AN ULVERSTON health club is becoming a national hub - in women’s powerlifting.

Since Annette Hall, powerlifter and coach at Ulverston Health Club, started doing powerlifting at the club it has gone from strength to strength.

Last weekend saw Rosalind Lindow, a member of the club qualify for the powerlifting nationals at the North West Full Power and Single Lift Championships and they are quickly attracting new female members.

The recent popularity has also encouraged owner Jen Atkinson to become a qualified coach with the the British Drug Free Powerlifting Association and they have added equipment to accommodate the new demand.

Jen said: “The little group stretches across the board - we now have two 17-year-olds and a whole range of women taking part from all walks of life.

“One lady had a hip replacement in her early 20 and since doing powerlifting her condition has improved and she has seen a whole range of improvements in her range of motion.”

“Powerlifting also helps people with self confidence, giving people the drive to get up and do things.

“The stigma around what a powerlifter looks like sometimes puts people off, but we have many women with all shapes of bodies.

“We even run what we call a ‘Strong Saturday’ group where everyone comes together like a social gathering to train and have fun.

“It is also our aim to involve more young women and try to encourage more people who feel conscious about their bodies to get involved.

“We would also like to encourage people with mental health problems to join and for the gym to feel more inclusive so we attracting all types of people.”

Mrs Hall said: “Loads and loads of women are getting involved in strength training.

“They are so many benefits to it - it can even reduce the risks of osteoporosis - so it's a hugely beneficial sport to take part in.

“It has become a fashionable thing as everyone can do it and everyone is there supporting you - it’s such a great environment to be a part of.”