Why Powerlifting?

Why Powerlifting?

I've been a competitive athlete all of my life… literally, since 6 years old. Everything from that time was surrounded by playing some sort of sport (basketball, softball, track). People have hobbies, things that they enjoy doing for fun, I compete. I am an ATHLETE. I didn’t realize how much being an athlete defined who I am.

Most individuals athletic career ends after graduating high school. I was fortunate enough to have received a scholar to run track. (Would’ve much rather played college basketball but who’s complaining) After 4 years of grueling training and competing, you look forward to the moment you get to say, I’m done.. I no longer have to wake up at the crack of dawn to lift.. I no longer have to suffer through 2 hour long practices.. I no longer have to do anything unless I want to do it. You think that being done is everything that you want. But, then eventually reality hits and you are lost. Everyone has a hobby, except you.

In college, I lifted because I had to. I wouldn’t even say that I was good at it. I didn’t have exceptional strength (I could do pull-ups, I guess thats cool), nothing that would make someone blink twice. And if I did, I damn sure wasn’t about to show it…that only meant more work. After leaving college, I had one goal…DO NOT GET FAT. Best way not to get fat (other than dieting) .. workout! So, I did.

I throughly enjoyed working out now that I had free reign to do whatever I wanted. No one telling me what to do or when to do it. The gym was literally my playground. I discovered calisthenics and that was the best thing ever. However, after months of playing, I realized that I was wasting my time in the gym..not really accomplishing anything. I didn’t have any goal. I was already fit and very content with my body composition.

October 2014… I told myself that I wanted to get STRONG. Not just mindlessly lift, but lift with a purpose. I didn’t really know much about powerlifting…I heard of it, had a fair understanding of what it entailed..however a classmate of mine sparked my interest. He was heavily into the science of getting stronger and putting on more mass. Thats all he talked about.  When I told him I wanted to get stronger..without hesitation he began sending me articles, ebooks, youtube links. (Thanks Tony P.)  My interest grew exponentially.

I started lifting “heavy”..I was getting stronger. Making pretty good gains. So what going to do with it? I needed that structure again. A reason to train. A goal.. A light at the end of the tunnel. I needed to be an athlete again .. and COMPETE. June 2015 I signed up for my first powerlifting competition. August 2015 I competed. 

Took first in my weight class.. got overall best lifter.. 297 lb squat, 165 lb bench, 403 lb deadlift.. at 134 lbs.. Not bad..this is fun..I guess I’m a powerlifter now.



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