NHF Deadlifts & Donuts, Come Lift with Us at NHF!
Why You’ll Love Deadlifts and Donuts at NHF
You’re invited to a fun, supportive lifting event at NHF. It’s a chance to challenge yourself, try something new, and enjoy some donuts when it’s all done. Whether you’re here to hit a big number or just want to experience what it feels like to step on the platform, we’ll walk you through everything and make sure you feel comfortable the whole way.
What to Know and When to Arrive
Check-in starts at 8:15 am at Northglenn Health and Fitness, 475 W 115th Ave #3 Northglenn, Colorado.
Warm-ups start at 8:30 am and you’ll warm up and build up to your starting weight.
First lift starts at 9:00 am with the lightest weight going first.
First Time at NHF? Here’s What to Expect
Whether you’re one of our members or a guest who’s never been here before, we’ve got you covered.
📍 Location and Parking
We’re at 475 W 115th Ave #3 in Northglenn. You’ll see an NHF sign on the building and a chalkboard welcome sign outside. There’s free parking right in front.
👋 When You Walk In
Check in at the lobby table where we’ll give you:
- A name card to track your lifts
- Your warm-up schedule
- Info on where to go and what to expect
Our team will be right there to walk you through everything.
🏋️♀️ Gym Setup
- Warm-up space is toward the back
- Platform is front and center
- Seating for lifters is along the south wall, near the platform
- Spectator space is nearby for friends and family
When It’s Almost Your Turn to Lift
We’ll call lifters in order of the weight on the bar, not just your check-in order. So listen for these cues:
- “You’re in the hole” means you’re two people away. Stay seated on the south wall and get mentally ready.
- “You’re on deck” means you’re up after the person lifting right now. Be alert and prepared to move.
- “Platform is ready for [Your Name]” means it’s go time. You’ll have 1 minute to start your lift.
If someone changes their declared weight, your turn might move up or down. Stay close and listen for your name.
How to Declare and Change Your Weight
You’ll declare your first lift attempt at least 24 hours before the event. We recommend choosing something close to 85 to 90 percent of your current one-rep max, something you’ve done successfully before.
You can change your starting attempt up or down until 3 minutes before the first lift begins. After that, you can still increase your weights for any of your attempts, but you can’t go back down.
Here’s the key thing to remember,
We never take weight off the bar once it’s on the platform, we only keep it the same or add plates. That means no one can declare a lift that’s lighter than what’s already loaded.
You can still change your number—even while you’re “in the hole” or “on deck”—as long as you do it before we call your name and say “Platform is ready.” Once we call you, your declared weight is locked in.
After each lift, you’ll have 1 minute to head to the announcer’s table and write down your next attempt. That’s how we know what weight to load for you the next time you lift and how we know what order you will be lifting your next attempt.
How Your Lift is Judged
To make your lift count, you need to:
- Stand all the way up with your knees locked and shoulders behind the bar
- Wait until the judge says “Down” before lowering the bar
- Keep the bar moving upward, no dips or downward movement allowed
- Lower the bar with control, no dropping
What Is Hitching, and Why Isn’t It Allowed?
Hitching is when the lift gets stuck and you try to “bounce” or jerk the bar up your legs in pieces. It might feel like it helps but it’s really bad for your spine. We don’t allow hitching because it puts you at serious risk for injury. We want you feeling strong and staying safe.
If the bar dips down at any point, or if you try to reset while it’s already off the ground, it counts as a no lift.
Gear and What to Wear
- Barbell is a standard 45 lb Olympic bar
- Use any grip you like, regular, switch, or hook
- Shoes must cover your whole foot, no sandals or slides
- Socks that cover your shins are optional but recommended
- Wrist wraps are okay, lifting straps are not
- No need for a singlet, just wear what you’re comfortable lifting in
Special Thanks to Our Sponsors
This event wouldn’t be nearly as fun (or as relaxing) without our local partners. Big thanks to:
- The Donut House in Thornton for the post-lift donuts!
- StretchLab Walnut Creek for helping you warm up or recover with assisted stretching
- Erin, massage therapist, who works with Dr. Ben, a local chiropractor, will be offering 5 – 8 minute chair massages to help keep you feeling your best
After You Lift
Once you’re done with your third attempt, grab a donut and hang out for the medal ceremony. Medals are awarded by age and gender, and it’s always a great chance to celebrate and get photos.
Event Timeline
| Time | What’s Happening |
|---|---|
| 8:15 am | Check-in and get your lift card |
| 8:30 am | Warm-ups begin |
| 9:00 am | First lift starts |
| After lifts | Donuts, medals, photos, stretching, massage! |
You Don’t Have to Be Perfect to Be Part of It
If this is your first time lifting in front of people, we get it. It can feel nerve-wracking. But NHF is a place where we cheer for effort just as much as strength. Everyone here wants you to win, whatever that looks like for you.
Ready to Lift With Us?
If you’re ready to challenge yourself, have fun, and eat donuts, we’d love to see you on the platform. Here is a link to register for the event!
If you aren’t ready for the event and want to learn more about working with us directly on your strength, energy, overall health or weight – click here to set up a 10 minute chat with our owner to see if we can be a good fit! Coach Jennifer is happy to call you!