The Warehouse Gym has helped many young aspiring athletes grow and develop since its opening on the Old Monivea Road 15 months ago.
One talented youngster, Louise Bane, will represent Ireland at the World Drug Free Powerlifting single lift championships in Germany in three weeks.
Currently the number one female in Drug Free Powerlifting in her weight category in Europe. Louise is also a three-times world record breaker and is tipped to add another gold to her medal haul in Germany.
Louise, new to the sport when she began powerlifting last year, says owner John Thomas, has pushed her to new limits.
"I was completely new to weights and when John gave me a few tips on technique I began to feel a lot more confident in my abilities. Towards the end of 2013, John pushed me that little bit further and suggested I compete in powerlifting as a goal for the new year. With his encouragement I have gone on to break three world records and am currently placed number 1 in Europe for my weight category in powerlifting.”
Louise is not the only female powerlifter to train in The Warehouse Gym, Assumpta Feeney, also ranked number 1 in Europe in her own weight category, and the multi talented Debbie O'Reilly make this gym their training home. “The gym is not just a place to work out,” says Louise. “ Young teenagers from all backgrounds come here to socialise and share their passions with each other. A lot of friendships have been made since the gym opened with people from all age groups both male and female. Our youngest members have been taken under the wing by many of our older athletes and as a result have reached a very high level of maturity at such a young age.
Owner John Thomas says he is now putting together a female-only powelifting team.
“To raise money to help Louise travel to Germany, we held a one week workshop for any ladies interested in powerlifting and the response was nothing short of amazing. We had enough to fill three workshops. The girls loved it and many have since joined our gym.”
Anyone interested in joining the ladies’ team can contact [email protected].
