When did you decide to start lifting weights? Was there any particular reason for starting?
Barbara: It was 1982. I was 32 and playing racquetball at the Colorado Springs YMCA. I went down for a shot and didn’t come up. My lower back froze up and I barely made it off the court. A visit to a local chiropractor got me started lifting weights. He told me it would be the best thing for my back, so I found a trainer at the YMCA. After a few weeks, a big guy on the other side of the gym came over to me. He told me he thought I could be good at “powerlifting.” I had no idea what that was, so he began coaching me. I was the 1983 Colorado Novice Lifter of the Year at 148 pounds. I lifted and competed for 2 years; when we moved to Arizona I became involved with work as a computer trainer and learning how to fly airplanes! Got my private license in 1987 and did one Arizona meet in 1985, squatting 210, benching 105, and deadlifting 275.
After that, I stopped lifting and focused on work and caring for our sons who came in 1989 and 1991. I didn’t lift again until 2016 when we were in Tennessee. I had both knees replaced (one in 2014 and the other in 2018) along with a shattered left elbow in 2016 from a fall to concrete leading ladies stepping in and out of car tires. It took 1.5 years of therapy with 2 surgeries along with bone transplanted from my left hip into my left arm before I was released by my arm surgeon. My left side was very weak and needing strength training. I found Coach Eric Spence at Spence Family Fitness and he began training me. He became my coach and friend; he had been in NASA many years earlier and knew powerlifting.
At what point did you find out about NASA Powerlifting and when was your first NASA competition?
Barbara: Spence had lifted in NASA, but I didn’t know NASA held events in Middle Tennessee. My first NASA event was in 2019; Spence went with me and he met up with Rich Peters again. I remember my opener squat; afterwards, Rich came over to see me and told me my squat form was perfect, and don’t change a thing. That left me so encouraged, as Spence had worked hard with me on form. We took a picture of the 3 of us to celebrate my first NASA meet.
What are some of your earliest memories from competing in NASA Powerlifting about the staff, fellow lifters and the competition itself from your lifting and perspective?
Barbara: My first memory was about Rich helping me, along with the care from the spotters.
When you are used to training solo with a coach and squatting to a wall, it is different facing a crowd along with referees in your first meet. I saw immediately that NASA spotters cared for lifters; I felt safe on the platform from my very first lift. Additionally, I saw that NASA events were “family-oriented” with everyone talking to everyone. Robin Akers encouraged me; even though we’ve never met, we are close via Facebook. Referees take the time to talk with you. I remember Pete Maynard and Jim Moody encouraging me in improving my squat depth; Eric Termuhlen encouraging me to focus on getting that 300 deadlift; Kristy Sells, Eric and I goofing around and taking fun photos of ourselves. Another favorite is of my husband, Terry, who at my first meet was totally amazed at how our NASA spotters carefully watch over the lifters. He says we have the best spotters and I agree!
A hard memory is Eric Termuhlen’s passing and Rich making covid masks and award plaques bearing Eric’s picture to honor him. It was hard as Eddie Akins and I mourned Eric’s passing in 2020. That meet was hard for me. I bombed all my squats. After the bomb-out, I heard Rich calling my name over the loud speaker. He told me that he was now putting me into Push/Pull. I felt miserable bombing squats, I recall I only got one bench. At my deadlift opener, I saw it was Rich seated in the head ref chair, which helped me focus. I got all 3 deadlifts, topping out at 275.
At the 2020 Natural Nationals, I broke the humerus bone in my left shoulder the night before when I tripped on a rug and hit the hall tile floor. I tried to lift the first squat on Saturday anyway. It was a “no-go” and Devin was right there saving me. I decided to enjoy the meet and I went to my first NN Banquet that night. Rich shared about his bout with cancer, and I met lifters at my table who have been with NASA since the beginning. I was impressed with how we honored them. I saw that NASA isn’t just about strong lifting, but including service, honesty, loyalty, and encouragement. I won Athlete of the Year in M3 Powerlifting.
Last year I worked with Toby Franklin Johnson, Michael Hanlein, Sarah Lawson, Shawn Sells, Christine Nichols, Pete Moody, and Jim Ingram in learning how to referee while at Natural Nationals. I’ve also been encouraged by Don and Lyndon LaPlante, Terri VandeVegte, Willie Agnew and Coach Robert McKinzie who is my coach at NASA meets. Their friendship and examples have blessed me.
I later did the practical exam and took the written. Kristy Sells send a congratulations note and Rich told me I passed with flying colors. I love serving as a referee! It lets me meet more lifters and also sharpens my mental focus on my own lifting. It is a great way to help give back and serve with the federation.
I cannot forget to mention Tad Peters. When I was on Team East in 2022, I was living in Florida. I flew to Oklahoma for the meet and was thrilled to see that Tad had rounded up a Florida flag to hang on the banner wall right next to the Tennessee flag! NASA does not operate in Florida, but Tad took the time to get a Florida flag and hang it as I was representing that state! It was so thoughtful and I really appreciated it (and it made me love NASA even more!).
What are your best lifts in competition, at what age and bodyweight?
Barbara: When I was 33, weighing 148 my best in competition was: squat: 195; bench: 110; deadlift 305
My best lifts in the 69-75 age brackets; my best is at age 72 weighing 207: squat: 203.9 (with a 4th attempt made at 209.44); bench: 115.74; deadlift: 303.1 (with a 4th made at 308.65). I’m happy to see that 43 years after my first competition, my lifts are still strong!
What records and/or awards have you received from NASA Powerlifting in terms of State and/or National Records and maybe awards from the national awards banquet?
Barbara: NASA National Records:
Unequpped PL:
181 class, M4: records in squat and deadlift
198 class, M4: records in squat, bench, deadlift and in M3: deadlift
220 class, M4: records in squat, bench, deadlift
Unequipped Push/Pull:
181 class, M4, in deadlift
198 class, M4, in bench and deadlift
Unequipped Bench Only:
220 class, M4
National Awards Banquet:
2019: Athlete of the Year Division Winner, M3
2022 Athlete of the Year Divison Winner, M3
2023: Athlete of the Year Push/Pull, M4
2023: Athlete of the Year OverallAll Female Push/Pull
2023: Athlete of the Year Powerlifting, M4
2023: NASA Toilet Award
What type of music and/or bands do you enjoy listening to while training or at the competitions?
Barbara: I don’t listen to music as I train. I try to work my own mental game and stay focused on form. At the competitions, I really don’t hear it. 🙂
Are there any goals you have in mind for the future that you still want to achieve in the sport of powerlifting?
Barbara: I have lost 27 pounds since my lifting in 2022 and am now in the 181 class. It has taken me two years. My goal is to go lower and compete in the 165 class. I weighed 165 back in 1991 prior to the birth of our 2nd child, and I want to get back to it.
In the sport, I am recovered from the November 2023 hamstring strain that sidelined me for quite a while. I’d like to squat 165-200 again, bench 120, and deadlift 275. I’ve had some medical needs the past 1.5 years which have slowed me down, but I am working to make 2025 a good year. I am ranked high in Openpowerlifing.org in Push/Pull, and I would like to keep this ranking high. I also want to continue to referee at events as I enjoy it!
What other hobbies do you enjoy outside of going to the gym and training?
Barbara: Last year I taught four English literature classes for 8/9/11/12th grade. This year I am a teacher/mentor and plan to continue to mentor teachers at our homeschool tutorial for 6-12th grade. I also compete in firearms competition in IDPA. I lead Bible studies for women in my home, and I enjoy reading.
What inspires you to continue training and lifting weights moving forwards into the future?
Barbara: One of my life goals is to inspire others to train and lift weights, and be the most healthy they can be. In 1991 I nearly died in the birth of our 2nd child with severe hemorraging. I had 2 emergency surgeries in two different hospitals. After successful surgery finding the issue, doctors told me I should be passed out in bed, unable to talk with them. They also told me that it was my weightlifting in earlier years along with running, skiing, etc that kept me from dying. It took me until 2005 to gain a desire to exercise again. Along with the 2 knee replacements and the rebuilt left arm, I know I must keep myself inspired in my training and lifting. I have a sports chiropractor who has helped me with spondylothesis issues, and my family doctor wants me doing squats until I’m at least 85! My husband and sons inspire me with notes to “keep positive” and how glad they are to see me so active at 75.
What advice could you give to any novice lifters out there who are just starting to compete and train for weightlifting and powerlifting?
Barbara: Weightlifting and powerlifting are more than just “handling big weights.” Rich’s training videos helped me to see it is above all about form, technique, and leverage. That means you have to think it and feel it.
I tell new lifters to focus on those 3 and let the weights go up slowly. The longer you do this, the more you see the “mental” aspect of it. You have to focus and believe in yourself that you can and will accomplish it. A wise and helpful coach can train you, show you, encourage you, but that coach is not doing the lifting for you. It’s nice to have a coach and a team but when you don’t (I used to be part of a team with a coach), you have to coach yourself, be your own cheering section, challenge yourself, and seek out others to learn from. Weight work, like competing in firearms, is great for mental challenge but requires concentration and safety as the main focus.
I also tell them to work on balance and mobility. As we age, those become more important in everyday routines and activities.
Thank you Barbara for sharing your time and having this interview with us!