The 2008 USPF Nationals… From a Chick’s Point of View
By GymChick

I DIG IT...

Six months ago when I agreed to be one of the sponsors of this year’s USPF Nationals, many thought it was just to promote my website… But the truth is, I simply dig powerlifting. Not that I’m a heavyweight or anything, but ever since I threw my back out a year ago attempting to squat over 200 lbs, I’ve earned a deeper respect for “going heavy” and the sport of powerlifting.

PASSION, HEART & SOUL…

Contrary to what many people may think, powerlifters are not a bunch of knuckleheads throwing their weight around in the gym in work-boots and ripped flannel shirts. In fact, many of the competitors that I spoke to at this year’s competition included engineers, business owners, law enforcement professionals, and firefighters… People who make their living at the very risk of sacrificing their own lives. Though they came from all over the country and all walks of life, the men and women at this year’s competition all possessed the HEART & SOUL that is the very essence of powerlifting… A true brotherhood and sisterhood of athletes who share a common passion for a sport that pushes the human body to its’ absolute limits. The sport of powerlifting commands respect and the competitor’s at this year’s USPF Nationals have certainly won my respect and admiration.

“HOLY MOLEY!”

Yup… “Holy Moley” – I found myself saying this over and over… I was completely amazed at the size of some of the men at this year’s competition. (I’d have to work 3 full time jobs to pay for enough food to feed one of these guys!) One powerlifter picked me up off the ground like it was nothing…Boy, that was pretty cool! (Ladies… If you ever want to look super thin… Stand next to one of these guys!)



BEHIND THE SCENES…

Though I saw a good share of the actual competition and witnessed several world records in the making, I was most intrigued by the “action” in the warm-up area. Not only was I impressed by the raw strength of the men, I was equally impressed by the power of the female competitors… It humbled me to see what many of them could lift. But more than this, I was impressed with the team spirit that everyone possessed. Though still a competition, each and every competitor encouraged one another… Light Weights, Heavy Weights… All offering a “spot” when needed or a pat on the back for good luck. In addition, I was impressed with how down-to-earth and “real” everyone was. In between warm-ups, many of these “larger than life” guys played with their kids - Each and every competitor that I approached was willing to answer my questions and give me their perspectives on the competition. In fact, I had a great chat with a firefighter named Louie (a champion powerlifter) who held a conversation with me as he “woofed” down his lunch in-between warm-ups… (Who by the way ate more in 5 minutes than I eat all day!) But all kidding aside, I found each and every competitor to be exceptionally upfront and insightful… They shared their grueling training routines, told me about their diets, and filled me in on why they love the sport of powerlifting so much.

THE ANSWER TO THE BIG QUESTION…

I spent several hours talking to many, many competitors. Some were newer to powerlifting, but many were “veterans” of the sport…. Ted Isabella, Bob Masello, George Lazzareschi, they were all there -- Still competing, still going strong.

Joe Reeves, also a veteran powerlifter was there as well– He wasn’t competing this time around but still participating and working behind the scenes. These guys have powerlifting in their blood and they bleed raw strength. Though I can’t remember every single face by name, I can tell you that I remember the Number #1 answer I received when I asked: “Why do you love Powerlifting?”

The bottom line for most… They love the sport because it’s all about achieving PR’s… But doing it WITH (NOT AGAINST) a group of people who share an appreciation for the sense of accomplishment that powerlifting gives them.

And by the way, if you don’t know what “PR” means, you’ll have to hit the gym and figure it out for yourself. That’s really the only way you’re ever going to understand where these competitors are coming from…

So get to the gym, hit it hard, and make sure you put passion, heart and soul into all your lifts. If you truly give it your all and achieve a PR… You may well be on your way to achieving a World Record like many of the competitors that I was fortunate enough to meet at the 2008 USPF Nationals.

RESULTS, PHOTOS… 2008 USPF NATIONALS

Please check out the photos and visit www.ripl.org soon for results.

For info on upcoming powerlifting events contact Ted Isabella at uspf-ri@cox.net or call (401) 946-5350.




Stay strong – stay safe!
GymChick