Maria Spano’s fitness achievement story is worth repeating once again because it is inspirational to so many people. Maria’s story intrigues me and it is obvious that her story of focus and dedication should be heard by everyone.
Maria Spano, Certified Public Accountant, wife and mother of two exercised a little here and there throughout her life but not seriously and not at all consistently. At age 45 Maria realized the kids were now older and it was time to focus a little more on her. Over weight, out of shape and forty – five years of age Maria starts on her journey into the world of weight lifting. During our on air interview I asked her to take us back to the first day at the gym.
Maria Spano 1993
Her response was, “After the first workout I thought to myself, this is for me! Why didn’t I do this sooner?” At age 49, her age at the time of our interview, Maria has competed in both Bodybuilding and Powerlifting competitions. Not a likely combination because the training styles are so different most individuals train in one or the other. Placing 3rd in the 2005 NABBA – USA United States Open Bodybuilding – Women’s Open, this award is added to the line of trophies from earlier competitions. To satisfy your minds curiosity, check out her photo on the home page www.HealthFitnessBroadcast.com.
I had the opportunity to attend one of Maria’s power lifting meets in Atlantic City. It was so amazing to see this five foot, four inch tall one hundred and thirty pound lady in action. She was awarded World Natural Power lifting Federation 2005 Best Female Power lifter of the Year award that day. Additional record holdings and awards include:
* WNPF 2005 World Holder in Open Deadlift & Masters Powerlifting
*WNPF 2005 American Record Holder in Open & Masters Powerlifting
* WNPF 2006 New Jersey State Record Holder in Bench Press, Deadlift and Powercurl.
*WNPF 2006 North American Elite Nationals 1st place, Open & Masters Deadlift.
Maria lifts RAW (unequipped) and competes in both Open and Masters Divisions.
Maria’s achievements also include:
Best Female Lifter Award was presented by WNPF in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 ,2009 and 2010.
Listed at #20 in “Women’s Top 20″ list of powerlifters in the United States for the Year 2009 in the 148 pound class Deadlift published by Powerlifting USA magazine in June 2010.
Listed at #15 in “Women’s Top 20″ list of powerlifters in the United States for the Year 2007 in the 148 pound class Deadlift published by Powerlifting USA magazine in July 2008.
Focus must be the key to success for Maria. This lady can bench press 170 lbs., squat 330, deadlift 390 and powercurl 85 lbs. What amazing achievements. Hearing her story should help us all remember that it is never too late to get started. Maria Spano found her love for fitness through Powerlifting and Body Building Training. I want to encourage everyone to try several fitness activities. When you find the right one you will know because it will be a pleasure not a chore. Then you can say exactly what Maria said to herself, “This is for me! Why didn’t I do this sooner?”
Article written by Sherri Horner
