LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) – Chasity Hunter has become a force to be reckoned with in the powerlifting community. Hunter’s powerlifting journey started as a way to pass the time during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It started off during COVID, just trying to find a hobby. I got some dumbbells, started following some apps and I liked it and got kind of into it. Whenever I moved back home I just typed in powerlifting near me and Lake Charles Powerlifting came up. I’ve been here ever since,” Hunter said.
Hunter recently won the USPA Louisianimals State Championship in back-to-back years. The cherry on top: breaking her own state deadlifting record by two and a half pounds.
“It’s exciting because one, that 380 was really hard. So to come back and not only hit it but beat it… it’s a feeling that’s really hard to describe,” Hunter said.
Frederick Hannie, owner and coach of Lake Charles Powerlifting, has watched Hunter push through setbacks to get to this point.
“She’d come off quite a plateau where some of her lifts hadn’t moved in about a year. I was very proud to see her stick with it through the hard times to see the fruits of her labor for all that hard work she’s been putting in the gym,” Hannie said.
On top of powerlifting training and a full-time job, Hunter is also balancing being a mom.
“I have two little girls that I take care of at home, and they’re very busy themselves. They do soccer, dance, gymnastics, so balancing my schedule and their schedule and work. It’s been tough, but it’s doable. One, it’s taught me to pour into myself so I can pour more into them. So giving myself time has definitely improved me being a mom and in life,” Hunter said.
Through all her responsibilities, Hunter’s dedication keeps her going.
“She finds time to fit in at minimum four training sessions a week. She’s even gone as far as to buy an entire home gym to make sure that she’s able to fit her workouts in when she’s not over here,” Hannie said.
“It’s one of those sports that you get to see what you put in. So whatever you put in is what you get out. So you get to see those numbers climb based on what the effort you give. So it keeps the dopamine going, keeps you coming back,” Hunter said.
For now, Hunter is taking an offseason to focus on growth. But before long, she’ll be back out on the mats competing.
“Next April, I’ll be competing in the Battle of the Bells here. I would really like a triple bodyweight deadlift. I’m at 2.97 right now, so I’m right there,” Hunter said.
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