Thanks to sport, some people have managed to overcome health problems. Example with this little-known discipline…
Exercising has always been a good habit to maintain your body and stay in good health. But for some, sport also helps overcome more serious disorders. This is particularly the case of this sportswoman who recently made the headlines across the Channel for her extraordinary journey. Called “Tiny Tank” because of her often-mocked small size, Lily Churchyard has become a true champion in powerlifting, at just 21 years old. With two world records and dozens of titles in the United Kingdom, she is a reference in the discipline. A little-known sport that brought him much more than trophies.
“Powerlifting literally saved me,” she said at the BBC recently, in a most telling testimony. “I’ve had an eating disorder and powerlifting taught me that I can eat whatever I want and still lift heavy weights. It makes me so happy because I’m able to achieve these things that you see others people do in the gym (….). You feel like you’re part of the community… not sitting in a corner worrying about what people will think of you.”
Lily Churchyard only started powerlifting three years ago, somewhat by coincidence. A strength sport consisting of 3 different movements: the squat, the deadlift and the bench press, generally in competitions. But you can have fun doing it with friends, in the gym.
For the squat, the athlete stands with a loaded barbell across the shoulders, usually at the back of the neck. Flex the knees and hips to lower into a squat position, making sure the thighs are parallel to the floor or lower. Then he pushes up his legs to return to a standing position.
For the bench press, you must lie down on a horizontal bench with the bar resting on your chest. You lower the bar until it lightly touches your chest, then push the bar up until the arms are fully extended.
Finally, in the deadlift, you must stand behind a barbell on the floor. Bending your hips and knees, you grasp the bar and, keeping your back straight, you raise the bar, straightening until you are standing with your shoulders back.
Please note, taking advice from a specialist is still recommended before getting started. To reach her level, the young woman follows special training. If she no longer has an eating disorder, she follows a diet adapted to the high level with a meal consisting of 250 g of minced meat, three eggs and a whole avocado before each session!