MissFit's that are M.A.D. (Making A Difference)
Brandi Eberly, 37
years old, York, PA
I met Brandi in 2010 when she walked into CrossFit York to
give CrossFit a try. At that point,
Brandi had lost about 30lb on her own without exercise, and wanted something to
help her reach her weight loss goal. Plus, she wanted a new challenge in her life.
A good friend in Florida urged Brandi to give CrossFit a try,
and so began her fitness journey. Prior
to CrossFit Brandi didn’t exercise, but since she began her whole world has
changed. Brandi no longer participates
in CrossFit, but it is safe to say that CrossFit helped to lead her down the
path of her fitness journey. Over the past
few years, Brandi has competed in Olympic Weightlifting, Strongman contests,
and Powerlifting meets.
I sat down with Brandi to catch up with her, ask her some
questions about her passion for the barbell, and find out just what makes her a
MissFit.
First of all, I just
wanted to say that I remember you when you first walked through the doors of
CrossFit York. I just want to say, that
you’ve come a long way. You’ve made so
much progress, and I think it’s really cool to see.
Brandi: Thank you.
Why did you start
CrossFit? How long did you do it? Why did you like it?
Brandi: I did
CrossFit for about a year. To be honest,
I had a bit of a love/hate relationship with it. I loved that it was such a challenge and that
it kicked my ass. But I also hated the
fact that it kicked my ass! The
community is great, and I could also depend on support and encouragement from
others. That helped a lot. Although, I really liked CrossFit I found that it wasn’t
for me, but it did introduce me to Olympic Weightlifting. Once I got under the barbell on a regular
basis, I was curious to learn more.
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| Picture courtesy Mike McKenna, www.mckennasgym.com |
Brandi: I’m not
really sure how to word it. Lifting
heavy things made me feel strong, accomplished, empowered. I never knew that using a barbell could be so
much fun. I did register in a few local
competitions, but mostly for fun and to test myself. During this time, I also was interested in
strongman style workouts and began to train a lot. I trained a lot and started to develop some
issues with shoulder mobility. I had to
back off of training, and that sucked!
Did you still train?
Brandi: Of course I
still trained, but I trained on my own and it was becoming mundane. I began to search for something new that
could keep me motivated. That’s when I
found Powerlifting. I did some research
and found a nearby gym, Vision Fitness in Brogue, PA. I walked in the doors one day, met the owner,
Niko Huslander, founder of Garage Ink Powerlifting Team and told him that I wanted
to train in his gym. The rest is
history. I am in love.
What do you love
about powerlifting? Do you compete?
Brandi: What is there
not to love about powerlifting? It’s
very similar to Olympic lifting in regards to lifting heavy shit! I feel I gain a lot of functional strength
and independence from being able to pick up heavy things. There is also a mental component to it that
excites me. I feel like if I can do
this, I can do lots of other things too.
And it just increases my badass factor.
I’ve competed in 2 meets, and I have another coming up March 23rd,
as a member of Garage Ink Powerlifting Team.
It’s the USAPL PA State Championship.
I’ve been working really hard, and I can't wait to test myself come meet
day.
What motivates you to
train?
Brandi: It’s
simple. I want to be stronger. Because of that, I have to train. It’s not an option, because if I have goals
they won’t do themselves. I either go
train or it’s pointless to set goals.
Most of society doesn’t
know that women can compete in Powerlifting.
What advice would you give to any girl that is interested in getting
involved in the sport?
Brandi: Do some
research. Try it out. If you want to do it, do it. Decide if it’s what you want, and if it is
then go for it! Ultimately, you’re the
only one you have to answer to. Girls
are strong, and Powerlifting is the perfect way to show it.
What makes you a
MissFit?
Brandi: I think I’m a
MissFit, not only for the MissFit Movement, but in the literal sense as
well. I always like to prove people
wrong. I have always challenged what
should be considered “normal” female behavior.
I like to challenge the norms that have been placed on women by
society. Just because I’m a woman doesn’t
mean I can’t or shouldn’t lift weights.
I want to show people what I’m made of.
I always strive to be a better me.
I think that’s what makes me a MissFit.
Brandi wanted a change in her life, and that is exactly what
she has done. She has fearlessly redirected
the path of her life to lead to her passion.
She makes no apologies, and she makes no excuses. Brandi knows that it takes focus, diligence,
and determination to reach goals that she sets for herself.
Thank you, Brandi for being an inspiration. You set the bar high for yourself, and you
are fearless in your quest to reach your goals.
You are truly a MissFit.
If you would like to learn more about the sport of
Powerlifting you can visit: www.usapowerlifting.com
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