DO YOU E"EN LIFT, SIS? FRESHMAN BREAKS BEAUTY STEREOTYPES WITH POWERLIFTING WORDS Cqyleigh Thomas I I PHOTOS Kazu Fl!Jisaiva As a freshman, Abi Hartman began her studies in nursing while balancing a unique favorite pastime: powerlifting. "When I first started weight lifting at 14 years old, I struggled with an eating disorder based mostly upon anorexia nervosa and bulimia," Hartman said. ''About two years into body building, I started to grow tired of what seemed like an endless task for beauty, which didn't seem achievable for my stocky build." Through powerlifting, Hartman found a healthy passion, which she shared with others. In addition to training for two hours a day, Hartman inuoduced some of her friends to her passion for lifting. Two of the people she taught were freshmen Jessica Houts and Ilse Ghent. "Several days into the workouts, I did my first max day," Houts said. "I surprised Abi and myself with how much T could lift. It was empowering, and it encouraged me to keep going. I may not have the same goals as Abi, but she's been a great coach." Ghent was excited to learn from Hartman when she suggested the idea to her. "I never had any false ideas that lifting was an easy thing to learn," Ghent said. "After being exposed [to it], I learned even the simplest motion takes a lot of time and effort to learn." Hartman had to adjust her normal powerlifting schedule to fit tl1e busy lifestyle of a college student. "I lift as often as I am able while maintaining good grades and mental health," Hartman said. "I came to Harding for my education not for lifting, although it is my favorite pastime. I continue to train as often as I see beneficial for my mind, body and education." Houts said Hartman chose to put school over powerlifting as a healthy approach to being a freshman in college. " 10 one can create a concrete plan for these things," Houts said. "She goes to the gym whenever she gets the chance and when she thi.nks it would benefit her mental health." Throughout the years, Hartman uained with a variety of coaches who helped her improve holistically. "From working with Olympic athletes to driven coaches, I have mentally and physically grown more in these past few years than I have in the earlier part in my life," Hartman said. "I am very grateful for my body, the ability I have to train and compete, and the support system God has blessed me with." Hartman planned to use the skills she learned from training and her coaches for her future career. "I aspire to be a nuuitionist as well as grow as a lifting coach and competitive athlete," Hartman said. "I love teaching others how to train tl1eir bodies to take on the adventures life throws at them. Our bodies are temples, and one of the most important lessons is learning to care for and use our bodies to glorify our creator." I Freshman Abi Hartman performs a deadlift at Searcy Crossfit on Jan. 25, 2018. Hartman started weightlifting at the age of 14 and shared her passion and healthy lifestyle tips with others around her.// Photo by Kazu Fujisawa "Tl ::rJ rn Cf) I ~ rn z
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