When Andrew joined Anytime Fitness in Sandy, UT, he knew that he wanted to get stronger. Fast forward two years, and he found himself taking six first-place medals home from a powerlifting competition! Talk about making a strong first impression. We talked to Andrew to learn more about his health journey and how he went from a free weights beginner to a powerlifting champion.
Andrew started his fitness journey with martial arts. He’d always been active with the sport, and he decided to join Anytime Fitness because he wanted to be stronger, more flexible and in overall better shape.
Despite his proficiency with martial arts, Andrew hadn’t always felt comfortable in the gym, or confident in his knowledge about lifting weights. He’d also had a negative experience with a trainer at a big box gym. However, he knew that he wanted to get stronger, and that mastering the weight section would be the first step, which was why he turned to Anytime Fitness.
Andrew started working with his coach, the head trainer and manager of AF Sandy, twice a week. He’s been doing so for almost two and a half years now, and the progress he’s made is incredible! Andrew hasn’t just achieved his original goal of getting stronger; he’s taken that strength to the next level by participating in powerlifting competitions. And, not only did he participate – he won!
Andrew’s victory came at the 2021 Rise of the Phoenix powerlifting meet, sponsored by Utah Powerlifting. He took home six first-place medals in the deadlift, bench and powerlifting events. Andrew has also qualified for a national competition, and plans to attend either that or another local competition this October. While he encountered a few injuries in his journey toward powerlifting, that hasn’t held him back, and his next fitness goal is to move down a weight class and see how he can compete at that level.
After earning six first-place medals in one meet, we’re excited to see Andrew lift off to the next level. Way to go, Andrew!
