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Steve Pritula practises powerlifting at The Bar Strength and Conditioning in South Vancouver. 4N/T4 ZHU PHOTO

Powerlifting for young

and old

A good alternative to other forms of weightlifting without the same injury risks and technical challenges

By CHRISTOPHER MACMILLAN

ver the five years since opening, a South Vancouver weightlift- ing gym has cemented the city’s powerlifting culture among athletes of all ages — from six to 86. Powerlifting attracts competi- tive athletes from a broad age range, said the owner of the club, because is it less technical than competitive weightlifting and has remarkably good health benefits such as build- ing muscle mass and bone density. “We have high-level lifters ... and then we have a mom and grandma,” said Shawn Adair, who is the CEO and co-founder of The Bar Strength and Conditioning. “Even age isn’t an issue. Dominic Lu, a trainer at the gym

who practises weightlifting, believes powerlifting is a good alternative to other forms of weightlifting as it builds muscles and improves body coordination, without the same injury risks and technical challenges.

Powerlift- ing focuses more on three heavy lifts known as the squat, bench press, and deadlift and is less tech- nical than Olympic weightlifting, which requires athletes to perform two overhead lifts called the clean and jerk and the snatch.

Steve Pritula, a 31-year-old former bodybuilder, said he started powerlifting because he went to see a coach’s competition and was intrigued by the atmosphere.

“Age isn’t an issue.”

— SHAWN ADAIR, CEO AND CO-FOUNDER OF THE BAR STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING

Over five years, the weight he can lift has more than doubled from under 100 kilograms to over 200 kilograms.

“Everyone in the gym is goal- oriented. Not only are you pushing yourself, you are also help- ing others to

push them- selves,” Pritula said.

Pritula said anyone new to the sport should consider working with a professional trainer.

“It’s beneficial to work with some- one to develop that motor pattern and learning to do the movement efficiently.”

Starting off, Adair cautioned, the first goal is getting a client used to moving their own weight before

trying to lift hundreds of pounds or break records.

Most importantly, for beginners, is “not to rush to the big weights,” he said.

Lu explained to The Voice in Mandarin that even an 86-year-old person is also capable of powerlift- ing over time because it “increases muscle mass, endurance and explo- sive power.”

“It could increase people’s cardio- vascular system, bone mineral density and body coordination,” he added.

Since they’ve been operating, the gym remains the only one in South Vancouver dedicated to powerlifting with faithful members from across the city. The fitness centre celebrated its five-year anniversary last Sunday with a party for its members.

In 1973, the first world champi- onship was held in Harrisburg, Pa., United States.

Originated in Austria 130 years ago.

There are 11 weight classes for men, 10 for women.

SOURCE: BC-POWERLIFTING.COM

New start for women's soccer team

Falcons’ new head coach ready for Pac- West season in fall

By RYAN NG

his coming fall, the Langara

women’s soccer team will be

playing under a new head

coach, who brings his extensive expe- rience to the women’s soccer team.

Mark Eckerle, a Chicago native,

will try to bring winning formula

back to the Falcons who finished last in PacWest standings last year, with a 1-11 record.

“I think anyone in the game has a passion for being a head coach,” Eckerle said. “Hopefully I can support the program and lead the program to provincial and national successes.”

On Feb. 24, Langara announced the arrival of Eckerle, who soon began training the women’s soccer team for the 2020 PacWest season taking place next fall.

At the same time, he also works as

an assistant coach for the Vancouver Whitecaps FC U19 Development Squad.

Originating from Chicago, ILli- nois, Eckerle has spent over a decade gaining coaching experience from time spent in Ghana, the United States and now Canada. After moving to Vancouver nearly eight years ago, he started as an assistant coach for UBC’s women’s soccer program.

“T want to believe that I’ve learned valuable lessons along the way,” Eckerle said. “I’m ready to take that

growth and experience to Langara.”

Team captain Carly Dhanda, a midfielder, said their new coach offers knowledge and new ideas. She said he has “changed the tempo and intensity” of the practices.

“I’m looking forward to seeing what we can do,” Dhanda said. “I think we got a good coach to lead us.

Kayleigh Beaubien, a forward, is a third-year player who is also excited about the changes and insight that Eckerle brings.

“His coaching style is a lot of fun,”

Beaubien said. “We're having fun in all the drills while also keeping our intensity up and work ethic levels high.”

Along with his vast coaching background, Eckerle has athletic experience competing in the NCAA Division I in both soccer and track and field.

Beaubien said that having their coach play with them during a few drills makes him a lot more involved in the practices.

“It’s a lot of fun having our coach

playing with us,” she said.