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At Sudbury u3a, a new group is dedicated to powerlifting. It's led by member Melanie, who discovered a love for the sport in her 60s and now competes professionally for Team GB.

The group meet weekly, with each session focussing on one of the three main lifts in powerlifting; squats, bench presses or deadlifts. Numbers are limited so that every member can benefit from Melanie's time - ensuring that every member is lifting correctly and safely. The group has been so popular that a second group started in September, allowing a new cohort of members to discover the benefits of the sport. 

Powerlifting is a new hobby for most of the members and group leader Melanie only discovered it herself in her 60s. She says, "About eight years ago, I felt thoroughly unfit and unhappy with the way I felt - despite having a lost a lot of weight through dieting. I started an exercise class and soon progressed to lifting weights with a trainer. I found that lifting weights made me feel good, not just physically but also mentally. For me, it was so much better than just cardio exercises." She soon made progress and started entering weight lifting competitions. This led to her being asked to lift as part of Team GB.

Melanie started the group at Sudbury u3a to encourage other members to give weightlifting a go, knowing the positive impact it had had on her own life. She says, "For me, what I love about running these groups is seeing the progression of u3a members and the comaraderie and support each member gives to their fellow lifters. I see them watching others and helping them along, encouraging each other and even critiquing others' lifts!"

She continues, "These sessions help people get used to a gym,because initially they can be intimidating places but with friends and guidance the gym is a great, supportive place to be."

Member Nick has only been coming to the group for about five months and has already noticed it's making a difference for his health. He says, "I’m a keen cyclist so my legs are strong but my upper body is not as good. I thought I’d come along and give it a try. I wasn’t sure if I would enjoy it. When you get ready to come along, you think ‘oh god, the gym’, but once you’ve finished a session it’s actually quite good. I’ve seen some improvement in my upper body and posture, and my back.”

For member Barbara, the group format has enabled her to try something she wouldn't have been confident to do on her own. She says, "Melanie is so careful with us all, and all my fellow u3a members are very careful with me. I really feel very nurtured. I don’t do very heavy weights but I have a go at everything.”

u3a is a member-led organisation with members leading groups on their interests, from Whist to weightlifting. Whatever your interest, there's space to explore it at u3a. Start your u3a journey - find your local u3a.