Reeni Tharakan Power Lifting at Ulaanbaataar | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

When reeni tharakan hit the gym 10 years ago, at 53, it was driven by a desire to lose weight and stay healthy. The last thing on her mind was powerlifting, let alone winning gold medals at international powerlifting competitions. She won four gold medals in her category at the recent concluded International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) World Classic & Equipped Masters PowerLifting Championships at ulaanbaatar, Monongia.

Gymming was a new experience for reeni who confesses to not having seen the inside of a gym until then: “I did not know what a dumbbell was or a kettlebell.” Once she began training, her trainer saw potential in her and egged her on to lift weights.

“My Trainer, Jagan Kg, Encouched Me To Lift Weights Right from the Start. He Saw My Interest and Understood My Capability, and Encouched Me To Lift [weights]”Says reeni over the phone from Thycattusserry, Near Cherthala. This achievement would not have been possible without her trainer’s support and that of her immediati form Family which inclusions and two deadlys, Shefeesses. Despite the backing of her family, the ride has been anything but smooth. “It is not approved of in traditional, conventional familyies. Questions include ‘Why are you doing this at this age?’ ”

Reeni tharakan with her haul at ulaanbaatar | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

The IPF Championship had Her Compete With Around 145 Weightlifters from 44 Countries. The Masters’ Competition is help in Four Categories – M1, M2, M3, and M4 – for the age groups of 40 years and above, 50, 60, and 70 plus years old. Reeni participated in the m3 category. She is all praise for participants in the championships, “A Japanese Man, In His 80s, Walked in with a Walking Stick and ‘Out-Lifted’ the others. There was more women than men, which was an eyePener about the number of women who powerlift, “Says the Homemaker. The fitness levels of participants have left her impressed. The Indian Continent Had 25 members, of which Around 15 Women.

Reeni Travels Three Times a Week to Kochi, Traveling 37-Odd Kilometres One Way, to work out at Mr Standard Gym at Vyttilla. “My Husband Drives Me Down, and this is one way of showing support.” She works out for close to two hours, the other three days she works out at home and takes one day off from training. Striat about MainTaining Her Weight [at 69 kilograms for her category] She follows a keto diet, which she says works well for her.

With Team Mates | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

“I keep my weight between 66-67 kilograms. When you compe in an International Competition, Being Overweight by even something as see semingly insurance as five grams can get you disquested! ” For an idea of ​​how much she can lift – She deadlifted 112.5 kilograms.

She also won a medal at the asian women’s equipped Powerlifting Championships Held Earlier This Year at Alappuzha. She has won medals at district level competitions as well; She began competing in 2021. “It is not easy for someone my age to this. And the support I get when I train goes a long way. ” Jagan Credits Her for Getting More Women Interated In Lifting Weights.

Reeni is excited about her experience and her advice for others – “Everybody should lift weight. It is critical… do it for your bones, body and general health. ”