Although she has only been powerlifting for a few years, she has already achieved two British junior records and now works as a personal trainer helping others achieve their fitness goals.
Violet, 18, from Holbeach, joined the team at Peel Leisure Center in Long Sutton earlier this year and, as well as taking classes, she also offers one-on-one personal training sessions.
A former University Academy Holbeach student, she undertakes her own training to match her job and, with sponsorship to cover costs, is also preparing for the Olympia, a major lifting competition in Florida. He hopes to secure his spot later this year.
“I used to play soccer, but after I finished school I started going to the gym,” says Violet. “That’s when I started lifting and met my coach Craig at Mayhem Gym in Boston. He gave me a plan and I started from there. My first deadlift (lifting weights off the floor) When lifting) 90 kg, I liked this sport so much that I decided to give it a try.
“Craig suggested I enter some competitions. I was just doing it for fun, but I started taking part in events in Nottingham and further afield.”
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Violet trained at least five days a week, sometimes multiple times a day, and achieved her first British record soon after taking up powerlifting. She lifts in the junior under 75kg division and she holds the British records for 120kg and 130kg and the European record for the 140kg deadlift.
She is currently training up to 150kg and needs to lift 152.5kg at her next competition in April to qualify for the Olympia.
“There aren’t really that many female powerlifters, and that’s a real shame,” added Violet, who has two sisters. “If you’re interested, give it a try, just for fun and you might surprise yourself.
“It feels so rewarding, especially when lifting new weights. I was stuck at 130kg for 5 months, but I didn’t give up. It’s easy to do it when it’s difficult, but what you can achieve is I don’t know. My family is also very supportive, my mom Claire comes to all my games.”
After leaving school, Violet enrolled at King’s Lynn College, gaining a Level 2 and Level 3 in Personal Training. She currently teaches classes such as Legs, Butts and Tummy in Long Sutton and Castle in Spalding She also works at a sports center where she enjoys helping clients achieve their goals .
“I really love being a personal trainer. Seeing them progress is so rewarding not only for me but for the people I work with,” she added. “I’m happy when I hear that I’ve lost weight or accomplished something I’ve been working hard for.”
Our reporter kate chapman Try powerlifting
I’m not a total gym novice, but I haven’t been inside the gym much lately. I prefer running outside, but now that I’ve reached a certain age (!) I’m thinking about using weights to combat the inevitable muscle decline that comes with aging.
Violet was very kind to show us around the gym at Peel Leisure Center and explain to us what the different machines were for, how to use them and how to set them up. She demonstrated each one, explaining what it accomplishes when you use it and how many times it needs to be repeated. And then it was over for me.
In addition to some words of encouragement, Violet also shared some posture tips to help you get the most out of your workout. I knew doing pull-ups, even assisted pull-ups, would be difficult, but I really enjoyed trying something new.
I was still able to move my arms the next morning, so I’m definitely going to hit the gym again to mix up my workouts.