Q: Can you give us some background info on yourself (age, education, occupation, funny middle name, etc.)?

LL: I am 28 years old.  I have a Bachelors degree in Kinesiology and Physical Education with a concentration in Health.  I teach at a boy’s residential school and love it.  I’m currently deciding which Master’s degree program would be best for me.

Q: How did you get involved in powerlifting?

LL: My powerlifting journey began at age 16.   One rainy day my gym teacher, Ann (Turbyne) Andrews, brought in a video of her winning the World Championships in 1980.  I was intrigued, so I asked her some questions.  There was a State meet in 3 weeks and the gym she lifted for, Gilly’s Gym, needed someone in the 181’s.  I was a steady 173 so I learned the basic three, equipment, & rules and entered my first meet, the 1989 Maine State Championships. 

Q: What is your favorite lift? Least favorite?

LL: I can honestly say I don’t have a particular favorite.  I have favored the squat or deadlift over the years but having all three lifts is a good balance both mentally and physically.  I think I train my squat the hardest consistently.  I need to make more of an effort with shoulders and biceps.  Although I enjoy training my bench now, for years it was a struggle.  It’s frustrating to be so inadequate at it. 

Q: What are your best lifts? The ones you're most proud of? Titles
you've held/won? 

LL: My best contest lifts come over 3 weight classes.  Here it goes…
 
 

165- SQ402 BP225 DL451 181- SQ462 BP248 DL473 198-SQ479 BP253 DL473
		Ms. Look Knocking Off A Huge Squat!

       My deadlift is probably my best lift although it’s strength has been compromised in contests either because of my back squatting style or grip issues.  I would like to be able to show my true strength in the deadlift.  I’m most proud of my 479 squat at 198.  That was a hard push and I made it.  It also happened at my last Jr. Nationals where I went 9/9 and totaled over 1200, a fond memory.  It would make my day if Mr. Jasper would send me a copy of the video (shameless plug).  I’m also proud to say that I’ve been a consistent, loyal, IPF lifter who understands the value of judging, doping control, and equipment regulations along with lifting with strong competitors.  I’m pleased that I endured a total knee reconstruction & came back to be competitive.  The icing on the cake will be when I get a PR squat & total. 

My titles are as follows…
 

Q: Any meets you'd like to 'do over' or take back?

LL: No.  I’ve learned from my screw-ups.  Take away these and I haven’t learned.  Therefore, I’d have to screw up all over again.  No thanks!  If what you’re looking for are my shittiest moments they would have to be the 1990 Region I (4/9 way too mental), 1997 Women’s Seniors (6/9 way too insecure over my surgery), and the 1998 Women’s Worlds (4/9 totally screwed up my diet). 

Q: What are your future goals in the sport? How good can Leslie Look be? Are you "THAT DAMN GOOD?"

LL: My future goals are to keep my body healthy and make a good transition from training hard to training hard & smart.  As far as weights go I’d like to squat 485+, bench 286+, and pull over 500 at 181.  As far as how good I can be, we’ll see.  I don’t like to write checks with my mouth my ass can’t cash.  That docket is already full in this sport.  However, I don’t lift to be “NOT SO DAMN GOOD”.

Q: Let me switch gears a bit. You seem to be the voice of female lifting for USAPL, at least in PLUSA. How do you think we can get more ladies into powerlifting? I see more women at the gym these days but even the ones that venture into the free weight area seem to feel that heavy lifting is for guys. The word "tone" is used way too much. How can we
change their minds? 

LL: There are many voices in women’s powerlifting.  Mine does not exemplify all of them.  I’m unsure how to “sell” powerlifting to the female population.  I think that as a general rule women associate lifting heavy weights with being a thickly muscled brute.  Although this seems to be socially desirable for men, for women it’s not always so well received.  Big, strong women have their place in powerlifting but they certainly don’t portray everything women’s powerlifting is about.  No one weight class or body type could do that.  Strong women come in all shapes and sizes ranging from petite to robust.  When society realizes this and stops pigeonholing strong girls into a negative misnomer I’m sure strength sport will be seen as more desirable. 

Q: What about supplementation? What kind of diet and supplement regimen do you follow? 

LL: I’m not on a special supplementation program. Diet is probably the weakest area of my training.  This is my next area of attack.  Some of the good choices I make are getting enough protein, about ¾ of a gram per pound of body weight a day.  I keep my protein levels high by eating bars and drinking shakes.  I’m currently looking for a nutrition sponsor.  I’ve been working on my water intake, trying to increase it to 100 ounces daily in addition to other fluids.  I take a multi-vitamin each day along with glucosamine and chondroitin for my joints. 

Q: What is your out of contest weight? Ok, you don't have to answer that but do you stay at or near your weight class limit year round or do you train above it and cut weight for meets? I know we're not supposed to ask women their weights but hey, it's for training. 

LL: My out of contest weight ranges from 183-192.  I tend to train above my weight class limit and cut weight for contests.  This parallels my response to your earlier question.  It would be better to train lighter.

Q: Who has influenced you in this sport? Helped you the most?

LL: There have been many influences to my training.  The people that have helped me the most are those that have stuck by me.  My mom and Nan are two of the strongest, toughest women I’ve ever met.  Although they are not directly involved in my training, their contribution to my personality and life have been tremendous.  Their genetics aren’t too shabby either.  Other, more gym-related influences have been the Gilly’s Gym atmosphere, very hardcore and encouraging (in my early years); my many training partners and helpers over the years: Guy, Heather, Tammy, Johnny G, Glen, Michael, Mike, Chris, & Sean;  Shelby Corson- a strong, emulator, Carrie Boudreau- an unbelievable athlete and true encourager;  John Mathieu- a caring supporter and incredible knee wrapper;  Pete Alaniz- a super sponsor;  Hammond Lumber Company- a valuable contributor;  Larry Maile- a super coach with true respect for women’s powerlifting;  and Lizzy Willett- one hell of a cool lady. 

Q: The Strength Site is about training. Would you share some of your training ideas with the readers? 

LL: I keep my routine pretty basic.  I lift 4 days a week.  Day 1- Squats/legs, Day 2- Bench I (bench press, chest, triceps), Day 3- Deadlift/back/ light legs, Day 4- Bench II (shoulders, biceps).  On off days I train abs and do cardio to stay healthy and maintain weight.   My newest idea is to train my upper back and chest on Day 4 (with shoulders and biceps on day 2) to try to balance out some postural issues that have developed after years of training.  I also plan to flip my deadlift grip to develop my back more evenly. 

        I have been referred to as uncoachable.  That may be true, I certainly don’t do what I’m told, when I’m told to do it.  However, I think this makes me a discerning learner.  Some key training elements that have worked for me over the years are as follows…

• Reducing training weight in the off season but keeping the intensity high.  This type of training is exhausting but effective.  It’s just as difficult as heavy training.  My favorites are 5x5 in the squat with no belt 90 seconds apart and 3x8 in the bench and deadlift, 90 seconds apart with no equipment. 

• Start training a week or so after a contest quite light, this time period has a high risk of injury, especially for trained athletes.  It’s good to get in the gym and feel the motion.  Save the CRANK for 2-3 weeks post contest. 

•  Sets of five are a great base, however, you body needs to neurologically prepare for your eventual 1 RM.  Don’t be afraid to take a heavier (not max) singles after your normal routine.  CAUTION, if this is abused it leads to overtraining. 

• Give yourself time in your training cycle to adapt to equipment. 

• Commit to life-long learning.  No one person will have what’s right for you.  Don’t expect anyone else to make your program work.  Other’s can be a great source for new ideas, but be a good strainer.  There is a delicate balance between changing with every new fad and being stuck in the same routine.  Find out where your fulcrum is.

Q: Is there anything else you'd like to add?

LL: 

1. Train hard.  Don’t take time off for stupid reasons (the summer, you don’t like that lift, boys, etc.)
2. Pay attention to your body.  Search out ways to fix the problem, you know your body better than anyone – find what works.
3. Stay positive.  Don’t let yourself be negatively influenced.  If you fall down, get back up.

Lift for a federation you can feel good about.  Check out their rules, equipment guidelines, & doping control.  Be educated. 

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