Strong Women Redefined

Women were marching outdoors in protests around the country, showing strength in numbers and intent, but some women were making history in other ways. My husband and I attended our first Powerlifting Competition in Albany, New York, in which a friend competed in the over 60 category. It is her second State competition, having come to Powerlifting only several years before.

Loud music is pumping in the space and we’re feeling the music as much as hearing it. There’s a CrossFit and StrongMan competition happening at the same time at The Empire State Strength and Fitness Expo.

The State competition for men and women starts with Squat Lifts. This is where there is an unfathomable amount of weight loaded onto the barbells- over 500 pounds for a few, but over 250, 300 or 400 for both men and women. There are three judges who determine whether the squat is low enough and each contestant needs at least two of the three white lights for the lift to be considered good. Two or more red lights means that the lift doesn’t qualify. Each contestant has three turns at each lift. There are five spotters who help to ensure the safety of the lifters, and the team arranges the weights and heights of the weights between contestants with the efficiency of a pit team at a Formula One race. 

Participants have one minute to start their lift, and we saw one woman literally dash out as the clock was running out. She managed to settle enough to complete her lift successfully. The focus and concentration on the faces of the lifters is in stark contrast to the bouncing, driving music. Or perhaps they draw some of their intensity from the volume and beat, or block it out entirely. 

When our friend comes out, she ducks beneath the bar and grabs hold of it. She digs her feet into the mat and locks them into place. It is as if she is rooted to the ground, and drawing strength from the depths of the earth. Three white lights blink immediately after she completes her squat. 

There were two platforms and we heard the announcement for but did not see the Fairy QuadMother as she mastered her squats.

The audience adds their will and strength when a lifter hits a sticking point or hesitates. The possibility is clearly in them, but is just as clearly aided by the enthusiasm of the encouraging spectators.

The music is (mercifully) lowered for the bench press because the competitors must hear the commands to start, lift, and rack the barbell. Judges are looking for straightened elbows for a good lift.

The third element is the dead lift. The barbells start on the ground and must be lifted to a standing position before dropping to the ground.

There are many vendors selling every variety of protein packed powder, drink and baked goods with samples to try. What an industry! We tried some remarkable pancakes, brownies and shakes that fortified our viewing experience for sure. Oddly, the first table was Girl Scout cookies and my husband remarked that nothing screams health food like a good Caramel Delite cookie! 

It was a thrill to see our friend compete and break state records. Her dedication to training, and that of all the contestants reminds us that boundaries are to be pushed and we cannot know what our limits are until we strive beyond them. As someone who sometimes likes to stretch these bounds myself, I have loved biking 100 miles in a day, or hiking eight days in a row up and down peaks and valleys.

Our friend moves on to the National competition, which she was robbed of participating in last year because Atlanta, where it was held, experienced freak storms and the airport was closed. We’re keeping our fingers crossed that Colorado’s airports remain clear in June for this year’s excitement. Let the inspiration continue!