Fred Marquinez - Interview with a Masters Weightlifter

Hello Everyone!

 

It’s not every day that a World Masters Weightlifter walks through your doors and wants to train with you. It’s even more unique when such a lifter works for the same employer as you! So you can imagine our surprise when one of the doctors from Akron General Medical Center contacted us inquiring about training for the 2012 World Masters Weightlifting Championships. Dr. Fred Marquinez is a Physician specializing in Medical Oncology and Hematology. He trained at Akron General Sports Performance for 6 weeks leading up to his meet which was held September 15-22 in Lviv, Ukraine. Fred was kind enough to share some information about his weightlifting career and experiences. There are some great words of wisdom here, so pay attention and take notes!

 

Name: Fred Marquinez

 

Sport: Olympic Style Weightlifting

 

 Age Group & Weight Class: 50-54 yr age group, 62kg weight class

 

When did you start Weightlifting?
I began Olympic-style weightlifting 6 years ago.  Prior to that I was a runner (everything from 5k’s to marathons).

What attracted you to the sport?

I like Olympic weightlifting because it combines strength, speed and agility. Because all major muscle groups are used, it is great for overall conditioning as well as strength training.

What are your current best lifts?

Snatch 64kg (140.8 lb); Clean and Jerk 84kg (184.8 lb); Total: 143kg.

 

 What is your favorite lift to train?

The snatch, though it is the most difficult.

 

Do you have a favorite lifter? If so, who?

Naim Suleymanoglu, “the Pocket Hercules”; World and Olympic champion.
 

 

 

What competitions have you lifted in?

2012 World Masters Weightlifting Championships (L’viv, Ukraine), 2011 Pan American Masters Championships, National Masters, American Masters, Arnold Sports Festival, Ohio Weightlifting Championships.

 

 

What are your goals for the sport?

To set personal records while improving my physical conditioning.

 

What to you is the most challenging aspect of Weightlifting?

Weightlifting is an extremely technical sport. It’s very challenging to lift heavy weights while concentrating on proper techniques.

 

 

What to you is the most rewarding aspect of Weightlifting?

Lifting allows me to push my body to new limits and improves my overall health. Working out is also a great stress-reliever. Competing in the stressful settings of national and international meets has helped me improve my ability to concentrate and focus on the task at hand.

 

 

What advice would you give someone who is reluctant to try the sport or compete?

Training for the Olympic lifts is a fantastic way to improve strength, agility, flexibility and endurance. It also enhances the performance of most other sports. Competing allows one to measure progress under meet conditions as well as to gain advice and inspiration from others who are more experienced. I’ve also found that Olympic weightlifters are more friendly and helpful than athletes in the other sports in which I’ve competed.

Keep Training! Coach Anthony Colarusso & Akron General Sports Performance