| Name
Linda Franklin |
| Age |
| 63 |
| Weight Class |
| 148 |
| Squat PR: |
| 259lbs |
| Bench PR |
| 148lbs |
| Deadlift PR |
| 325lbs |
| Years powerlifting? |
| 2.5 years |
| How did you come to powerlifting? |
| After having a successful go at CrossFit, I was facing surgeries that ended many repetitive movements that go along with it. Not wanting to give up lifting weights, powerlifting seemed a possibility once I recovered from 4 hand surgeries and shoulder/bicep surgery. A dear friend of mine, and powerlifting coach, reached out to me and that’s where it began. |
| Do you have any previous athletic or lifting experience? |
| I dabbled in bodybuilding in my early twenties. Soccer became a huge part of my life beginning in my forties. My women’s soccer team won the Gold Medal in the first National Senior Olympics and I was the leading goal scorer. We went on to win State championships several times after. In 2012, I fell in love with CrossFit, placing 40th worldwide in the 2014 CrossFit Open, Masters women age 55-59. |
| Do you compete? Why or why not? If you compete, what do you like most about the competitions? |
| Absolutely! My goal is to test my strength, dedication and motivation to become a better version of ‘me’. And what better way than to surround myself with like-minded individuals who are striving for the same thing. I love the powerlifting community! |
| 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 online coach. We became friends when on admin for the Facebook group ‘Type 1 Diabetic Athletes Group’. We are both Type 1 Diabetic so he understands my needs and has an extensive background in powerlifting, bodybuilding and strongman. My advice for finding a trainer would be to sit down, Skype or whatever works and interview each other to make sure you’re on the same page. |
| Where do you train? Gym, garage? |
| I train at an ‘old school’ powerlifting gym. |
| What is the hardest part about beginning lifting as an older woman? |
| For me it is mobility. I devote more time than the average person to stretching and trying to improve my range of motion before and after training. It has been key to avoiding injury. |
| How has lifting affected your health? |
| I have had Type 1 Diabetes for almost 40 years, wear an insulin pump and Continuous Glucose Monitor, so the short and long term benefits of better blood glucose control have been exponential. I also have bone spurs on my lower spine which have caused back spasms in the past. Building better musculature around my weaknesses has alleviated lots of pain. |
| What would you tell women just beginning this journey? |
| Don’t let anyone tell you that you shouldn’t do it. I’ve heard so many excuses why and just ignored them, ha! Be patient, consistent, and enjoy the feeling of getting stronger! |
