First Greater Dufferin Bench Press Competition April 26

The bench press is a test of upper-body strength and one of the most popular weight training exercises in the world.

April 26 will see lifting enthusiasts have the opportunity to test themselves and win great prizes at the first Greater Dufferin Open Bench Press Competition to be held at ACTS - Headwaters' Family Fitness and Athletics on Highway 9 at Heart Lake Road.

In this competition, participants will be required to lie on a bench while holding a weighted barbell at arms length. Upon the judge's signal, the lifter must lower the barbell so that it touches the chest and then press it back up to arms length. For a lift to be considered a "good" lift, the lifter must obey the judges' commands and complete the lift without moving the feet or lifting the backside off the bench.

Competitors may enter as individuals (in either the lightweight or the heavyweight division) or as part of a team of at least three people.

All competitors will have four attempts to register his or her best lift, and will be scored by multiplying his or her heaviest successful lift by the Wilks Formula coefficient that corresponds to his or her body weight. (The Wilks Formula is internationally recognized and used in Powerlifting competitions around the world to allow all competitors to compete within their division on an even footing - regardless of body weight.)

Prizes and bragging rights will be awarded for the best individual and team performances.

Popeye's Supplements Orangeville will supply prizes (including nutritional products, clothing and other items) for the top three lifters in each division and consolation prizes for ALL other competitors. Hyde-Whipp Heating and Air- Conditioning and Orangeville Equipment Rentals will supply medals and trophies for the top individual and team performances. Also in attendance as a special guest will be six foot eight inch, 390-pound strongman Jamie Aszmies, who has represented Canada in international competition.

The entry fee is $20 per person until April 19, and $25 after that date.

Payment is required at registration and weigh-in, which will take place at ACTS starting at 11:30 a.m., with the competition beginning at 1 p.m.

There is no charge to watch the competition and the public is encouraged to attend and cheer on the competitors.

To inquire about, or enter, this competition please contact Charles Banfield at charles.banfield@sympatico. ca or James Newton at jnewton19@hotmail.com