A STRENGTH gym brought home a world record along with 16 medals following a powerlifting championship.
349 Barbell, at High Post Industrial Estate, had 20 of its members take part in the British Powerlifting Championships 2023 finals in Manchester earlier this month (July).
Of the nine females and 11 males who attended, two were crowned 'best lifters' while one world, five British and two European records were broken.
Annmarie Botha-Jones, from Tidworth, claimed the world record for her total lifts in her age category (55-60).
The 55-year-old squatted 135kg, benched 63.5kg and deadlifted 132.5kg on Tuesday, July 18.
She said how staying fit and strong at her age is "really important", adding: "I want to prove that age is just a number.
"Until I joined 349 I didn't know I was capable of pulling the numbers I am now. It's opened a whole new world for me."
Annmarie, who is a personal trainer and instructs yoga, said the event was a "fantastic experience" and hopes to compete in the European Championships in Finland next year.
349 Barbell opened on April 12, 2021, as a "gym for everyone" but specialises in "strong man and woman powerlifting" with around 50 per cent of its members taking part in competitions.
Adam Hindle, who co-owns the gym alongside Scott Bleakley, attended the British Championship to coach 25 members from 349.
He said it was his "best ever" competition in his 10 years of working in the industry, adding: "It was awesome.
"Powerlifting is a real community sport so having a big crew around you is massively impactful."
Mel Clifford, from Amesbury, was coached by Adam at the championships, won her category by squatting 200kg and currently holds two European records.
The 44-year-old started powerlifting as she was looking for a new hobby and thought she "might be a bit strong".
Five years on, she has become a "confident and resilient person".
Scott described his gym, which has 98 members, as a place where "everyone knows everyone".
Recently a personal best scoreboard has been installed and whenever someone is attempting a new record everyone steps in to support them, Scott said.
Novice powerlifting competitions are also held in the gym, with the next on August 5, for people who have never competed before.
Barbell 349 is open from 6am to 9pm on weekdays, 10am to 4pm on Saturdays and 10am to 2pm on Sundays.
For more information about becoming a member, visit the gym in-person or contact the team on social media.
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