| Name |
| Tammy Jo |
| Age |
| 60 |
| Weight Class |
| 72 |
| Squat PR: |
| 244 |
| Bench PR: |
| 135 |
| Deadlift PR: |
| 303 |
| Years lifting? |
| 6 |
| How did you come to powerlifting or Olympic lifting? |
| My original plan was to enter a bodybuilding competition, but after chatting with my trainer he suggested I try powerlifting. I had no clue what that was LOL, but once I started I was hooked!! |
| Do you have any previous athletic or lifting experience? |
| No experience at all! I was never athletic growing up, except cheerleading and back then it wasn’t a sport at all |
| Do you compete? Why or why not? If you compete, what do you like most about the competitions? |
| Yes I do compete, and love it! The powerlifting community is incredibly supportive, encouraging all lifters every time someone steps on the platform |
| 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 do have an amazing trainer! I met him thru my first trainer, who was moving, we attend the same gym and we familiar with each other, so the transition was easy. Gary was a gift from the powerlifting Gods! He coached a high school team for 20+yrs, holds several national records himself and is constantly reading and searching for new ways to train. I love him |
| Where do you train? Gym, garage? |
| I now have a team, which is really exciting! 4 other amazing women 26, 41, 45, 50 so I’m the Mama Bear of the team. They inspire me and push me even more! We all train at our coaches facility ( he was my original coach that first introduced me to powerlifting) he has a private gym, we are really lucky. |
| What is the hardest part about beginning lifting as an older woman? |
| Quite possibly the hardest part is the damn singlet. LOL. After that, just believing you have the ability to lift heavy, no matter what age |
| How has lifting affected your health? |
| I suffer from several autoimmune diseases, lupus being the most debilitating at times. The flares attack my joints making it hard to move, lifting has strengthened the muscles around the joints, and although flares haven’t stopped they are easier to deal with when they do. |
| What would you tell women just beginning this journey? |
| Do not compare yourself with anyone! We all progress differently, and trying to compete with another does nothing but mess with your head. This is an individual journey, your only competition is in the mirror. |
Updated: August 2021
