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LIFESTYLE
MEDICINE

UTHSCSA Lifting: UTHSCSA Fall 2023 Lifting Competition participants.

Fostering Fitness, Community and Philanthropy

By Victoria (Tori) Vargas and Andrew Ta
A t The University of Texas Health Science Center at San An- The Primary Goal: Making Lifting Accessible

tonio (UTHSCSA), the student organization, UTHSCSA
UTHSCSA Lifting is driven by a central mission: to ensure that
Lifting, brings together groups of people from all schools
within the university, united by a shared interest in gym culture and weightlifting is not only accessible but also enjoyable for everyone. Rec-
ognizing that stepping into a gym can be overwhelming for newcomers,
weight lifting. with its array of equipment and unfamiliar exercises coupled with an
Established by myself and a passionate group of medical students, often-intimidating culture, our organization is dedicated to fostering
UTHSCSA Lifting was born out of a shared love for the gym and a an inclusive and supportive environment where individuals can learn,
belief in the transformative power of physical fitness. The medical pro- grow and achieve their fitness goals. Regular events, workshops and
fession can be incredibly demanding with long hours and seemingly training sessions are organized to provide members with the knowledge
never-ending education, making the importance of maintaining a and skills needed to feel confident in the gym. These workshops take
healthy lifestyle even more critical. Many of us have witnessed and ex- place weekly where veteran lifters teach the complex movements in-
perienced just how easy it is to disregard personal health to meet the volved with certain gym exercises, including the bench press, squat and
demands of our work and studies. We saw this as an opportunity to deadlift. Recently, UTHSCSA Lifting proudly introduced the sport
create a supportive community focused on weightlifting and promoting of powerlifting to our members and the wider campus community. The
overall well-being. inaugural Fall 2023 Lifting Competition, hosted at the Gold’s Gym on
UTHSCSA Lifting prides itself on being an inclusive organization campus, provided a platform for lifters of all levels to test their one-rep
that goes beyond the boundaries of academic disciplines. While its max in the three compound lifts following competition standards.
roots lie in the Long School of Medicine, the organization actively en- This event drew participation from 40 competitors from varied
courages participation from students in other schools within the schools at the UT Health Science Center, fueling healthy competition
Health Science Center. Whether students are studying nursing, den- and facilitating connections among students pursuing different profes-
tistry, physical therapy or any other health-related field, UTHSCSA sions. UTHSCSA Lifting looks forward to making the powerlifting
Lifting provides a common ground for individuals to come together, competition an annual tradition, and we are also considering the
share experiences, and support each other on their fitness journeys. prospect of hosting additional competitions, including events like

24 SAN ANTONIO MEDICINE • January 2024