Powerlifting defined by Google is, “An individual sport where the goal is to lift the most amount of weight possible in the squat, bench press, and deadlift in a specific weight and age category.” Chloe Nielsen, a sophomore in elementary/middle education major with a STEAM/STEM emphasis; is also the co-president of the UW-Whitewater Warhawk Barbell Club.
“Media can showcase this sport poorly because when many people think of powerlifting, they automatically think of larger-than-life men, and the sport is so much more than that, it is designed to fit every body type,” Nielsen said.
The Warhawk Barbell Club is managed by Nielsen alongside Jackson Klang and is a “year-round endeavor” but their competing members compete in the winter-early spring usually in one or two meets a year. The Warhawk Barbell Club competes under USA Powerlifting (USAPL) and trains three disciplines: back squat, bench press and deadlift. While the competition side of the Warhawk Barbell Club is a nifty feature, it is not required for all club members.
“Many of our members are at different levels in their lifting career. Some of our members, myself included, have been competitively powerlifting since our freshman year of high school and other members will just be touching a bar for the first time when they join the club,” Nielsen said. “The Barbell Club is a great way to get different perspectives on how to lift, how it can grow your mind and body, and how the love of something can create such a binding community.”
The Warhawk Barbel Club offers more than just a powerlifting outlet but also a community.
“Many of our members like to weight lift for fun and simply enjoy the community we bring to the gym,” Nielsen said. “Having this community aspect can cause you to feel more relaxed and want to go to the gym to simply better yourself. This is what the sport of powerlifting is all about. You are competing against yourself both mentally and physically every step of the way.”
Klang follows up on Nielsen’s point by highlighting what the Warhawk Barbel Club continues to bring to UW-W.
“The Warhawk Barbell Club brings exposure and assistance to students who wish to experience the sport of powerlifting or are just looking for a group of people to go lifting with,” Klang said.
Nielsen set a clear goal for the club beyond just lifting weights.
“My goal for the Barbell Club is to expand the world of powerlifting at UW-W. Many people are unaware of what the sport truly is and can be easily intimidated by it simply based on what the media showcases it as. I have been at meets where there are men and women in their 70s and 80s competing, either doing just the bar or putting on some serious weight despite their age,” Nielsen said. “This sport is truly for anyone, no matter what level you are at, whether you’re lifting just the bar or going for a world record, everyone will be cheering for you.”
Powerlifting can be defined by Google, and anyone who has an opinion, from mass media to your neighbor next door. However, definitions don’t define passions or experience.
“What drives my passion for powerlifting is that it is a constant challenge mentally and physically… I am continuing the powerlifting legacy my father started for me. I have been going to powerlifting meets since the day I was born and living up to what he started is a huge drive for me,” Nielsen said. “I wish society knew that powerlifting is more than having big muscles, it’s about breaking down your body and mind to become the best version of yourself and is truly meant for anyone.”
