San Angelo Gym Hosts Weight Lifting Competition This Saturday

SAN ANGELO, TX -- With summer right around the corner, many are looking for a new work out program to meet their "summer body" goals. One local weight training gym, is helping San Angelo residents achieve their goals. For those in need of some inspiration or are not quite sure where to start, The Bar Athletic Club, located at 2110 W Beauregard Avenue, is hosting an event this weekend that just might be the motivation they need.

On Saturday, April 29, they will hold their First Annual Iron Apocalypse Super-Total Mega Meet. "The event is planned to begin around 10:00 a.m." said Tommy Janusz, personal trainer and co-owner of The Bar, and "weigh-ins will take place the morning of the event from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m."

"Currently we have 34 people registered to compete, coming from places as far away as Houston and Dublin, Texas, and from ages 13 and on up into their forties. I believe that we have 8 females signed up;' one of which is 13 and her 18 year old sister will be competing too."

(Above-Jacob Nino-local competitor) 

One of the contestants, 22 Year old San Angeloan Jacob Nino, a Deputy Sheriff for Ector County, said "I've been lifting weights since junior high school." Besides continuing with power lifting throughout high school, this impressive all-around athlete has also boxed and  played both baseball and football. Nino will weigh in at around 264 pounds. "My goal is to lift 450 pounds on bench press for this event." said Nino. 

This weekend's event will include, bench press only, bench press and dead lift, Olympic weight lifting, the power lifting division, and a barbell strength competition involving squat, bench press, dead lift, clean n jerk, and snatch. All events will use free weights.

Janusz added, "we encourage the general public to come by to check out some weight lifters, [we will also] have vendors giving out free samples of supplements."

Saturday's meet is strictly an amateur competition, but some experienced power lifters who have competed in USA Power Lifting, CrossFit, and USA Weight Lifting competitions will also be competing. Janusz reiterated, "nobody competing in this competition is a professional."

As for his advise for those starting a weight lifting program Janusz says, "in the first week or two, don't really challenge yourself; don't make it so much about a 'work out,' make it more so of familiarizing yourself with exercise. You'll be sore no matter what the first week. It's so important to find an exercise program that works for you and to follow it consistently because if you don't follow a plan it's just a recipe for disaster. The best results come when you are on a solid program,"

The Bar Athletic Club  is open 24/7 for members to come in and work out on their own time. Personal trainers are also available for those who would like to have someone write out their workout and continually monitor them for safety and correct use of gym machines.   

For those missing this weekends weight lifting competition, The Bar tries to do two a year. "The next one will be in October, for our fundraiser called 'Benching for Boobies.' " reassured Janusz. Remembering hosting BFB initially at a different gym, Janusz hopes to evolve it into an official USA power lifting sanctioned competition that he can draw in more people from surrounding areas." 

His message to prospective, as well as long established athletes is, "strength is for everyone. I think everyone can do this.  A lot of people are nervous about lifting weights or intimidated about the thought of free weights, but it's just the most inviting positive sport that I've ever been in. It just brings people together to help one another succeed."

Although past posts on their Facebook page say the deadline to register was April 14, he said, "If anyone who missed registration would like to sign up to compete, you may until Friday at 5:00 p.m.. There will be no registrations on the day of the event.  Also, those who register late will not receive a t-shirt.  Registration is still $50 and $15 for each additional division."

NOTE TO COMPETITORS: If you are registered for this event, please go to the event page and watch Janusz's video for the rules and updates posted on Thursday morning.

For more information stop by the gym or check out their Facebook page.