I'm a mom. I work full-time. I scrapbook. I sew (sometimes). I cook (almost never). I clean, do laundry, pick up toys, change diapers...
But something that hardly any of you know about me...
I am (was) a competitive powerlifter.
What the heck is a competitive powerlifter? Isn't that where you get up on stage, wear a bikini and pose your muscles?
Oh heavens no! If I had to stand on stage in a bikini, I think I might throw up. Instead, I just lift heavy weights.
I started lifting in high school and began competing in college (via my boyfriend, now husband). I instantly fell in love with it. I loved that I was different from your typical girl. I was strong. I could show up dudes in the weight room. And I still looked like a girl.
I really started climbing up the powerlifting ladder and in 2005 I was a National champ in my weight class (yes, we have weight classes) and I received a sponsorship from the biggest and best online company/resource for all things powerlifting/fitness/athletic performance. I served (and still do) as a Q&A staff member and article writer for their site. I was a National champ in 2006 as well, just 2 months before I got pregnant with Hannah. In 2007, I was ranked the #1 female powerlifter in my weight class.
My personal bests...
Squat - 463 pounds
Bench - 253 pounds
Deadlift - 424 pounds
I've written several articles. I've done a handful of interviews. I've spoken at a few conferences and seminars (part of that is related to my old job as a university strength coach). I've been "recognized" at powerlifting meets by people who obviously know me, even though I don't know them. I've had people come up to me and say "I've been following you for years! I love reading your articles and watching you lift." Sometimes, it's kinda freaky... but flattering as well.
At one powerlifting competition, my parents were sitting in the audience. A young man was sitting next to them and casually said, "Who are you here to watch?"
"My daughter," replied my Mom. "That's her right there... Julia."
"Oh my gosh!" young man exclaims. "I know her! I see her on Elite Fitness all the time! She's so strong!!"
My mom graciously accepted the compliment and I think for a brief moment, they were proud of me. ;) (Kidding, my parents have always supported my crazy weight lifting.) Since Noah was born one year ago, I did a small competition in August. My training has been pretty sporadic since moving and the new job, but I hope to get back on track and would love to do at least one more competition
So, there you have it. My little secret. I guess it's not really a "secret". But, I'm sorry I've kept it from you, dear readers, for so long. But now you know. Press play to see me in action.
(P.S. The debut of 6 Degrees of Blogging starts tomorrow! See you there!)
24 comments:
Wow, that was unexpected. Congrats on being awesome!
you're like the not-green, mom version of the hulk. nice.
Even though I knew your secret...I'm still in awe!! :) Way to go, sister!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You totally ROCK! Such an amazing thing.
I'll have to watch the video when I get home (since I'm blocked from it at work) but I'm sure it's just incredible!
Keep up the lifting!
Love ya
Very cool, I love lifting weights, it's so enegizing, way to go momma!
Um... thats like.... awesome.
You rock. Seriously.
I'm totally impressed.
Blessings~
Amanda
Wow. That's amazing!
Found you through TMC Network - now a follower!
Umm..yeah..so I guess I won't complain about the 7.5 lb weights I was lifting the other day..:-)
You're awesome!
wow!! thats awesome :)
Hope you get back in to it like you want to... me.. lifting the diaper bag hurts haha jk but you get what im saying hehe!
Wow. Duly impressed. And now we all know we should really never mess with you.
That's great!
You ROCK! Seriously. Wow! I can't wait to tell my husband your personal bests. He will be so impressed :-)
That is super cool. :-) I was training for the Miss Fitness America contest moons ago.. yeah, the one where you walk on stage in a bikini. ;-) I was squatting about 450 at the time... and did neat push ups with no legs. ;-) Anyway, super cool!
You totally rock, girl!
Gotta go check out the six degrees thing- I'm out of the loop!
That's awesome...and very impressive! I had already seen you mention your power lifting before, but had no clue just how elite you were! :-) Great job and hope you get back into the way you want! So hard with all the other things on your plate, but I'm sure you can do it. Makes me want to get back into the P90X program I have been neglecting since getting pregnant!
This is so awesome!
Un...#!@#* believable!!!!!!!!!!
Awesome. I hope you get back to it soon, since I know how much you love it. Can you post (or send me) the vide of you doing the one-arm pull ups? I love that one. And I'm still working on doing mine with 2 arms. :)
That's so cool! I did know this about you from your previous blog. Good for you!
My DH was a body builder in his college days. He has a natural physique that allows him to build muscle easily. He doesn't have time to compete anymore, but he does still stay in shape, lucky for me :-)
Schwaaa?!! That is so awesome. You go!
Very Impressive!
That is amazing! I had to show the videos to my husband and he is very impressed as well!
THAT is WAY COOL!!
HOLY CRAP! You go girl!
Wow! I know I am strong...but you are like Hercules. :)
Can I ask how you train for that? I mean, they are one rep each...so I am wondering how you build up to that much weight. Not that I am going to do that...just curious.
Currently, when I do bench I do multiple sets, and my last one was at 125lbs/15 reps. Then just for kicks, I pressed 135lbs/2 reps...but I was wiped at that point. Anyway, that is even hard, so I can't imagine how you got to 253!! Crazy. Would love to read more. You can even blame me if you do another post. But if you do, please come tell me!
INTENSE!!
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