Ironworks recognizes strength First 1500 Pound lifter BY TONY MCCLURE FAMILY & MWR IRONWORKS GYM
For the past six years, Ironworks East and West has offered an activity to Active-Duty Soldiers and DoD employees called the 1000 Pound Club Challenge. The challenge is to lift as much weight as possible in the squat, bench press and deadlift. All three lifts are part of a powerlifting competition that recognizes maximal strength. The lifter gets three total one rep max attempts in each lift. Until recently, 1500 pounds had eluded patrons at both facilities. This club was created to boost morale for Soldiers and establish competition between the two Ironworks locations. Managers want to be able to brag about whose facility has the highest number, even Soldiers get to brag about their accomplishments with their name on the board and of course their free t-shirt. It also pushes Soldiers to challenge themselves to hit their goals or to maybe beat the current highest weight. The 1500-pound lift is no longer unattainable. In March Haakeem Harris, who finished Advance Individual Training (AIT) and will soon be joining his unit, was the first person to total more than 1500 and finished with a 1560 total. “My motivation for lifting is to get stronger, so I can overcome my job’s physical challenges,” Harris said. “My favorite lift is definitely the deadlift. I’ve been training for 7 years.” Haakeem also issued a challenge to others to topple his total, so he can return the favor! Both Ironworks locations are open and running after a long shutdown due to COVID-19. They are open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. but are currently only allowing Active-Duty Soldiers to train and are running at a restricted 50% capacity. For more information, call Ironworks West at 915-568-2892 or East at 915744-5201.
