Women in Powerlifting

Athletes in powerlifting are constantly defying the status quo and breaking barriers, and women are at the forefront. Many women find that this sport provides a community to learn and break the stigmas regarding women participating in weightlifting. There are numerous benefits of weightlifting in terms of both physical and mental health that are disregarded when discussing women’s health in the fitness industry. A recent study (Seguin et. al, 2013), investigated how in women over 40yrs, “strength training was associated with significant improvements in several dimensions of body image, health-related quality of life, and physical activity behaviors, satisfaction, and comfort”. Training with weights and specifically powerlifting provides a physical outlet for those of all ages, genders and backgrounds. Female athletes continue to fight stereotypes and inspire future generations to pursue sports that were historically male-dominated. But how can we support these female athletes and support healthy attitudes towards women in weightlifting?

Supporting Women in Powerlifting:

1. Follow Social Media Pages of Empowering Women Powerlifters: Here are a few athletes paving the way in powerlifting!

   1. Amanda Lawrence (@miss.amanda.ann)

   2. Lya Bavoil (@lya_powerlift)

   3. Kimberly Walford (@trackfu)

   4. Jessica Buettner (@djessicabuettner)

   5. Maria Htee (@maria_htee)

   6. Samantha Calhoun (@sam.s.calhoun)

2. Advocate for Women in Sports & the Benefits of Strength Training for Women

3. Making Powerlifting Accessible for Women

4. Support Female Powerlifters directly by purchasing their Products & Services

Weightlifting Interesting Facts:

1. “Edith Murway-Traina is proving it's never too late to push the limits. The great-great-grandmother, who turned 100 years old last month, now holds the title of Guinness World Records' oldest competitive powerlifter in the female category.”

   (https://people.com/sports/100-year-old-great-great-grandmother-is-guinness-world-records-oldest-competitive-powerlifter/)

2. “The 2000 Olympics was the first time that women were allowed to compete in the Olympics in weightlifting. A women's wrestling competition was introduced in 2004.”

   (https://www.topendsports.com/events/summer/women.htm)

References:

Seguin, R. A., Eldridge, G., Lynch, W., & Paul, L. C. (2013). Strength Training Improves Body Image and Physical Activity Behaviors Among Midlife and Older Rural Women. Journal of extension, 51(4), 4FEA2.

(https://www.topendsports.com/events/summer/women.htm)

(https://people.com/sports/100-year-old-great-great-grandmother-is-guinness-world-records-oldest-competitive-powerlifter/)