Team Strength Lab

September 2020... gyms had just re-opened.  Lots of people were still unsure how they felt being around other people after months at home and gyms across the country were still adapting to new Covid-19 protocols put in place by the government and UK Active.  In the midst of these uncertain times, Strength Lab hosted the first post lock-down, federation affiliated, open, powerlifting competition in the UK.

A no-show at weigh-in lead to the president of the A/BPU offering Sylwia a last minute opportunity to compete.  At Strength Lab we always try to lead by example.  So she borrowed a singlet and some knee sleeves (never having put knee sleeves on before) and went for it.

Sylwia had only squatted on a mono lift once before. She'd never lifted to commands before.  She had no preparation of any kind! She had also given birth to her first child just 11 weeks prior AND suffered a ruptured appendix a week after that!

So, 9 weeks to the day after being on a respirator, in a medically induced coma post appendectomy, she stepped on to a platform for the first time - loved it, smashed it and qualified for the ABPU British Championships 2021.  Despite having to breast feed between deadlift attempts! 😮🤣

If you're looking for motivation postpartum - look no further!