WILLISTON, Vt. (WCAX) – A powerlifting competition in Williston brought dozens of participants older than 40 to the gym, with senior powerlifters hoping to inspire generational strength.
Deadlifting was the final event in the Vermont Senior Games powerlifting competition at the Lift VT gym in Williston.
Julie Kaye, 66, can bench press more than 100 pounds and back squat and deadlift more than 200 pounds.
“I was diagnosed with osteoporosis,” Kaye said.
She got the results back three years ago. Afterwards, she read a study that said weightlifting could help her grow bone density back. She got a trainer, hit the gym and reversed the diagnosis to just osteopenia.
“Just knowing that I don’t have to go on medication, that I can just be in the gym, and hopefully just do this through my 80s,” Kaye said.
Powerlifting can help with ways the body ages.
“Sometimes we lose strength, sometimes we lose that mobility and the people that are here right now are keeping that strength going,” said Jazmin Ferrari, owner at Lift VT.
Ferrari is also a coach. With the right trainer, the right plan and permission from a doctor, it’s never too late to start squatting, she said.
“Some of these people didn’t even start lifting until they became seniors. Seeing our bodies and our minds doing all of this together — it’s amazing,” Ferrari said.
James Chico Hernandez started powerlifting just two years ago. He was last year’s Vermont Senior Games champion.
“I hate losing,” Hernandez said.
He credits powerlifting with much of his physical success. He encourages his aging neighbors to give it a shot.
“It keeps you going, it keeps you future oriented, to keep going and keep going and makes you think — hey — I’m gonna live to 100,” Hernandez said.
Bill, 91, was bench pressing at the competition.
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