Powerlifting is a type of weightlifting that focuses on lifting a heavy amount of weight once, rather than a high rep count of lower weight. The sport contains three types of lifts: squats, deadlifts and bench press.
Gage Bush is a powerlifter in Yorkton. At 24-years-old, the athlete has been training for his sport for about three years, but said he has been lifting weights since he was just eleven years old.
Bush is a talented powerlifter, but he said that not everything comes easily to him. He has Asperger’s Syndrome, a form of high-functioning autism that sometimes makes it difficult for him to learn specific tasks.
“It causes all sorts of physiological and psychological quirks, I would say. I have trouble reading body language, facial expression, tone and making eye contact,” said Bush.
But he said that his autism might benefit him in some ways when it comes to his sport.
“I’ve read that people with autism tend to have a reduced mental break when it comes to physical exertion. So people with autism can exert themselves harder,” he said.
“It’s not really an impairment in any regard toward powerlifting.”
Bush competed in powerlifting for the first time last month, and won. It was the Saskatchewan Powerlifting 2016 Provincial Championships in Saskatoon.
Now, he’s preparing for the Central Powerlifting Union National Qualifier, which will take place in Ontario from Jan. 6-8.
“When you’re powerlifting, you’re approaching the absolute limits of human physiology and ability,” said Bush. “If you’re off by just a few degrees, you can seriously injure yourself.”
Although it can be tough on the body, Bush said he trains at the gym four to five teams each week. In the weeks leading up to a competition, he’ll be sure to add a day of weightlifting.
But when it comes to preparing for a competition, Bush said there’s not much more he can do. He referenced a statement that was made by Lithuanian powerlifter Zydrunas Savickas, who said he has no specific technique, he just lifts heavier weight.
“He doesn’t go through any complex rotations,” said Bush. “He just goes in and lifts heavier weights. So that’s pretty much my own philosophy.”
Bush said he was happy with his performance at provincials, and hopes to see similar results at his upcoming competition.
“I don’t intend to do any heavier than I did at provincials, I just want to hit everything that I did there, and get there and lift roughly a combined total of just over 1500 pounds,” said Bush.
Bush trains at Pumphouse Athletic Club (PAC) in Yorkton. He is currently running fundraisers to help offset the cost of his upcoming trip to Ontario. There is a fundraiser steak night at Tapps on Nov. 26 and tickets are $25. Tickets are also then put in for a draw to win prizes from PAC.
