| Name |
| Karen Cronian Hurley |
| Age |
| 65 |
| Weight Class |
| 90k+ |
| Where do you live? |
| California |
| Squat PR: |
| #170.9 / 77.5kg |
| Bench PR: |
| #105 / 47.5kg |
| Deadlift PR: |
| #259 / 117.5 kg |
| Clean & Jerk PR: |
| Haven’t done |
| Snatch PR: |
| Haven’t done |
| Years lifting? |
| 10 yr weight training/conditioning / 10 months powerlifting |
| How did you come to powerlifting or Olympic lifting? |
| My long time trainer moved on to another career, I was looking for something new, more intense, outside the commercial gym I had used for 10 yrs. I shopped the gyms in town and this one had a big GWPL (girls who powerlift) banner hanging on the wall… I think that did it. |
| Do you have any previous athletic or lifting experience? |
| Powerlifting-no Weight training -yes, yes! Horseback riding for 19 yrs |
| Do you compete? Why or why not? If you compete, what do you like most about the competitions? |
| Did my first comp on 5/4/19 where I set 4 State records for my age/weight class. Everyone told me I would love it and I do. For sure want to do another meet soon! I like the dedicated focus it takes to do 12 weeks of prep and to be successful on the platform -> “focus on the bar, follow the commands” |
| 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? |
| I have an awesome trainer who also power lifts and competes. He is a 20-something Kinesiology student who is smart, kind and knows a stretch for every muscle that needs stretching!! He was training the newbie class at the powerlifting gym when I joined.Ladies->Find someone whom you trust, who has your interest at heart and who believes in your ability! |
| Where do you train? Gym, garage? |
| Old Skool Iron Modesto Gym. |
| What is the hardest part about beginning lifting as an older woman? |
| 1-Hard (translate annoying) when people warn me “you’re gonna hurt your back”. (No, I’m not) 2-Everyone else in the gym… literally everyone… is 20-40 yrs younger than me. They are friendly, supportive and despite that I never feel fully “one of the crowd”.
Maybe others feel this because they too look around and see no others who are older.
We are on the leading edge of a social trend…and it will change when more old ladies lift!
|
| How has lifting affected your health? |
| All good ways; mental, physical and emotional. My body is strong My mind is focused and clear My emotions are in balance. Unless I am totally tired… then the sleep is deep and fantastic! |
| What would you tell women just beginning this journey? |
| If you don’t feel it at first and you want it… fake it till you make it!! Don’t give up, don’t be intimidated by not knowing, learn good technique and have fun! I can tell you that it is possible to cry and lift at the same time… it’s just emotions… like a weather system… it will pass!! |
