Local woman powers through

BLOOMINGTON, Ill.- Be Strong Gym in Bloomington hosted the WUAP Winter Open Sunday. The power lifting competition had 40 competitors, 15 of which were lifters from Be Strong.

Owner, Drew Whitted started this gym nine years ago and just recently moved locations to a bigger lot due to the growth of the company.

Whitted has been in this industry for 22 years and has always loved helping people out.

“It’s always exciting for a coach to see an athlete rise to their best, at that moment, that occasion, that event and lift a weight they have never lifted before. That’s always such a rush for a coach and that’s why were in it,” said Whitted.

Whitted’s athlete Taylor Peck has been working with him for nine years now.

The 43-year-old mother of five competed for her first time and hit two personal records in the dead lift and bench categories.

Her first competition journey started in December, spending six days a week in the gym.

Peck has worked with Whitted for over five years and says she plans to keep striving.

“You are never too old, too young, doesn’t matter what shape size you are…just go out there and do it,” said Peck.