LYNNE'S NEW SKILL - OLYMPIC WEIGHTLIFTING

Lynne Auton has always worked out, having attended a gym for the past 25 years, but mainly for cardio to accompany the weekly ballet and tap classes. When she realised that she wasn’t becoming as lean and fit as she wished to be she knew she needed to try something different - so she tried weightlifting. Now she’s entering her first competition...

Lynne is often to be seen around Beverley where she is Managing Director for Stipendia Payroll Solutions based in Swaby’s Yard. She has always been keen on keeping as fit and healthy, flexible and strong as possible. When she heard about Sam Young, personal trainer and qualified British Weightlifting Club Coach who works from David Lloyd and runs his own company Strong for Life, she became curious and enrolled on a basic weightlifting course. That was in November 2016! Now she attends a group ‘squad’ session every week, to help and encourage other members, wearing the ‘Strong for Life’ uniform. The sessions are not restricted to age or ability but desire to improve.

Lynne told Just Beverley: “The aim is not to bulk up or to lift massive weights, but to ensure the technique is correct and lift to the individual’s ability, whether that is 15kg or 70kg. We work on snatch, clean and jerk and squats. It really wasn’t my aim to enter competitions, but I have - the Northern Masters, which is a competition for the over 35’s. Competition categories are based on age and weight. Some lifters are in their 70’s and have entered competitions when they were young, including British, Commonwealth Games and even Olympics. I’ve even been to Atlas Gym Warehouse in Alfreton, Derbyshire, with Sam to get some extra coaching from Cyril Martin who is part of the British weight lifting coaching staff. I really am hooked!”

Just Beverley is delighted to learn that Lynne has now qualified for the British Masters coming first in her weight/age category at qualifying. Congratulations!