, success

The Mental Fortitude Required to Overcome a Failed Lift in Powerlifting

Powerlifting is as much a mental game as it is a physical one. The sport tests the limits of strength, technique, and determination. Among the various challenges faced by powerlifters, failing a lift in a meet stands out as a significant psychological hurdle. The ability to recover from a failed attempt and successfully finish the competition requires immense mental fortitude, resilience, and strategic thinking. You are stronger than you realize!

The Emotional Impact of a Failed Lift

A failed lift can be devastating. The immediate emotional response often includes disappointment, frustration, and even embarrassment, especially in front of an audience. These feelings are natural and stem from the high expectations athletes set for themselves and the hard work they put into their training. Additionally, the pressure of competition, with its unique atmosphere and the presence of competitors, judges, and spectators, can amplify these emotions. The top level athletes learn how to harness their emotions and use them to their advantage, don't let your emotions control you.

The Importance of Mental Resilience

Resilience is the ability to bounce back from setbacks and continue pushing forward. In powerlifting, mental resilience involves quickly shifting focus from the failed attempt to the next lift. This shift requires acknowledging the failure, understanding what went wrong, and then letting go of negative emotions to prevent them from affecting subsequent attempts. All that matters is THIS lift, what has happened stays in the past and the future hasn't happened yet. So FOCUS on what your doing now.

Strategies for Rebounding from Failure

1. Immediate Analysis and Adjustment: After a failed lift, it’s crucial to analyze what went wrong. Was it a technical error? Was the weight simply too heavy? Identifying the cause helps in making necessary adjustments. This might involve tweaking technique, adjusting the weight, or modifying the mental approach. K.I.S.S. when in doubt, go back to the basics!

2. Positive Self-Talk: Replacing negative thoughts with positive affirmations can help restore confidence. Reminding oneself of past successes and the hard work put into preparation can reinforce a positive mindset. You have failed before and look at you now! Keep your head up and get after it.

3. Visualization: Many athletes use visualization techniques to mentally rehearse successful lifts. By vividly imagining the successful execution of the lift, athletes can build confidence and prepare their minds for the next attempt. Picture yourself on the platform, feel the knurling on the bar, walk through your set up and see yourself crushing your lift!

4. Support System: Coaches, teammates, and even the crowd can provide crucial emotional support. Encouragement and constructive feedback from coaches, along with the cheers from teammates and spectators, can significantly boost morale. Remember your WHY.

5. Focus on the Process: Concentrating on the process rather than the outcome can help reduce anxiety. By focusing on the steps and techniques required for a successful lift, athletes can divert their attention from the fear of failure. Set up is crucial when it comes to this, it should be the EXACT same in your gym as it is on the platform, process beats chaos.

The Comeback

Successfully overcoming a failed lift and finishing the competition strongly is a testament to an athlete’s mental toughness. It demonstrates the ability to maintain composure under pressure, adapt to setbacks, and continue striving for excellence. This resilience not only defines their performance in that particular meet but also contributes to long-term growth and success in the sport.

Lessons Beyond the Platform

The mental fortitude developed in powerlifting can transcend the sport, offering valuable lessons for other areas of life. The ability to face failure, learn from it, and come back stronger is a critical skill in any endeavor, whether it’s academic, professional, or personal. Powerlifting teaches that failure is not the end but a step in the journey toward achieving greatness.

Conclusion

Powerlifting meets test more than just physical strength; they test the mental resilience and determination of the athletes. Failing a lift is a significant challenge, but with the right mindset and strategies, powerlifters can overcome this obstacle and successfully complete the competition. The mental fortitude required to do so is a hallmark of a true competitor, one who understands that every setback is an opportunity for a comeback.

Back to Blog

Weatherford Barbell Club

Weatherford Barbell Club, led by an IPL World Champion, offers personalized programs and a supportive community to help athletes of all levels reach their fitness and strength goals. Join us and elevate your training!

STAY CONNECTED

PRIVACY & REFUND POLICIES