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Powerlifting keeps Airmen fit

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Richard Williams
  • 27th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  Fitness is a major part of the 'Whole Airman' concept that is paramount in an ever changing Air Force. Time in the gym is a part of the duty day that is incorporated by all duty sections to help refine the 'Warrior Airmen' of today.

With the challenge to stay in shape and be prepared physically and mentally, two Cannon Airmen use power lifting as a tool to stay 'Fit to Fight.' 

Tech. Sergeant Kevin Parker, a 27th Fighter Wing information manager, and Airman First Class Brandon Reyes of the 27th Medical Group both took first place in their weight classes at the New Mexico Regional Power Lifting Meet sponsored by the Natural Athlete Strength Association in Albuquerque, September 8. 

Parker, a 10-year power lifting veteran, said that Reyes couldn't have performed better. 

"This was Airman Reyes' first competition and he did better than many seasoned competitors," said Parker. 

Reyes competed in the novice class, which is reserved for first time competitors and completed nine perfect lifts with no scratches, said Parker. 

Three judges evaluated every lift, said Parker. "You can get three white lights from the judges on each lift if you are perfect, and Reyes was." 

"I was extremely nervous. There are so many things that you can get disqualified for during your lift, so you have to concentrate." said Reyes. "It was my first meet so I wanted to get a feel for all of the lifts that were available so I competed in a full meet which consisted in the bench press, dead lift and squat press." 

Reyes competed in the 165-pound weight class and bench pressed 270 pounds, his dead lift was 375 pounds, and squatted 340 more for a total of 992 pounds of weight lifted. 

Parker competed in the sub masters two division, 220-pound weight class and took first place in the push/pull competition, a combination of the dead lift and bench press. He lifted 981 pounds in a combination of the two lifts. He also took first place in the unequipped bench press and finished with a 420- pound lift. 

Both Parker and Reyes competed in the unequipped class, which means that no assistance equipment, such as a body suit, are used to assist with lifts. 

"I got my start in 1994 at Barksdale Air Force Base," said Parker "I was in the gym lifting one day and a guy spoke to me about competing and showed me the proper techniques. With Airman Reyes, I want him to learn some of the things that I have learned over the years, earlier than I did." 

Parker has competed in more than 20 powerlifting competitions in Louisiana, Texas, Hawaii and New Mexico and he holds five state records and one American record. 

"We have been training for the last three months and Brandon has been extremely dedicated," said Parker. 

The key to success in anything is to listen, he said. "I have told Brandon, 'If you listen to me, I can give you the tools to be a champion'." 

Parker plans to compete for another few years, but his goal is to attain his personal trainer's license and teach the tools for success. 

"Powerlifting requires a lot of discipline, what I mean by that is anyone can go to the gym and throw up any kind of weight, but with powerlifting you have to control the
weight," said Reyes. 

"If you are in the gym, and you enjoy lifting, then you should think about going all the way and learning how to power lift," said Reyes. 

The two are planning to compete in the state meet and may also try to participate in the Military World Powerlifting competition in the future.

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