Our powerlifting club here at Kearsley High School is a strength sport focused on three core lifts: squat, bench press, and deadlift. Our schools powerlifting club is all about building strength, improving technique, and pushing limits in a supportive, team-driven environment. Whether you are brand new to lifting or already experienced, this club is a place to grow, challenge yourself, and be part of a community that celebrates progress and hard work.
I talked to Keanna Fant-Thompson, a senior here at Kearsley High School. I asked her about what she found most difficult in terms of powerlifting.
Fant-Thompson explained, “The most challenging part for me is trying to balance maintaining a low weight class while maximizing muscle and strength.”
Due to its independent nature, having personal goals in powerlifting is important. Having clear goals helps keep participants motivated during tough training sessions. It also allows members to measure their progress and celebrate their individual achievements.
When questioned on her own goals, Fant-Thompson said, “My goal this year is to lift in the 140 weight class and make state champion.”
Powerlifting meets can be very intimidating because of the amount of people. Sometimes, there are over 1000 people all packed into one tiny gym. The noise and energy in the room are overwhelming at first. Everyone is focused and determined, which can put pressure on new lifters. However, the supportive atmosphere helps you overcome nervousness and focus on your own performance. Some people opt to take it in stride, like Fant-Thompson.
“I actually don’t,” Fant-Thompson said. “I just go as I am and give it my all. Even if I don’t think I can lift a certain weight, I give myself the opportunity to prove myself wrong.”
Having confidence is key when preparing for powerlifting meets. It’s very important to give yourself time to warm up and mentally prepare for major lifts. This helps reduce anxiety and increases focus. Staying positive and visualizing your plan can also enhance your performance. The community aspect of the team is really important to help us feel comfortable.
“It’s like an organized chaos,” Fant-Thomspon said. “But it’s also a room full of victory. It’s exhilarating.”
The atmosphere in the busy gym can cause a lot of anxiety, but this is the good kind of anxiety, the kind that makes you want to deadlift five hundred pounds. The gym is filled with the noise of clanging metal plates and screams of joy from encouraging teammates. During team workouts, everyone supports each other, offering tips and motivation. The feeling of victory after a successful lift is unbeatable, and the cheering of your peers and all the parents make the hard work worthwhile.
