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Beauty

Power Workouts

When they wanted a new fitness challenge, these Dallas dames turned to traditionally male pursuits—boxing, triathlons, mountain biking, and powerlifting—proving that girls really do rule.
By D Magazine |

Step aside, guys: Dallas women are gaining confidence—and beautiful bods—participating in once-male dominated sports.  •  A 30-minute run on the treadmill and a quick strength-training circuit at the gym just doesn’t cut it for these ladies. They’re pushing themselves to the limit and excelling in a realm once deemed too rough for females.  •  Whether they inspire you to take on one of these intense sports or just rededicate yourself to your established routine, we hope you’ll help us celebrate the women who are breaking through the glass ceiling in sports and giving our gender a new reputation at the gym: These women know how to sweat.

[powerlifting]
Stephanie Terrell

Vital Stats: Stephanie Terrell, 33
Trains With: Jason Lazar of Lazar Training Systems
Why: “Powerlifting has given me self-confidence; the way I look and the way I feel about myself has changed dramatically. One of the things I get complemented on the most are my legs, and I know that comes from powerlifting. My lower half has transformed.”
Health Benefits: Completing the Olympic lifts used during powerlifting strengthens the entire body, and teaches muscle fibers to contract quickly and forcefully, to put out as much controlled energy as possible. Training also increases growth hormone levels, which control muscle mass and fat content; it does not lead to “bulking up,” but builds lean muscle and tone.
Targets: The full body. Muscles are trained to work together.
Schedule: Two to three times a week. Olympic lifts aren’t something you would do every day. Cross-train with aerobic and strength-building exercises. Yoga and Pilates are great complements to powerlifting.
Who to Call:
Jason Lazar
, Lazar Training Systems, 214-707-0305
Kurt Pitman, sports performance coach, Power Play Fitness, 469-585-0621
Scott Whitten, certified USA weightlifting coach, Power Play Fitness, 214-642-5516

“When you take a risk and succeed, it gives you an adrenaline rush and builds your confidence. You learn it’s better to go for it than to hesitate.”

[mountain biking]
Alison Beck & Cindy Bradley

Vital Stats: Alison Beck, 28
Trains With: Co-workers
Why: “Mountain biking is scary—and incredible. This is a sport where you must be mentally engaged; you never know what’s around the corner, and you never know what to expect. When you take a risk and succeed, it gives you an adrenaline rush and builds your confidence. You learn it’s better to go for it than to hesitate, and you push yourself out of your comfort zone.”
Vital Stats: Cindy Bradley, 49
Trains With: DFW Dirt Divas, a club she founded in 2001.  
Why: “Five years ago, mountain biking was a man’s sport. There’s no doubt that it’s tough: You’re out in the woods, and you’re going to get bumps, bruises, and scrapes. Mountain biking is not for every woman—or even every person—but that’s the challenge.”
Health Benefits: Mountain biking develops the cardiovascular system, provides an intense aerobic workout, tones muscles, and improves overall strength, coordination, and balance.
Targets: The entire body; contrary to the misconception that biking primarily shapes legs, it also develops core and upper-body muscles including the back, arms, shoulders, and neck.
Schedule: Experienced bikers ride an average of six days a week.
Who to Call:
DFW Dirt Divas
is a club of 200-plus female mountain bikers who discuss weekly riding times and races on an online forum through the Dallas Off Road Bicycle Association (www.dorba.org).

“I don’t mind working hard, putting in the effort, and sweating it out. Meeting the challenge is what keeps me motivated.”

[triathlon training]
Trista Black

Vital Stats: Trista Black, 35
Trains With: Michael Dawdy at the Baylor Tom Landry Fitness Center
Why: “I love the challenge of picking new sports, starting at the very bottom and excelling. I don’t mind working hard, putting in the effort, and sweating it out. I get overall physical benefits, but meeting the challenge is what keeps me motivated.”
Health Benefits: Triathlon training encompasses three sports— swimming, running, and biking—and provides complete cardiovascular conditioning, builds motor skills, and improves flexibility and range of motion.
Targets: Total body strength and conditioning
Schedule: A true novice, someone with no aerobic training, trains four to five hours each week, including one swim, one ride, and one run. Those with aerobic training spend four to 10 hours each week, usually concentrating on their weaknesses.
Who to Call:
Michael Dawdy
, USA cycling and USA triathlon coach, Baylor Tom Landry Fitness Center, 214-820-6715
Sue Wilkerson, events and training coordinator, Luke’s Locker, 214-528-1290

“A lot of women feel helpless. Boxing makes you feel tougher; it empowers you.”

[boxing]
Cherry Morris

Vital Stats: Cherry Morris, “I could tell you my age, but then I’d have to knock you out.”
Trains With: Personal Fitness Consultant Vickie Griffith
Why: “Boxing is the most completely exhausting workout, but it makes you feel like you can take care of yourself. A lot of women feel helpless. Boxing makes you feel tougher; it empowers you.”
Health Benefits: The sport of boxing provides both an aerobic and anaerobic workout, helping maintain the target heart rate. The motion of pushing against a punching bag develops speed, endurance, and strength.
Targets: The entire body, focusing on the upper body (arms) and the core.
Schedule: One to three days a week, usually one day of strength training, one of power movements, and one of boxing.
Who to Call:
Derrick James, four-time U.S. National Amateur Boxing Champion, Cooper Fitness Center, 972-233-4832 x 4430
Vickie Griffith, personal fitness consultant, 214-808-3216
Jonna Ocampo, USA boxing-certified coach, 972-740-8453

Special Thanks:
Vickie Griffith
Michael Dawdy
Scott Whitten
Cindy Bradley
and our athlete models

Credits

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