The Common mistakes Raw Lifters make while Equipped.

Raw lifters transitioning to equipped lifting often make several common mistakes due to the different techniques and considerations required for using lifting gear. Here are some of the most common mistakes they make:

1. Not Understanding Gear Fit and Sizing

• Mistake: Raw lifters often assume that the gear (like a squat suit, bench shirt, or deadlift suit) will fit similarly to their regular training attire. In equipped lifting, the gear must be tight and tailored to the lifter's body for maximum effectiveness. If the suit is too loose or incorrectly sized, it won't provide the support and rebound necessary.
• Solution: Get properly fitted gear and understand the tightness required. It should feel uncomfortable at first but provide substantial support when used correctly.

2. Over-Relying on Gear

• Mistake: A common pitfall for raw lifters switching to equipped lifting is thinking that the gear will do all the work. Equipped lifting is still about technique, and the gear should enhance rather than replace the lifter’s strength and skill.
• Solution: Continue to train raw to maintain strength and improve technique, ensuring the gear only assists when properly engaged, not doing the work for you.

3. Incorrect Technique

• Mistake: Equipped lifting requires subtle technique adjustments, particularly in the squat and bench press. For example, in the squat, raw lifters may not know how to "sit back" or use the suit to get the proper rebound out of the hole. In bench pressing, they may not know how to engage the shirt to get the most out of it.
• Solution: Focus on learning the proper technique for equipped lifting. Work with an experienced equipped lifter or coach to refine your form while in gear.

4. Failing to Account for Gear Support

• Mistake: Raw lifters often forget that the suit and bench shirt will provide support in certain parts of the lift, which can affect their timing and technique. For example, when benching, they may not wait for the shirt to "load" before pressing, or they may prematurely try to press without utilizing the shirt's assistance.
• Solution: Learn how to use the gear’s support properly, waiting for it to "set" before initiating the lift and learning the timing of when to push or move.

5. Not Training in Gear Often Enough

• Mistake: Many raw lifters train primarily without their gear, only putting it on for a meet or occasionally. This can result in a lack of familiarity with how the gear affects their movement.
• Solution: Train in your gear regularly (especially leading up to a competition) to get used to the different dynamics it brings. You may need to train in it a few times a week to fully adjust.

6. Using Gear Too Early in Training

• Mistake: Some raw lifters immediately start using their equipped gear at the beginning of their training cycle, even before they’ve built a foundation in it.
• Solution: Build up strength in raw training first and then gradually integrate equipped lifting into your training. Start with light weights to practice and gradually progress.

7. Ignoring Recovery and Gear Maintenance

• Mistake: Equipped lifters often overlook how taxing the gear can be on their body. If gear is too tight or used incorrectly, it can lead to discomfort or even injury. Also, not properly maintaining gear can reduce its effectiveness.
• Solution: Pay attention to recovery—especially joint health—and make sure to maintain your gear properly, ensuring it’s not damaged and still provides the right support.

8. Overestimating the Effectiveness of the Gear

• Mistake: Raw lifters may expect dramatic jumps in performance when they first use equipped gear, sometimes resulting in them attempting loads they’re not prepared for, or underestimating the challenge.
• Solution: Understand that gear will give you support, but it's not a magical fix. It’s a tool to help you get the most out of your body’s potential, so take your time to learn how to use it effectively.

9. Not Adjusting Training Volume

• Mistake: Raw lifters new to equipped lifting may not reduce their training volume or intensity to account for the increased stress gear places on the body. Lifting with equipment can be more taxing, especially on the shoulders, hips, and knees.
• Solution: Adjust your training volume and intensity when switching to equipped lifting to allow your body to adapt and avoid overtraining or injury.

10. Underestimating the Need for Specific Accessories

• Mistake: Certain accessories, like knee wraps, wrist wraps, or lifting belts, are often required when lifting equipped, and raw lifters might neglect them or not understand how to use them.
• Solution: Incorporate and learn how to use these accessories properly as part of your equipped lifting training.