Club of the Week: Powerlifting Association

Powerlifting conjures up images of enormous muscles and impossibly large weights.
So it may be surprising to learn anyone can join this sport - no matter their size, shape or age.
Waikato Bay of Plenty Powerlifting Association president Warren Russell says many men begin training with very little muscle at all, and a quarter of all current members are women.
"It's really addictive. The challenge of beating your personal best is a real thrill. The people are great too. They are very supportive of one another and this is a very competitive region, national and international."
The Waikato Bay of Plenty Powerlifting Association is one of the strongest clubs in New Zealand - in every sense of the word - and boasts several national champions.
This year's national championships will be held at Tauranga's Armitage Hotel from August 5 to 7.
"People who come along will see some world-class lifting. Some of the lighter guys can lift up to four times their own body weight. It's no easy task and really amazing to watch," Mr Russell says.
"There's always a good atmosphere and a lot of cheering. People really get in behind the lifters - even their competitors - and help spur them on to break new records."
Powerlifting is different to weight lifting and it comprises three events.
The squat requires people to hold a weight bar across their back before squatting down and standing back up again. The bench press involves lying on your back with arms out straight, before bringing a weight bar down to your chest and pushing it out again. The deadlift sees people standing upright while lifting a weight bar off the floor.
"Powerlifters have three lifts for each event, so nine lifts all together. The judges then take the best lift for each event and add those scores together to score a total. The highest total wins."
Mr Russell says club members train together at gyms in the Bay of Plenty before travelling to competitions all over the country.
"Some of these guys train up to six times a week for one or two hours each day. They're dedicated. We have got a big team here in the Bay of Plenty so this year we're hoping to win the team trophy at the National Championship."
Tauranga had plenty of Masters-age competitors but the club is hoping to attract more juniors to the sport. Powerlifters must be at least 14 years old to begin and Mr Russell says it is a life-long sport.
"Our club members love helping new people. All they need to do is get in touch and we'll help find them someone to train with.
"You don't have to be incredibly strong to start. There are novice events and eight weight classes and junior and master divisions."
The Waikato Bay of Plenty Powerlifting Association charges an annual membership fee of approximately $100.
This grants all members entry to over 20 events nationwide.
For more information about powerlifting, click online to www.sportground.co.nz and search for the club's name.
The details
Name: Waikato Bay of Plenty Powerlifting Association
Number of members: 40
Established: 1980s
Meeting times: Members organise their own training schedules. Meetings and competitions are held throughout the year.
Contact: Warren Russell, phone (07) 543 2040