Okinawa, Japan, recruiter Sgt. 1st Class Daisymay Reyes competes in The 3rd Top of the World Powerlifting Challenge in Fairbanks, Alaska, Sept. 26.
Okinawa, Japan, recruiter Sgt. 1st Class Daisymay Reyes competes in The 3rd Top of the World Powerlifting Challenge in Fairbanks, Alaska, Sept. 26.
Powerlifting Enhances Recruiter's Leadership Skills
By Tom Rossiter, USAREC, Portland Battalion
Oct. 20, 2015
Okinawa, Japan, recruiter Sgt. 1st Class Daisymay Reyes competed in her first USA Powerlifting meet, at The 3rd Top of the World Powerlifting Challenge in Fairbanks, Alaska, Sept.26, winning first place as the overall female lifter at the USA Powerlifting (USAPL) meet. The 114-pound power lifter also broke the state records in the squat, bench press, and deadlift competitions.
Honolulu public affairs specialist Tom Rossiter talked with Reyes about how the sport of power lifting motivates her to be a better Soldier and recruiter.
What's your passion?
My fitness journey began as a young private. I worked hard to pass my Army Physical Fitness Test however, at that time, the only workouts with which I was familiar, were the ones included in the test: push-ups, sit-ups, and running. I always avoided the machines or the barbells in the gym.
In late 2007, I was introduced to bodybuilding by a former first sergeant and his wife while stationed in Germany. They taught me the basic skills of being comfortable and confident when lifting. At that point, I fell in love with weights.
After PCSing to Washington, DC, in 2008, I wanted to continue training but was reluctant since I no longer had a trusted trainer. I decided to stick to running. I participated in the local 5Ks, 10Ks, and Army 10-mile races. I was content, but I knew it was not my true passion. I missed the feeling of lifting heavy weights and pushing myself through that last repetition.
In 2010, at the age of 31, I became an avid member of CrossFit earning my CrossFit Level 1 Trainer title. From that moment, I learned my true passion - helping other people achieve their fitness goals.
Upon my arrival to Okinawa, Japan, as a detailed recruiter, I began teaching functional fitness classes and realized, I wanted something more than CrossFit. I soon discovered powerlifting.
I competed in my first bench press competition at Kadena Air Force base in May 2014 winning first place in the women's division. In December 2014, I competed in a local non-sanctioned, mock powerlifting meet on Camp Schwab Marine Corp Base winning 1st place at 57 kg/124 lbs and overall women's division.
I competed again at another mock powerlifting meet at Camp Foster Marine Corp Base in May 2015, where I placed fourth. Losing in my second powerlifting meet motivated me to do better and bring home a medal. Over the next four months, I trained tirelessly, while accomplishing my duties as a detailed recruiter and Future Soldier leader. During this journey, I learned so much about myself and my role as a Soldier.
What's your motivation?
I am a results-oriented type of person. My motivation stems from seeing results in all the hard work that I have done. The more I've successfully achieved and reached my goals, the more I'm motivated to do better.
What's your inspiration?
I am truly inspired by anyone who lifts weights beyond the age of 50. I have even see avid weightlifters still working hard in their 80s. When I have free time, I really enjoy watching YouTube videos of senior master powerlifters age 50-80. Seeing this keeps me inspired to strive better. I only hope I am able to still lift and compete in my 80s.
What you have learned about yourself?
During my powerlifting journey, I learned that having discipline, consistency, dedication, strong mental toughness, and heart, are the foundation for remaining successful in the powerlifting sport. I also learned that I could not allow self-doubt to surface. Once I approach that bar to perform the lift, I have only three single attempts per set. Either I'm going to get the lift or miss it. At that moment, all the hard work and commitment I put into my training is put to the test.
How has enhanced your leadership skills?
As a Future Soldier Leader, my Future Soldiers look up to me for strength.
Most of them lack the self-confidence needed to be successful, whether it has to do with the ability to complete Basic Combat Training or find a new life outside their comfort zones. My role as a leader is to embody the Army Values and mentor them so they may realize their potentials.
Seeing my Future Soldiers graduate from BCT and Advanced Individual Training proudly - some with honors and recognitions - and wanting to share with me their future goals about subjects such as becoming a sergeant major, [makes me realize] I have done my job well.
All of this empowers me to become a better person and leader - someone my Future Soldiers want to emulate.
My next goal is to compete in the USAPL Military Nationals.
http://youtu.be/bZO90ufNP14
By Tom Rossiter, USAREC, Portland Battalion
Oct. 20, 2015
Okinawa, Japan, recruiter Sgt. 1st Class Daisymay Reyes competed in her first USA Powerlifting meet, at The 3rd Top of the World Powerlifting Challenge in Fairbanks, Alaska, Sept.26, winning first place as the overall female lifter at the USA Powerlifting (USAPL) meet. The 114-pound power lifter also broke the state records in the squat, bench press, and deadlift competitions.
Honolulu public affairs specialist Tom Rossiter talked with Reyes about how the sport of power lifting motivates her to be a better Soldier and recruiter.
What's your passion?
My fitness journey began as a young private. I worked hard to pass my Army Physical Fitness Test however, at that time, the only workouts with which I was familiar, were the ones included in the test: push-ups, sit-ups, and running. I always avoided the machines or the barbells in the gym.
In late 2007, I was introduced to bodybuilding by a former first sergeant and his wife while stationed in Germany. They taught me the basic skills of being comfortable and confident when lifting. At that point, I fell in love with weights.
After PCSing to Washington, DC, in 2008, I wanted to continue training but was reluctant since I no longer had a trusted trainer. I decided to stick to running. I participated in the local 5Ks, 10Ks, and Army 10-mile races. I was content, but I knew it was not my true passion. I missed the feeling of lifting heavy weights and pushing myself through that last repetition.
In 2010, at the age of 31, I became an avid member of CrossFit earning my CrossFit Level 1 Trainer title. From that moment, I learned my true passion - helping other people achieve their fitness goals.
Upon my arrival to Okinawa, Japan, as a detailed recruiter, I began teaching functional fitness classes and realized, I wanted something more than CrossFit. I soon discovered powerlifting.
I competed in my first bench press competition at Kadena Air Force base in May 2014 winning first place in the women's division. In December 2014, I competed in a local non-sanctioned, mock powerlifting meet on Camp Schwab Marine Corp Base winning 1st place at 57 kg/124 lbs and overall women's division.
I competed again at another mock powerlifting meet at Camp Foster Marine Corp Base in May 2015, where I placed fourth. Losing in my second powerlifting meet motivated me to do better and bring home a medal. Over the next four months, I trained tirelessly, while accomplishing my duties as a detailed recruiter and Future Soldier leader. During this journey, I learned so much about myself and my role as a Soldier.
What's your motivation?
I am a results-oriented type of person. My motivation stems from seeing results in all the hard work that I have done. The more I've successfully achieved and reached my goals, the more I'm motivated to do better.
What's your inspiration?
I am truly inspired by anyone who lifts weights beyond the age of 50. I have even see avid weightlifters still working hard in their 80s. When I have free time, I really enjoy watching YouTube videos of senior master powerlifters age 50-80. Seeing this keeps me inspired to strive better. I only hope I am able to still lift and compete in my 80s.
What you have learned about yourself?
During my powerlifting journey, I learned that having discipline, consistency, dedication, strong mental toughness, and heart, are the foundation for remaining successful in the powerlifting sport. I also learned that I could not allow self-doubt to surface. Once I approach that bar to perform the lift, I have only three single attempts per set. Either I'm going to get the lift or miss it. At that moment, all the hard work and commitment I put into my training is put to the test.
How has enhanced your leadership skills?
As a Future Soldier Leader, my Future Soldiers look up to me for strength.
Most of them lack the self-confidence needed to be successful, whether it has to do with the ability to complete Basic Combat Training or find a new life outside their comfort zones. My role as a leader is to embody the Army Values and mentor them so they may realize their potentials.
Seeing my Future Soldiers graduate from BCT and Advanced Individual Training proudly - some with honors and recognitions - and wanting to share with me their future goals about subjects such as becoming a sergeant major, [makes me realize] I have done my job well.
All of this empowers me to become a better person and leader - someone my Future Soldiers want to emulate.
My next goal is to compete in the USAPL Military Nationals.
http://youtu.be/bZO90ufNP14
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