Empowerlifting

Sometimes the best kind of competing is the internal battle, beating your own personal records and finding that your true strength lies within.

At Whitsunday Weightlifting, building your power, speed, coordination, balance, challenging yourself and your self-confidence all come hand in hand.

Each week at both Gravity Fitness in Airlie Beach and at Whitsunday Weightlifting in Mount Marlow, Whitsunday powerlifting and weightlifting coaches Tony Lisciandro and Leanne Knox help their group of committed weightlifters achieve personal bests.

With a loaded barbell, these athletes learn to lift their heaviest weights, pushing their own boundaries and showing themselves what they can achieve.

“It’s perfect for males, females, anyone any age, because it’s experience driven – you could be a beginner at 15 or a beginner at 50 and you’ll both be at the same level,” Leanne said.

“People think that’s not for me, but anyone can do weightlifting, and it is so good for you.”

Leanne said that the wide-ranging benefits of not only regular exercise, but increased muscle mass have shown improvements in people’s cognitive abilities too, making them happier and healthier.

They have a wide range of ages at the Weightlifting club, as well as a wide range of techniques from the highly technical Olympic Weightlifting moves such as the Snatch and clean and jerk to Powerlifting basics of Squat, deadlift, and bench press.

For those externally motivated, the club hosts its own regular, internal competitions which pit members against each other. Leanne also encourages her pupils to join into state and regional competitions.

“The best thing about powerlifting is that it’s empowering; it shows you what you can achieve,” Leanne said.

You can head to any of their sessions for a come and try day, where Leanne or Tony are more than accommodating.

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