Heather Connor is a 2-time IPF World Champion and the first female IPF powerlifter to deadlift 4 times her bodyweight raw. Heather joins us to talk about the injury that sidelined her for nearly a year, along with why it’s so easy for lifters to ignore the signs of significant underlying injuries and issues. We also chat about Heather’s goals in the sport, what big money competitions could mean for powerlifting’s future, and an unorthodox weight gaining strategy.
Editor’s Note: This podcast was recorded before it was announced the SBD Sheffield 2020 Powerlifting Championships would be canceled due to concerns surrounding COVID-19.
In this episode of the BarBend Podcast, host David Thomas Tao talks to Heather Connor about:
https://www.instagram.com/p/B9uSbHIJz0x/
- Heather’s lat injury and recover process (2:33)
- Being more aware of your body and having the fortitude to shut down a workout completely (4:55)
- Why “slow down” could be the best tip for promoting longevity in strength sports (7:25)
- Heather’s current lifting PRs and numbers (9:50)
- The challenge of being in such rare company when it comes to strength feats (12:00)
- Heather’s relationship with fellow elite powerlifter Stefi Cohen (12:30)
- Handling social media trolls in the powerlifting community (16:00)
- Ignoring the sumo deadlift hate (19:45)
- Modifying lifts and changing her preferred competition shoes (24:00)
- How long Heather plans to compete in this weight category (25:24)
- Gaining weight, moving up a weight class, and favorite competition-day snacks (26:32)
- The benefits of post-workout stretching and mobility (31:08)
Relevant links and further reading:
