IT’S SET to be an exciting year for Weymouth’s own Carly Lawes who has earned a place in the GB Power Lifting National finals after entering her very first competition.

Upsetting the odds, she managed to win her under 63kg category in a regional heat in Bournemouth, with total weights of a 110kg squat, a 55kg bench and a 150kg deadlift.

A personal trainer by profession, Lawes has been into fitness from a young age and works alongside her partner, Julien, who co-owns New Body Gym in Weymouth.

She said: “I’ve always been into fitness in some way. So I thought I’d start training up as a bodybuilder.

“I entered a show and it all started from there.”

In her first year as a bodybuilder, Lawes competed in four competitions before qualifying for the British Finals where she finished sixth, and it was only through her training that she thought of the move to powerlifting.

“I hadn’t been training for the powerlifting at all, I was just quite keen on the deadlift and the squat in my training, so I decided to enter the regional competition as it was local.

“In total I’ve been training for around two years now, so started with the bodybuilding, competed in some shows and then moved into powerlifting for the competition last November.

“I was on the fence as to whether I should enter the competition. I’d never done a power lifting competition and didn’t really know how strong I was against my peers.

“But I’m really pleased I gave it a shot and really looking forward to the finals in July.”

Speaking of her preparation for the competition, Carly was keen to remain focussed on her training in the months ahead.

She said: “To be honest, I’m still doing my normal body building training at the moment, I’ll dedicate a day to doing the big lifts for now and then change my preparation as the competition gets nearer.

“I’m still new to powerlifting so will be learning as I go.”

A huge aspect of fitness is around nutrition and Carly was quick to point out how preparations differ.

“The diet in bodybuilding is very strict. You start 16-18 weeks before the competition date and gradually decrease the amount of calories you eat to get as lean as possible.

“For powerlifting it’s quite the opposite, you need to be eating more and fuelling yourself for the big lifts.

“So I’m kind of enjoying the fact I can relax on the diet!

“Last year I did four bodybuilding competitions and then when I qualified for the British final it meant I was in training for a total of about 30 weeks which was really hard on my body.

“That’s why I decided to take a year out this year, because it’s not good for your body or your social life!”

When asked what it takes to be a success in bodybuilding she replied: “You have to have a massive amount of commitment and dedication. It’s a lifestyle not just a hobby.

“But it’s great to set yourself goals see yourself progress.”