Name: Gabrielle Ervine

Age:   26

Gender:     Female

Weight Class: 57kg

Notable achievements:

• NI Muscle Power – Push Pull 2014 – Bench Record Holder (65kg)
• NI Raw Power 2014 – Bench Record Holder (65kg) and deadlift record (140kg)
• Represented Northern Ireland in the Four Nations event Nov 2014
• Ni Powerlifting Championships – Bench record (75kg) and joined Deadlift record (150kg ) and best overall total (342.5kg)
• Highest raw (sleeves only) wilks in Ireland – 397

What are your best three lifts and total?

Squat – 117.5kg
Bench – 75kg
Deadlift – 150kg (conventional)

What federation do you lift with?

IPF

What lift is your favourite and why?

Bench, it is the lift I have had most consistency with. It took quite a while to get my technique down with this lift, but with the support of Niall and Danny (my training partners at the time) something just clicked. I created a bigger arch and learned how to utilise my lats more. Squats I am growing to like more and more as they progress, it is more a confidence issue with me. Taking videos during training helps though as I can see the bar speed and know that it looks a lot better than how it feels.

What advice could you give someone to improve this lift?

With benching think lats lats lats, keep as tight as possible and try and take a big breathe before every rep. I try and keep it is as consistent as possible whilst maintaining a good bar speed. It is also very important to keep on top of mobility, especially hips! My upper back can become quite tight as well, so I will do self-myofascial release with a hockey ball on it often to help with this.
I would also advise seeking professional help with this. I am now sponsored by Luke Thomas at North Down Chrio (https://www.facebook.com/northdownchiropracticclinic/?fref=ts) which has helped me massively. Without his regular treatment I would not be able to sustain the level of lifting I have done.

What is your worst moment in a meet and greatest moment?

I am quite new to powerlifting so thankfully I haven’t had any bad moments. I guess my first competition was a two lift event, so my first squatting competition I was a bag of nerves, and got off to a poor start. I still battle with nerves to be honest but I guess it’s something I’ll overcome in time.

Best moment was being invited to compete with the Northern Ireland squad. Seeing the other nations compete was fantastic. I was invited again this year but declined as I plan to compete in Texas so I have my sights set on All Irelands and IrishPF nationals.

Another more recent best moment would be winning best lifter in the NI Champs.

How many days a week to you train and what does your training split usually look like?

I train 4 days a week under the guidance of Sean Ryan. Generally I do all 3 lifts (different variations) each day with the fourth being an assistance day. Working under Sean has allowed me to stay as uninjured as possible as he regulates volume and intensity well.

What advice would you give to new and young lifters starting powerlifting?

Well, I was fortunate enough to have guys around me that knew a lot about lifting, technique and mobility so get involved with someone that has experience. Learning and being taught about various mobility drills has not only brought me back from various painful hip and shoulder problems, but it’s second nature to me now. I incorporate it into every single session and I can’t stress the importance of it. It is definitely worthwhile to get involved in a gym with like-minded individuals. I have met some great people through powerlifting and am currently part of Goro Powerlifting Team. Our first competition as a team is All Irelands so keep an eye for us.