Powerlifting Squad

The Powerlifting Squad of Durham ARC.

The powerlifting squad was established at Durham ARC in 2002. They train on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. The members of the squad make it to the training sessions convenient to them. Some members make it to one, others two and the competitive members make it to all three. The training takes place in the new top quality gym at the clubhouse of Durham Amateur Rowing Club at Green Lane , Durham. The equipment and facilities are excellent. The coaching of the squad is undertaken by World, European and National Championship Medal Winners. Durham ARC Powerlifters are members off the Great Britain Powerfiting Federation - The national governing body of powerlifting.

Membership is open:

If you want to know more or become a member then Make contact send a membership request to durhampowerlifting@hotmail.co.uk

Check out our Club Website..http://sites.google.com/site/durhampowerlifting/

What is Powerlifting?

It involves lifting big weights. The lifts are squat, bench press and deadlift. For more information the best regional site is www.ynepf.org.uk The governing body of powerlifting is Great Britain Powerlifting federation http://www.gbpf.org.uk

At Durham ARC we do a lot more.

Is powerlifting all that happens?

General Strength Training.

We have members who concentrate on using weights in order to improve their general strength. They fall into two groups, those who just want to be fit and strong and those who want to be strong in order to increase their performance in their sport. These are mainly rowers but we do have climbers, footballers and swimmers. Graham is a climber and needs some extra strength as he has to have a go at Everest later this year - he is so pleased to have found the Durham Powerlifters!

Olympic Weightlifting.

There are four members who are trying to get better at Olympic Weightlifting. Two of them hope to enter the Regional Championships.They are both on target to get Gold Medals and this would be a first for Durham ARC. In the competition they would have three attempts at the two Olympic lifts, the Snatch and the Clean+Jerk.

Weights for Rowers.

All rowers know the importance of having big weights included in their land training programme.The expertise of the powerlifters is available to all rowers of the club. The junior section has taken great advatage of this. Some of the juniors have been able to make GB Squad selection and have represented their country at World Championships. Who knows, they might not have made it without the expertise of the powerlifters of Durham ARC.

Tone and Trim.

There are a few members who use powerlifting as part of their tone and trim regime.

Work done = force (N) x distance (m)

By lifting big weights they are using up body energy as well as giving muscles a real workout. Powerlifting and rowing machines are very good fat burning excercises and having a fitness regime that use both of these is one that will work.

Social.

There is a strong social dimension to the powerlifting squad. Not only after training in the bar but also regular evenings on the town. Some of the members like real ale and go for the CAMRA pubs while others prefer the luxury of the Ebony Champagne Bar. There is always the Christmas Dinner - being powerlifters we don't have turkey we have big steaks and chips. We also organise Band Nights down at the clubhouse and we are fortunate to have a squad member in the local punk band ZIPJAM and they contribute to the fundraising of our squad by giving us their time and providing entertaining nights.