Why should I lift with USA Powerlifting of Minnesota? 

    This is a question I sometimes get and now as we go into the 2008 season I think it’s time we address this very valid question. Here are the reasons (In no certain order).
1. Single Ply gear and equipment checks. You will not see double or triple ply gear at USAPL events in Minnesota. You will not see denim or canvas equipment either. Only single ply poly gear is allowed. You will not see knee or wrist wraps that are excessive in length. You will not see Monolift squat racks. You will see mandatory equipment checks at all USA Powerlifting meets in Minnesota. You will see enforcement of this rule at all times. This is to ensure fairness for all lifters.
 
2. Standard and consistent judging. What you will not see is favoritism. All lifters are judged equally regardless of who they are. What you will not see is unqualified judges. We do not just have anyone sit in the chair. What you will see is judges who have completed written and practical tests of our rulebook before they are allowed to judge. What you will see is judges who are often lifters themselves. Being judged by your fellow lifters means when you get a lift passed it’s without a doubt a good lift
 
3. Drug testing. USA Powerlifting in Minnesota follows the USAPL guidelines of drug testing. At least 10% of lifters at every meet are tested. At every USA Powerlifting event in Minnesota ALL lifters can be subjected to drug testing.  We take drug testing very seriously. You will not see divisions in our contests separating who is drug tested and who is not.   USA Powerlifting in Minnesota also follows the OMT (out of meet testing) as required by our governing body. What this means is that any lifter can be drug tested at any time without warning.  USA Powerlifting in Minnesota submits its drug test documentation to our national office. This allows unbiased review  of the results by our national elected officials so the proper sanctions or appeals may be applied in all cases regardless of who the lifter may be.   For more information on drug testing please follow this link.
 
4. Meets for lifters of all ages and skill. USA Powerlifting in Minnesota offers events that are for the beginner to the elite lifter. Our lifters ages range from 14-70 years. Powerlifting is about getting better. So no matter what level you are you have a way of challenging yourself. USA Powerlifting in Minnesota also allows you to qualify for national and international events. We are affiliated with our national organization USA Powerlifting and our international affiliate International Powerlifting Federation. So not only do you have the chance to be the best in our state, but also in our country and the world.
 
5. USA Powerlifting in Minnesota is run by its members. We are not owned by anyone. We hold bi-yearly elections for our state chair persons. We also hold yearly meetings to allow members to discuss what they would like to see different in our organization. Our state elected officials are required to attend our National Governing Body (NGB) meeting to voice our concerns and to elect our national officials. In other words, when you are a member of USA Powerlifting in Minnesota YOU as a member call the shots.
 
6. USA Powerlifting in Minnesota has enjoyed a long history that has spanned over a decade. Joining us you become part of that tradition.
 
These are just some of the reasons why you should lift with USA Powerlifting in Minnesota. These are some of the things you will be part of as a member of our fine organization. If you have any questions feel free to contact us.