The 2012 Olympic Games kick off July 27th and all the action is here on Local 6, so we're looking closer at some of the individual sports and what regular folks can get from participating in them. Today the morning show crew focused on weight lifting.

Johnette Worak talked with local powerlifting champions Nia Shanks and her mom Joanie Plumer. Nia holds a push pull record for bench pressing 145 pounds and deadlifting 300. Her mom set a world record in her age class lifting a total of 365.

They encourage women to try powerlifting because with strength comes confidence and many other benefits.

Nia Shanks says, "Before they know it they're having fun...they're surprised by what they're able to do and before long they're saying OMG I've lost inches, my body fat, I look great, and I feel amazing."

Weight training is also important as women get older because it strengthens  bones and protects against osteoporosis.

"Beyond that there's stress relief that you don't always think about. You have a bad day, you go to the gym and lift, and you feel better immediately." says Shanks.

Plumer who trains women in their late 50's all the way up to age 88 says they're laying the groundwork for staying independent.

"It's about quality of life; being able to get in and out of your S-U-V, the bathtub, carrying in groceries, and the laundry basket." says Plumer.

To find out more about powerlifting, Nia Shanks has a website for strong women. It's www.niashanks.com

Marissa and Johnette went head to head competing in two Olympic weight lifts. They went to Go Performance in Paducah and met up with personal trainer Lauri Thompson. Thompson showed Marissa and Johnette the two types of Olypic lifts.

The started out with the "clean and jerk" and made their way to the "snatch." Both ladies admit the lifts were difficult, but they gave it their best effort.

The gold medal for the "clean and jerk" lift went to Johnette and Marissa took home the gold for the "snatch" lift.