Spotlight: Ariel Bouvier of Precision Powerlifting Systems
Hey guys!
It’s been a few since I’ve posted here. There is actually no excuse, except for life has gotten busy but it always is, I just didn’t make time to write. I’ve actually had a few blogs written out but didn’t love them so I didn’t post. I am not being paid to write so If I don’t love it, I don’t post it.
However, I do love writing about powerlifting and my teammates which is why today I am highlighting Ariel today. Ariel joined PPS not long after me and she trains at a gym a little closer to her house and she graces us with her presence ever so often and it’s such a treat when she does. Ariels is hilarious and real and isn’t afraid to show her struggles with lifting and where powerlifting has aided her in other parts of her life (usually the theme of these posts).
Ariel and I connect because we both have the same view about powerlifting not necessarily being for aesthetics (though being muscular and looking strong is a bonus) but rather to see what our bodies can do and how strong we can be both physically and mentally (mental PRs our coach Kevin Cann, says).
She told me recently, she’s spent most of her life trying to be smaller or thinner and came up exhausted in her search (LOL SAME). She believes powerlifting has taken away that element and the idea that her looks are on display and she feels free. I love that. This definitely takes time, however. Most people go into fitness/lifting/powerlifting/body building for looks and end up growing and evolve with it, and discover so much more.
Here are my questions to Ariel.
Q: What drew you to powerlifting initially?
A: This is kind of a two-part answer: I started lifting a few years ago when I was still playing rugby. I remember being at my last summer tournament and being concerned that I’d get hurt and wouldn’t be able to lift anymore. I packed up my kit and walked out never looked back. I didn’t know what I would do, powerlifting seemed to make more sense to me. Around this time, I was really struggling with my body image. When I first started lifting and working with a personal trainer I became obsessed with being more athletic. Which eventually developed into an unhealthy obsession with my body composition and weight. I used to wear a heart rate monitor and I noticed lifting heavy burned a lot of calories so that definitely played into my decision to powerlift.
Q: How did you find PPS? And what was your initial thoughts about the team?
A: I found PPS on Instagram. I followed Alyssa Orlando and messaged her about the team and Kevin. She convinced me to give y’all a try. I knew Kevin would be different from any coach I had previously worked with. I’ve played sports my whole life but never have I ever been challenged the way Kev does. Usually I am stubborn enough to get my way, but not with Kevin (lol).
Q: What’s it like being on a powerlifting team?
A: Being part of a team is what drew me to PPS. In college/ a few years after the Rugby team was my entire life. I am naturally an introvert so I become a bit of a hermit when I don’t have obligations like going to practice games etc. The team motivates me to get out of my comfort zone.
Q: How does powerlifting give you strength in other aspects of your life?
A: I’ve learned to control my emotions. I am a very passionate person, I try hard and care a lot. This causes me to sometimes “spiral” and lose sight of my goal. When I first worked with Kevin he picked up on this and made it something we’d work on every training session. Eventually I needed him less, he taught me self-efficacy. This self-awareness and emotional intelligence has transitioned to my professional life as well. My job is incredibly challenging and now I handle myself better in stressful situations.
Q: What is the most frustrating thing about powerlifting?
A: The lifts! Learning them wasn’t easy. I’ve got a lanky body that made it pretty tough to figure out my leverages. I get frustrated almost every lift lol
Q: What are your future plans and goals? Short and long term within PL?
A: My long term life goals are to continue my career in biologics, maybe meet someone I don’t hate and get married. My Long term PL goals are to stay healthy and do this until I physically can’t anymore. Short term goal is to total over 1k. I am close now, 998 at my last meet. Hopefully regionals I’ll put up some nice numbers.
Q: How do you explain to people what you do in the gym and why? For example .. when someone asks “why you compete in a strength sport?” or “why do you train for two hours a day?”
A: It’s funny no one ever really asks me this. If anything they usually say things like “you’re so dedicated” “I could never do that” I’ve been the kind of person who is always involved in some kind of physical activity. So the people who are closest to me kind of expect it now. My friends know if I am going to the gym to not expect me around.
At Ariel’s last meet in April she hit a big total qualifying her for Raw Nationals this coming October. Can’t wait to see her put up some big numbers! Watch out for her and follow her PL journey on Instagram @abov91.