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Survival of a Powerlifter in a World of Bodybuilders and 'Cardio Queens.'
By Priscilla Ribic
Well once again in my short 2-½ year powerlifting career, I have found myself moving to yet another gym and without workout partners. This time it is Gold's Gym, a place full of men who are often caught doing 'pose-downs' in front of the mirrors and women who come, apply a fresh coat of make-up and hit the elliptical for 20-30 minutes. I came to realize that I don't quite fit in.
The last time I was at a commercial gym, I was with a group of other powerlifting guys. Hardly a member of the gym would speak a word to me. This time, I am on my own, so what to do?
The first things that I noticed (as I am sure you are all aware), most are intimidated by us and think we are juiced freaks. My first approach was to break down the barriers. I am not 'Miss Chatty Cathy' in the gym, but came to realize the people are most intimidated by the unknown. So if I passed them on the way to the water fountain and we made eye contact, I was talking to them. Where did this get me?
- I now have people that are more than willing to spot.
- They are asking questions. Now they are realizing that:
1. I am not a bodybuilder
2. Why I wear all that 'funky looking' gear
3. What powerlifting actually is
4. That I am drug-free and YES you can be strong without taking anything
- I now have my first recruit into the world of powerlifting and the USAPL. Now most of you won't understand that excitement, but I have been the only female powerlifter in Spokane since I started.
- And most important, SUPPORT from the members and staff!
Tips on making that "commercial" gym happy:
- Meet with the gym owners. Let them know what you are all about and how you promote drug-free powerlifting. (You have no idea how well this is received!)
- Be open to answer questions of others in the gym.
- Invite the curious to lift with you.
- Share! You might be on the bench or the squat rack for a lengthy period of time, but let other members know they are more than welcome to work in with you. Avoids complaints to management.
- Clean! Chalk is messy no matter what you try. Offer to mop up after you are done.
- Don't scare off people. It is not really necessary to scream and yell when lifting.
So, although my make-up is not fresh and my hair not perfect, I have found a way to make my new gym home. Barriers have been broken down and a support network built even though the guys have admitted that they will no longer do lower body on the same day as me because I out lift them. (Don't you just love powerlifting!)
Priscilla
www.littlepowerhouse.com
Priscilla@littlepowerhous.com
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