A 65-year-old grandmother has become a three-time world champion powerlifter after only starting the sport two and a half years ago. Martine Barons, from Stratford-upon-Avon, said she began lifting weights during lockdown after listening to a seminar that said women going through menopause should run less and lift more. Her colleague at the University of Warwick, who is also a personal trainer, then showed Barons how to deadlift, and spotted her potential.
Barons is now nicknamed The Deadlifting Grandma. On Monday, she won at the AWPC World Powerlifting Championships in the 65 to 85 age group, becoming a three-time world champion, after starting out entering competitions just for fun. "I have seen such a huge change in my own physique and my capabilities – I am sure that my body is at least 20 years younger," she told BBC CWR.
"When they invited me to the British and European Championships, I thought, 'Well I have been invited it would be rude not to go', but who thought it would lead to this? Barons said her journey, down to hard work and dedication over the past couple of years, has been "so exciting". "I have learnt so much, I have met people all around the world, and it has been delightful," she said.
For women who want to get fit and improve their strength, Baron said there were lots of options, one route is to join a gym and develop a tailored programme with a coach. Alternatively, Baron said those who prefer more privacy could "start really gently at home with some resistance bands and a programme". She added her powerlifting has led to having more capability on a day-to-day basis, along with now being able to touch her toes first thing in the morning.
"If I need to move furniture at home, I can do that, I can toss my grandchildren in the air, I can play games with them," she said. "My posture is better and I just feel more capable and more confident in everyday life". Tell us which stories we should cover in Coventry & Warwickshire Follow BBC Coventry & Warwickshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, external, X, external and Instagram, external.
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