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***image1***When a gentleman is able to bench press 400 pounds, squat more than 600 pounds, dead lift more than 660 pounds and has won a list of bodybuilding championships, it would be easy to assume he would be a great mentor for young athletes entering the sports of bodybuilding and power lifting.
Creating a power lifting team here at Ramstein is what Master Sgt. Troy Saunders, Command Vehicle Management Superintendent for U.S. Air Forces in Europe’s A4R, has begun to do by recruiting athletes that are interested in the sport.
Sergeant Saunders has the experience of a seasoned veteran, displaying dedication to the sport by beginning his career at a young age.
He received his first set of dumbbells at the age of five and had a regular workout program by the age of 12.
“The sports are very rewarding and there is always room for improvement,” said Sergeant Saunders.
Besides competing in 55 bodybuilding shows and setting new records in both the masters and military classes in power lifting, he also won first place in more than 15 high level competitions. He will be competing in the U.S. Forces Bodybuilding and Figure Show held at the KMC Onstage Theater in Kaiserslautern Sept. 13 beginning at 11 a.m.
Experience and dedication can help create talented strong athletes but can also be applied to everyday life lessons.
“Both bodybuilding and power lifting have a lot of camaraderie. Even at the highest level of competition, athletes are always assisting and cheering each other on,” said Sergeant Saunders. “There also is the side benefit of the healthy lifestyle that is created.”
Bodybuilding and power lifting have been very important to him. “The years of training and dedication required to be successful in the sport is a testament that has transferred to other aspects of my life,” said Sergeant Saunders.
The setting of goals and the dedication required has provided him a solid foundation of success in all aspects of his life.
“I believe this is true for anyone. Be it for athletics, work, education, or family,” he added.
Aside from the benefits of being involved with a lifting team, meeting on base makes it easy for training sessions to be held.
Training for power lifters is held at 5:30 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday at the Ramstein Southside Fitness Center. Sergeant Saunders will also be available for guidance on bodybuilding at 5 p.m. the same days.
He also offers his knowledge to millions of readers by being a regular contributor to both “Natural Bodybuilding and Fitness” and “Exercise for Men Only” magazines, said the Kingsley, Iowa, native.
People who are looking to challenge themselves and compete against other athletes can contact Staff Sgt. Peter Lorenzo for power lifting, or Sergeant Saunders for bodybuilding.
