Heather Connor is already known for her strong work ethic and dedication to her training regimen. She has however pushed herself even further over the past year by embracing new challenges both mentally and physically. Last year, Heather narrowly missed her target of securing her third IPF World Championship title due to significant obstacles that arose before and during the competition. However, instead of being discouraged by her loss, she used it as motivation to work even harder. Heather is now even more determined to succeed and has been focusing on improving her so-called weaknesses, particularly the bench press.
Brand new bench press PR of 80 kilograms (176.4 pounds)
Heather’s hard work paid off with a brand new bench press personal record (PR) of 80 kilograms (176.4 pounds), proving that she is on the right path. Heather Connor is widely recognized as one of the best deadlifters in the world, but her advancements in the bench press could make all the difference in her pursuit of a championship title. The most weight that Heather has ever benched in a competition is 75 kilograms (165.3 pounds). So, as every gym-goer knows, a 5-kilogram (11-pound) difference on the bench press can require months, if not even a year, of hard work to achieve.
Only used a lifting belt, making the bench press PR raw
To make her new feat even more impressive, Heather Connor only used a lifting belt, making the bench press PR raw by all standards. It also looked to be surprisingly easy for Heather, who perhaps left some room for another PR in the future. She has not revealed her bodyweight at the time of the lift, but she usually competes in the 47-kilogram weight class.
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Invited to the 2023 IPF Classic Powerlifting World Championships
Heather Connor received an invitation to the 2023 IPF Classic Powerlifting World Championships recently and accepted the offer a few weeks ago. Therefore, she has ten weeks until the action takes place in Malta, more than enough time to get in peak shape and score some more PRs. Heather shared on her social media:
“Accepted my 5th World Champions invite to represent the U.S in Malta. Time to show up as my healtiest/strongest self!”
Previous Achievements
Although Heather Connor faced some challenges in 2022, she also achieved notable successes, including winning the AMP National Championship and the 2022 FFForce Girl Power competition. Heather also set a new IPF World Record Deadlift of 185 kilograms (407.9 pounds) at the 2022 IPF World Classic Powerlifting Championships. However, she aims to significantly improve this record in the future, having locked out over 200 kilograms (440.9 pounds) a few times in training already.
Competition PRs and History
Heather Connor boasts a successful resume, consisting of 24 sanctioned appearances and 16 victories. She also holds several World Records, making her a well-known figure in the sport. Here are some of her competition PRs:
- Squat: 143 kilograms (315.2 pounds) — (2021 USAPL Raw Nationals)
- Bench Press: 75 kilograms (165.3 pounds) — (2021 Ireland-UA ABS Pro)
- Deadlift: 192.5 kilograms (424.4 pounds) — (2021 USAPL Raw Nationals)
- Total: 410 kilograms (903.9 pounds) — (2021 Ireland-UA ABS Pro)
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Heather Connor’s Training Regimen
Connor’s dedication to her training regimen is evident in her consistent efforts to improve herself both mentally and physically. As she prepares for the 2023 IPF World Championships, she has been pushing herself even further by embracing new challenges.
In addition to her deadlifting prowess, Connor has been focusing on improving her bench press, which could make all the difference in her pursuit of a championship title. Connor’s new bench press PR of 80 kilograms (176.4 pounds) is a testament to her hard work and dedication, and her improvements in this lift may give her an edge in competition.
Connor’s Training Diet
Of course, a strong training regimen is not the only factor in Connor’s success. She also pays close attention to her diet, ensuring that she is fueling her body with the nutrients it needs to perform at its best.
Connor has stated that she follows a high-protein diet to support her intense training regimen. She also pays close attention to her carbohydrate and fat intake, ensuring that she is providing her body with the energy it needs to power through her workouts.
Connor’s Mindset and Motivation
Perhaps one of the most impressive aspects of Connor’s success is her unwavering mindset and motivation. Despite facing significant obstacles in her pursuit of a third IPF World Championship title last year, Connor has only been motivated to work harder and become even more determined to succeed.
In her recent Instagram post, where she announced her acceptance of the invitation to the 2023 IPF Classic Powerlifting World Championships, Connor wrote,
“Time to show up as my healthiest/strongest self!”
Her focus on overall health and strength, rather than just lifting heavier weights, is a testament to her dedication to the sport and her desire to continuously improve.
Overview of Heather Connor’s Accomplishments
Heather Connor has had an impressive career in powerlifting, with 24 sanctioned appearances and 16 victories to her name. She has also set multiple world records, including her most recent deadlift record of 185 kilograms (407.9 pounds) at the 2022 IPF World Classic Powerlifting Championships.
With ten weeks to go until the 2023 IPF World Championships, Connor has plenty of time to continue improving and honing her skills. Her recent bench press PR is just one example of her unwavering dedication to the sport and her desire to become the best she can be.
Finally, Heather Connor’s recent bench press PR is a testament to her hard work and dedication to improving herself both physically and mentally. With the 2023 IPF World Championships just ten weeks away, Connor’s improvements in her bench press, as well as her overall strength and health, may give her an edge in competition. Her unwavering mindset and motivation are also impressive and indicative of her desire to continuously improve and succeed in the sport of powerlifting.
Featured Image @heather.e.connor (Instagram)
