A Saskatchewan woman in her late sixties has opened up some new records in powerlifting since competing at a recent national competition.
Mava Brydges’ interest in powerlifting goes as far back as the 1970s.
“I started watching a movie called ‘Pumping Iron’ and it really sparked some sort of flame in me, and I really wanted to get into lifting weights,” the 68-year-old shared with CTV News.
When moving to Moose Jaw in 1980, Brydges built the courage to try lifting some weights of her own at a gym in the city.
“I was quite excited about that. I went there and was saddened to know that the floors were separate,” she explained. “The women were on one floor and men were on another floor. I asked if I could go up to the men’s floor which the owner Dave Pyle said, ‘Absolutely, give it a try.’”
Shortly after finding comfort in the sport, Brydges participated in her first powerlifting meet - The Western Canadians in 1983 - where she ended up winning the competition.
Brydges then took a break from her weightlifting career to raise her children and continue her life.
It was not until 34 years later she found her way back under the barbell, now, powerlifting at 68 years-old.
“It’s absolutely amazing because throughout the years when I retired from lifting I never thought I would do it again,” she said.
“As you reach your sixties it’s not something that’s common. When I started it wasn’t something that was common. I was called things like ‘muscle head’ or ‘Why do you want to look like a man?’”
She added being able to return to the sport in her hometown represents a full circle moment.
“I think the thing about coming full circle here is just a feeling of being grateful that I can still do it,” Brydges expressed. “I appreciate every day of being able to do it.”
Lifting heavy weights at her age does have its challenges. Yet, the pain does not stop her.
“There’s a difference between pain and being hurt. I look at my osteoarthritis as it’s a normal pain unfortunately that is not going to go away,” Brydges expressed.
“I like to keep moving. The days I walk in here to my gym, there are days where I figure I can’t do anything. I feel like I’m going to break. I’ve had a bad day, I’ve been in pain all day.”
“I walk out of here moving better. My joints feel good, I feel good, and I’m so proud of myself that I did it again,” she said smiling.
A power couple close to Brydges has been by her side since she returned to the sport in the last decade.
“The benefits of strength training for females is so widely researched right now, and it’s so beneficial,” said Rhaea Stinn, one of Brydges’ training partners. “Just seeing her keep moving as she does age is definitely a motivation for me.”
Brydges recently competed at the Canadian Powerlifting National Championships in St. John’s, N.L. where she set two new records, including one where she hoisted a 140 kilogram barbell off the ground.
“She competed at nationals recently and set the national total record by a small margin but still, and set the bench record by a good margin,” said Brydges’ coach, Ryann Stinn.
“Still making good progress even with the injuries she’s been struggling with, but she’s doing great.”
Stinn added the sport is not limited to younger demographics, as more older athletes are starting to join.
“There’s a pretty good group of master lifters especially in Canada. People 40, 50, 60 plus are still competing or even just starting to compete,” he said. “It’s a sport that’s very inclusive in that way. Someone who’s in their 50s or 60s can get into the sport at that age and still get stronger and make gains.”
As for what’s next, Brydges will be pumping iron at provincial’s in September. Beyond that, she plans on breaking some world records.
“I think the most important thing that I want to say, especially for all seniors out there, is just because you hit 40, 50, 60 - time does not stop,” she shared.
“It doesn’t matter. Get to the gym, don’t be afraid, try it. Move. I’ve always said that I would rather be strong and in pain, than weak and in pain.”
