| Name |
| Erin Van Heirseele |
| Age |
| 49 |
| Weight Class |
| 75kg |
| Where do you live? |
| St. Paul, MN |
| Squat PR: |
| 77.5 kg, USAPL meet 11/2018 |
| Bench PR: |
| 42.5kg, USPA meet 5/2019 |
| Deadlift PR: |
| 112.5kg, USPA meet 5/2019 |
| How did you come to powerlifting or Olympic lifting? |
| I had been working with a PT for about 2 years and was getting bored with circuit training. My PT would post videos of other clients deadlifting and some part of me really responded to that. I started seeing other women on social media lifting heavy and wanted to learn how to deadlift. It was the first lift I learned and I fell in love with the sport! He taught me the basics but for actual powerlifting, I’ve been working with Jennifer Volgelsang Blake (JVB) since 2017. |
| Do you have any previous athletic or lifting experience? |
| I am a reformed runner who has done 4 half marathons and 1 full marathon. |
| Do you compete? Why or why not? If you compete, what do you like most about the competitions? |
| Yes, I compete at least 2x per year. My first competition was a novice meet. I was so nervous leading up to the meet but the day of was just so much fun I wanted more. I’ve done 5 meets so far and love how supportive everyone is. |
| Equipped or Raw? |
| Raw |
| Do you have a coach or trainer? In person or online? How did you find your trainer/program? Do you have any advice for women looking for a trainer? |
| As I mentioned above, I work with JVB. Met her via the Movement in Minneapolis but did my first meet following her Upowerful online program. I now train with her at Lifetime Target Center in Minneapolis. |
| Where do you train? Gym, garage? |
| I own a trap bar but train in a gym |
| What is the hardest part about beginning lifting as an older woman? |
| Getting over feeling silly for wanting to lift. Learning to claim your space in the squat rack, bench or platform. |
| How has lifting affected your health? |
| I think the best thing lifting has done for me is teach me to really respect the value of regular practice. I show up and train but listen to my body and adjust based on the feedback I’m getting. I want to keep lifting as long as I can so know that I need to put in the work to build and maintain a strong foundation. |
| What would you tell women just beginning this journey? |
| If lifting excites you, go for it! You may be a unicorn among your friends but you will find other unicorns who understand the thrill. |
