Lifting Event
Rules & Regulations
Locations & Times
March 22nd, 2025: Squat, Bench + Deadlift
Seattle, Washington
Embody Strength & Wellness
Address: 4100 Aurora Ave Seattle, WA 98103
Arrival: 8am-8:45am Athlete Arrival, 9am: Athlete Meeting, 10am: Lifting
Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania
Ark Fitness Club
Address: 20 N York St Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania 17055
Arrival: 8am-8:45am Athlete Arrival, 9am: Athlete Meeting, 10am: Lifting
San Antonio, Texas
Rebel Athletics and Barbell Club
Address: 14100 Nacogdoches RD STE 104 San Antonio, Texas 78247
Arrival: 8am-8:45am Athlete Arrival, 9am: Athlete Meeting, 10am: Lifting
May 17th, 2025: Squat, Bench + Deadlift
Columbus, Ohio
Venue Location TBA
Address: TBA
Arrival: 8am-8:45am Athlete Arrival, 9am: Athlete Meeting, 10am: Lifting
October 26th, 2025: Bench + Deadlift
COMING SOON
Lifting Meet
Our goal is to challenge women outside of their comfort zone and show themselves they're stronger than they think. First time competitors to seasoned lifters will come together to show themselves what's possible
2-3 Main Lifts: Lifters will compete in squat, bench, and deadlift in a powerlifting meet-style manner.
SBD: Squat, Bench & Deadlift
Push-Pull: Bench & Deadlift
3 Attempts: Each lifter will have 3 attempts at both lifts to reach their maximum lift on each movement.
Total Score Combined: The highest lift of EACH lift will be combined for the scoring.
All women of All Levels: We've had ages 7 to 72 years old and women lifting the bar to 500+lbs.
Divisions
This meet is non-sanctioned and open to ALL levels ; our non-showcase meets (like this one) do not include weigh-in's like traditional powerlifting meets. Divisions are based on honest self-selection of lifter's experience level.
Might & Mini: <14 years of age & any experience level (must have guardian present)
Beginner but Badass: 0-1 years lifting
Intermediate & Incredible: 1-3 years lifting
Basically a Pro: 3+ years lifting
MANY of our lifters have not competed in any lifting competition prior to lifting in an Xpand Your Limits, while others have competed in multiple high-level, sanctioned and/or elite events. Xpand Your Limits Meets are the perfect opportunity to step outside of your comfort zone, build confidence in competition, meet other women, inspire and cheer each other on, and compete for a cause - no matter your level. Anyone under the age of 18 must have a legal guardian present.
Equipment Regulations
Our equipment regulations differ from sanctioned events, so please look below at what you can, can't and do not need to wear for an XYL lifting meet.
Lifting Regulations & Commands
Our lifting regulations differ from sanctioned events, so please look below at regulations and commands.
Squat
Regulations
Begin in a lockout position to receive the squat command.
You must reach parallel at the bottom of the squat.
Reach lockout of knees and hips at the top to receive the rack command.
High or low bar squatting are both allowed
Commands
“PLATFORM READY” lifter can approach the platform
Lifter will unrack bar
“SQUAT” command to start squat
Lifter will complete the rep
“RACK” to re-rack the bar
Bench
Regulations
Elbows must be in a lockout position prior to beginning the barbell movement
Barbell must touch your chest prior to pressing the bar back up (no pause command)
Elbows must lockout at the top of the lift
Butt must stay on the bench and feet must stay on the floor throughout the entirety of your lift
Commands
“PLATFORM READY” lifter can approach the platform
Lifter will unrack bar
“START” command to lower the bar
Lifter will complete the rep
“RACK” to re-rack the bar
**no press command
Deadlift
Regulations
Begin with the bar on the ground
You must complete the lift without hitching*
The bar must continue ascending the entire lift – you cannot have any downward motion during the pulling of the barbell
You must reach a full lockout of your hips and knees at the top – no soft knees
*Hitching: scooting the bar up your thighs to help lift it up & lockout
Both sumo & conventional deadlifts are allowed
Commands
“PLATFORM READY” lifter can approach the platform
Just RAISES ARM to signify to start - remains for the full lift
Just LOWERS ARM when lifter is cleared to lower the bar
**no dropping barbells from the standing position
Event Day Structure
3 Rules of the Day
1. Beat that voice & have a good freaking time
We all have that voice that doubts, hesitates, and makes you question whether or not you can do it. On event day you BEAT that voice and you show it it has no power over you.
2. Play all out
Leave it all on that platform. You came here not to play it safe. You came here to show yourself what you're capable of. Choose the number that a little bit scares you and if you don't get it.... you have a new goal to hit.
3. Support the heck out of each other
Yes, it's a competition, but more than that it's women coming together showing themselves how strong they truly are. The energy will be HYPE, the cheers will be loud and we expect every single one of us to come together that day as one.
What our athletes are saying...