For Watson School teacher Amber Amendt, powerlifting is about more than lifting heavy weights. It is about consistency, determination and the camaraderie of competing alongside other strong women.
Amendt recently put those qualities to the test at the Western powerlifting championships in Saskatoon, earning a silver medal in her category and setting a new provincial deadlift record.
The competition ran from Thursday through Sunday and attracted about 390 athletes, primarily from the four Western provinces, although some competitors travelled from Ontario.
Amendt competed Friday in the masters 84-kilogram category, finishing second among seven lifters in her division.
The result marked another milestone in a powerlifting journey that began in 2019.
Three lifts, one total
Powerlifting consists of three disciplines: the squat, bench press and deadlift. Competitors receive three attempts at each lift, with their heaviest successful attempt in each discipline contributing to their overall total.
Amendt’s personal bests include a 352-pound squat, a 170-pound bench press and a 413-pound deadlift.
Her deadlift was the highlight of the Western competition, producing a new provincial record.
Although the record was a welcome bonus, Amendt said her primary goal heading into the event was to finish on the podium.
Competition day requires a balance of confidence and strategy. Lifters typically open with a weight they can manage comfortably before increasing the challenge with subsequent attempts.
The third attempt offers an opportunity to push personal limits and test how much weight they can lift.
Amendt said she felt she might have lifted a little more, but she was pleased with the outcome.
Her bench press remains an area she is working to improve, and she sees plenty of room for growth.
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From strongwoman events to powerlifting
Amendt’s introduction to strength sports came through team competitions organized by FEM Sport. The events feature challenges such as flipping tires, pulling vehicles and lifting kettlebells onto elevated platforms.
She entered her first event alongside two other women, and the team finished first. The experience sparked an interest in finding another challenge.
When someone approached her about powerlifting, Amendt recalled thinking, “I can lift one thing heavy once. Let’s try this.”
It turned out to be a good fit.
Her first powerlifting competition was in 2019, and she has continued to develop her strength and technique since then.
Consistency is key
Preparing for competition takes considerable commitment. Amendt trains four days a week and follows a structured program designed to build strength while preparing her for competition day.
Her coach, Shauna Hammer, lives in Kelowna and previously lived in Unity. The two work together remotely, with Hammer providing weekly training programs and checking in regularly on Amendt’s progress.
Having a coach to guide her preparation and help determine lifting attempts is an important part of the process.
Choosing the right weights can be a strategic exercise, particularly when competitors are close in the standings. Lifters must consider their own capabilities while monitoring the results of others and deciding how much weight to attempt.
For Amendt, success comes down to consistency, proper nutrition and continuing to build strength.
Finding strength in community
Although powerlifting is an individual sport, Amendt said one of its biggest attractions is the opportunity to compete alongside other strong women.
The sense of community among athletes is an important part of the experience, helping competitors encourage one another while pursuing their own goals.
Amendt encourages anyone interested in trying the sport to reach out to her. She trains at Anytime Fitness in Humboldt, where she also works as a fitness coach and leads group fitness and muscle-building classes.
Those interested in competing can also find information through the Saskatchewan Powerlifting website and connect with training groups such as Bridge City Barbell in Saskatoon and Olympia, the team Amendt is associated with.
Looking ahead
Amendt’s silver-medal finish and provincial deadlift record reflect years of training and dedication since she first entered the sport.
Her success also demonstrates the value of a structured training program, a supportive coach and the willingness to keep working toward new goals.
As she continues to improve her lifts, Amendt is looking forward to seeing what she can accomplish next.
For those considering powerlifting, her experience offers a simple message: find the right support, put in the work and discover what you are capable of lifting.
