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Nottinghamshire Reservists lift their way to the National Championships

Deadlift during the competition

Corporal Robert Clark and Corporal Craig Dodsley both serve in 4 Mercian and entered the Army Powerlifting Championships in March and despite a lack of competition experience both will now go on to compete at the British Drug Free Powerlifting Association National Championships in May.

Cpl Craig Dodsley said: “We didn’t know what to expect when we entered the competition, so we did a lot of training in our spare time in the gym at Bulwell. At the Championships there was a real sense of community and everyone was so welcoming, we were thrilled to finish fourth on the leader board.”

During the competition both the Corporals were required to do three different compound lifts, a back squat, a bench press and then finally a deadlift. The competitor’s heaviest lift on each exercise then counts towards the final score.

Cpl Craig Dodsley said: “There were many other first-time lifters and novices attending but also a lot of more experienced competitors. Working hand in hand with experienced powerlifters who were happy offering advice and support meant it was a truly exciting and inspiring day.”

There are many benefits to powerlifting that can compliment Reserve Service including, improved agility, increased strength, higher muscle endurance and it can also reduce the rates of injury from other physical pursuits.

155kg Back Squat

The two Corporals are now trying to encourage more 4 Mercian soldiers to take up powerlifting so that they can enter a full team into the Army Powerlifting Union next year.

Powerlifting is one of the many sporting opportunities available to members of the Army Reserve to find out more about joining 4 Mercian contact:  Colour Sergeant Alan Boyle at Alan.Boyle826@mod.gov.uk. Or call 0115 927 2251 or 07773251570