The Pontiac was well-represented at a recent powerlifting meet in Orleans, Ont. on Dec. 1, with three local residents taking first place in their divisions and setting Canadian records along the way.
Joel Beardsley, David Moquin and Richard Moquin attended the Barbell Assault 3.0 event at Hostyle Conditioning in Ottawa, competing in the bench press for their respective divisions and weight classes.
For those unfamiliar, powerlifting is a sport where athletes attempt max weight in three different lifts: bench press, squat and deadlift. In sanctioned events like Barbell Assault, overseen by the Canadian Powerlifting Federation (CPF), athletes are divided by weight and age, as well as equipment. Amateurs and pros also have separate divisions.
“It’s fun being with the three of us,” said Richard who, at 50 years old, has been training for around 12 years. “It’s really enjoyable that we all did well.”
He explained that he competes in the Masters 2 division (50-54 years) in the 110 kg weight class, while David is in the 56 kg class for the 16-17 age group. Beardsley competes at 82.5 kg in the Junior division (20-23 years). Richard and David stuck to only bench press, while Beardsley also competed in the deadlift.
The elder Moquin benched an astounding 380 lbs, while David lifted 189 lbs, nearly 65 lbs more than his body weight. (Beardsley placed first in bench press and set a record but The Equity was unable to determine the exact weight).
Richard explained that winners are decided not by their overall lift weight, but through a formula.
“They take your body weight and how much you lifted and it’s a ratio,” he explained. “I had the heaviest ratio in addition to the biggest bench.”
Richard said he became interested in lifting around the same age as his younger training partners.
“I did it in high school, then stopped, then in my late thirties I picked it up again,” he said. “I can’t really think of why exactly, for some reason I just enjoy lifting heavy weights. It’s stress-relieving.”
He said that since he’s just competing for fun, he sticks to his strengths.
“I’m good at all three [lifts] but I’m very good at bench,” he said. “So, I would do ok in a competition in squat or deadlift but … I’m genetically gifted in the bench press.”
Richard said that he started working out alone at home, but eventually sought out professional training from coach Curd Hos, who specializes in training athletes over 40.
“He’s the owner of the gym in Orleans,” he said. “He’s an extremely powerful man, very, very high profile lifter. When I met him in my early forties, he began showing me techniques and giving me coaching. That’s where I started into the competitive side of things.”
Richard said that training with the two young lads, especially his son, have made lifting significantly more fun.
“I’m able to pass on information, it’s really enjoyable,” he said.
Richard emphasized the positive health benefits of lifting, which strengthens many muscle groups, ligaments and bones.
“[It] doesn’t even necessarily mean you have to be lifting huge weights, but following the powerlifting theory is a very effective style,” he said.
He also had some sage advice for those looking to get into powerlifting.
“A couple of things are huge. Get a partner, because when you’re training alone it’s discouraging,” he said. “[Also,] get a little bit of coaching. If you don’t know the biomechanics well, your chance of injury is high … You don’t have to stay with a coach, but initially, learn to do the lifts safe and proper.”
Editor’s note: Despite multiple attempts, THE EQUITY was unable to contact Beardsley in time for print.
by Caleb Nickerson
