He Gets A Big Lift From Weight Contests

Andy Corson took up weight lifting in high school as a means to an end.

“When I first started,” said Corson, “I wanted big muscles and then maybe I’d make the Central Valley High baseball team.”

Although he didn’t make the baseball team, weight lifting quickly became the end in itself.

During the U.S. Powerlifting Federation nationals in Post Falls on Sept. 13, Corson, 20, improved his Washington Junior Men’s dead-lift record to 507 pounds.

He said he believes that mark is a national record as well.

Corson took up power lifting a year ago after taking a job at Giorgio’s Weight and Fitness Center in the Valley.

“Not too long after I took the job, Giorgio Jr. asked me if I wanted to enter a contest,” said Corson.

Giorgio Usai Jr., a former CV High football star now playing at a junior college in California, was himself a national dead-lift record setter.

“I’m still trying to catch him,” said Corson.

Corson is getting closer. In just his third power lifting competition, he improved by 50 pounds, which a contemporary said is exceptional.

He finished first in the Junior Men’s Division for ages 20-23 and was named outstanding lifter. Additionally, he finished third in the Open Division for lifters of all ages and experience.

He is preparing for another contest in late November and will train all winter for tournaments next spring.

“I’m shooting for the high 500s or 600 (pounds) in the spring,” he said.

A high school friend got Corson into the weight room for the first time.

“I wanted big biceps and a big chest, but now I’m more interested in the power and strength part,” Corson said.

He lifts two hours a day, four days per week. Four-to-eight week cycles strengthen different muscle groups.

Dead lifting requires strong back and legs. During competition a person lifts the weight, arms extended downward, off the floor. He stands rigid with shoulders back until informed the lift is complete.

In Post Falls, Corson made his breakthrough lift on his second attempt and just missed 523 pounds on his third.

“I love the sport,” he said. “Up on the stage you’re the only one there and get to show what you can do.”

People don’t realize the difficulty of power lifting, he said.

“In a meet it comes down to little things,” he said, “like form and concentration.”

Corson has his associate arts degree from Spokane Falls Community College and is a junior majoring in exercise science at Eastern Washington University.

He envisions power lifting competition and perhaps a body-building contest as part of his long-term future.

“I like it. It’s a good environment and I have family support which makes it worthwhile,” said Corson. “I’d say I’ll be lifting a long time. I see guys 50 to 60 years old setting records.”

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