Having already written about the benefits of strength training as we age, I thought I would continue on that subject and tell you a little bit about my own success in powerlifting.
Apart from when I was in my late teens, a period when I was severely overweight, I have kept myself fit and healthy through playing sports such as rugby and taking part in running events. I completed several half-marathon distance races over the course of 10 years and played rugby for a local ladies’ team.
My Journey Started with Kettlebells
I only discovered the benefits of weight training when I entered my 40s. I was interested in a local group that used kettlebells and decided to give it a try. If you don’t know what a kettlebell is, it is basically a weight on the end of a handle which you can swing, squat, press, and do many other exercises with.
I found the technique quite difficult to start with but, after perseverance and practice, I became much more confident and saw the difference it made to my body, my self-esteem, and my confidence. At that point, I hadn’t considered the possibility of any other form of lifting.
Next Came Deadlifting
A few years into my kettlebell journey, I was given the opportunity to try deadlifting, which involves lifting a bar with weights at each end from the floor to a standing position. To my surprise, I was pretty good at it, and I continued to practice mainly the deadlift for many years.
I got myself a coach who helped me to fine-tune my technique, and gradually my strength improved. I took part in some local competitions and managed to achieve a lift which allowed me to enter a national competition, which I won much to my surprise. That being said, not many women of my age were taking part in the sport.
Settling on a Combination
It is only over the last couple of years that I have found an interest in combining my deadlift with the squat and bench press and competing using all three lifts.
My training consists of three days of lifting a week. One session will concentrate on the squat and bench press, another will focus on the deadlift and bench press, and the final session will include all three lifts. Each session takes anywhere between two and three hours and also includes some warming up and mobility drills.
Entering a Local Competition
I started with a local competition to get a total big enough to enter at the national level and then entered the British Powerlifting Championships, which took place in Belfast in June 2023. I compete in the Masters 3 category for people between the ages of 60 and 69 and in the under 69kg weight class.
There is always a certain amount of stress involved in making the weight. I tend to spend most of my time a couple of kilos over the weight required and then need to cut down gradually so that I am just under the required weight on the day. I do get so very nervous.
Moving Up the Proverbial Ladder
I had a good day and managed to conquer my nerves, completing my lifts with 9 out of 9 successful attempts. I managed to squat 90kg, bench press 47.5kg, and deadlift 147.5kg. All lifts were personal bests compared to anything I had achieved previously.
I was then selected to be part of the British Powerlifting Team for the European Powerlifting Championships in Malaga, Spain. One of my dreams was to represent my country at the international level. I was over the moon 
.
Day of the Championship
I headed to Spain on the 11th of February, 2024, and competed on the 12th. I had never been in such an environment. To my wonder, I felt immense pride in putting on my British Powerlifting outfit. The competition at this level is very intense, and I had no idea if I would be able to overcome my nerves.
I came out with the same squat of 90kg, an increased bench press of 52.5kg, and a deadlift of 147.5kg, the same as at the British Championships. I secured a silver medal for my squat, a bronze for my bench, another silver for the deadlift, and an overall silver medal. Standing on the rostrum to receive my medals was amazing.
This journey has been incredible, and I hope my story inspires others to take up weightlifting or any other form of exercise, regardless of their age. Remember, it’s never too late to start, and the benefits are truly rewarding.
One note: Always consult your medical provider before you start any routine that is different from your current daily fitness habits.
Let’s Have a Conversation:
What type of strength training have you tried so far? What is your motivation? In what ways have you felt benefits to your health and wellbeing?
