SUBMITTED PHOTO
Angela Lewis poses after winning an event earlier this year.
Angela Lewis is one of six women from Medicine Hat who will be attending the World Powerlifting
Federation and Raw Powerlifting World Championships from Oct. 3-6 in Calgary. She has competed in the sport for only two years and already amassed several prestigious records and awards.
She is looking to achieve even more at this upcoming competition as part of the Canadian team which was invite-only.
We tracked her down for an inspirational interview for other female athletes or girls who are looking for motivation to be active and strong throughout their lives:
Q: How many competitions have you done in your past two years as a powerlifting athlete?
A: I have done four competitions so far. Worlds will be my fifth so I am still relatively new to the sport.
Q: What got you into the sport of powerlifting?
A: My coach Colin DeWolfe. I started taking classes at his gym, Back Alley Fitness, and really took a liking to the muscle max class which focused on weight training. He noticed my skill and watched my strength improve and suggested that I could be a pretty good powerlifter and that I should try training for strength.
Q: What special achievements/awards have you gotten in your sport?
A: I have placed second in my last two competitions for my age and weight category and was recognized for the top female bench press award in my most recent competition. I hold a national and world record in the 75 kilogram female junior and open category for bench press as well as I am second place overall for top female bench press in Canada.
Q: What are the top three things that contribute to your success as an athlete?
A: Training – I train 4-5 days a week in the gym depending on what my program is from my coach. The training programs are specifically designed for me and my body to improve my weaknesses and capitalize on my strengths. As I get closer to competitions my training changes to focus more on heavier lifts but hands down being in the gym on a consistent basis is the biggest factor for my success as it helps me properly develop my muscles to grow and get strong.
Nutrition – I need to properly fuel my body so it can perform at the top level. If I am not eating enough or not eating nutritious foods I cannot do my workouts properly and it effects my competitions.
I would say the quality of my foods matter just as much if not more than the amount. I can’t eat a bunch of pizza and expect my workouts to go well. Because my sport is also based on weight classes I also have to pay attention to proper portions. My coach designs my nutrition programs to go with my workouts.
Recovery – Training hard can take a toll on the body. I need to prioritize things like sleep and stress management. I also work with some great professionals for things like massage, chiro, and acupuncture that helps keep my body functioning well.
Q: What is your favorite muscle group to train in the gym?
A: Arms, shoulders, and back’ basically anything to do with my bench press.
Q: Do you have any mentors or other athletes you admire?
A: Yes! You actually (referring to the interviewer, Ally). When I was first seeking out a gym to go to, I went to your website and read through your articles and social media posts and I really liked how you said things and the vibe I got. Same goes for the rest of our team. I love the atmosphere that everyone creates and I admire how much each person on our team pushes one another to be the best we can be.
Q: When not training what do you enjoy doing?
A: I love being active just for fun. Doing things like swimming, archery, and riding horses. I also spend a ton of time with my best buddy, my dog Hoss!
Q: If you could achieve anything in your sport, what would it be?
A: Top Canadian female powerlifter.
Q: What is your advice for other women who want to get stronger or get involved in powerlifting?
A: Just do it! Umm’ .don’t let other people influence how you think about yourself. So many women are scared to get into lifting weights because they thing they might gain too much muscle and they worry about other people’s opinions. Don’t listen to them! Do what makes you happy and makes you feel good!
Thank you Angela for taking the time to answer some of these questions and we wish you all the best at world championships. Stay tuned on the FAME social media accounts to see how she does as we will be posting the results of our six amazing Medicine Hat female athletes attending!
Alyssia DeWolfe is the owner of Back Alley Fitness and a member of the Females in Action Moving and Empowering Committee.
