Powerlifting Past 65
When I told my sister that I had started powerlifting, there was silence on the line for at least five seconds, which is an eternity in sister-talk. Finally, she could contain herself no longer and burst out, “Why would you ever want to do that?”
Now, I know my sister and expected this reaction. She has a very different idea than I do about what are appropriate activities for women of our age, which definitely does not include picking up progressively heavier weights and putting them down again, especially if grunting may be involved.
Why am I powerlifting? I had never picked up a barbell before I tried CrossFit about five years ago. I found I liked lifting weights and getting strong, but my “box”, as CrossFit gyms are called, has closed permanently, a victim of the pandemic. I tried working out on my own, but the free weight areas of most large chain gyms can be very intimidating to newbies, especially to women. Sometimes, the testosterone in the air is almost palpable. I often felt out of place and I worried I would inadvertently hurt myself by lifting with improper technique.
I wanted to find a coach who would teach me to lift properly. Amazingly, I found a gym just two miles from my house run by a woman who is a powerlifting national champion. She is sympathetic and patient, but no-nonsense. She corrects my form and pushes me to lift more than I thought possible.
Powerlifting is only three lifts: bench press, back squat, and deadlift. But there is so much to learn! Starting with the basic movements using just a bar, I progressed to adding plates. I learn more of the subtle aspects of positioning, posture, timing, breath control, and motivation every work out session.
Online, there are a myriad of rabbit holes to explore. There are hundreds of videos on YouTube filled with not only proper lifting technique, but also discussions of what equipment is best, what to eat to maximize muscle and strength gains, and what supplements, if any, are helpful. There are videos of actual meets. There are subreddits on Reddit dedicated to powerlifting as well as ones like xxfitness which discuss women’s fitness issues exclusively.
I see evidence that I have changed in my day-to-day life: catching my six-year-old granddaughter when she takes a running leap at me, carrying multiple bags of groceries from the car, easily lifting sacks of rice or sand. My posture is better, I feel stronger, and have more energy. I know from research that lifting weights both builds stronger bones and strengthens the muscles around joints, so I should weather accidental falls without risking the dreaded broken hip that spells the beginning of the end for so many elderly people.
Recently, my coach mentioned a powerlifting meet scheduled in six months for new lifters only. I signed up with no hesitation. Sounds like the ideal environment for my first meet. And no, I did not tell my sister I was actually planning to compete.