Gert Koovit
powerlifter strong vegan
Gert is an immensely powerful lifter from Estonia who has collected wins and podium places at national and international levels in powerlifting. He's the 2025 Bench Press World Champion.
- 2025 World Bench Press Champion
- Two European Titles
- Three national titles
He is a two-time national champion and has taken second and first at the European Masters Championships as a raw lifter and he’s won the same competition for equipped lifters as well as the European Bench Press Championships (single ply).
In 2025 Gert won the IPF World Classic & Equipped Bench Press Championships with a massive 265 kg lift (single ply).
Typically weighing in at 130-135 kg, the big man relishes his world title, although his enthusiasm for competition is reflected in his long competitive history.
Vegan Power!
Gert is a vegan and makes no exceptions, including when travelling. As a former bodybuilder he is used to planning his meals in advance. Food is particularly important as a larger lifter with significant requirements, and he says: “because I compete in powerlifting super heavy weight category- getting necessary calories is crucial and cornerstone of success.”
Eating vegan is the norma for Gert now, having made the change in 2017. He is confident there have been no negative impacts on his performance in powerlifting.
“All my biggest success I have achieved thanks to being vegan and while being vegan” he says. In particular he feels that eating this way has benefitted his joints, which was something he considered when he decided to try eating plant based.
“I was in the beginning of my powerlifting career” Gert explains. “I was amongst the best five lifters at my weight and age category in Europe. But I realised that traditional standard diet gave me sore joints and high blood pressure. I realized that I can’t continue same way- I either have to lose weight or change my diet.
“My wife was vegan already for almost 10 years, so she helped me to change my diet. I felt improvement instantly, not only in my joints, but also in speed of my recovery from heavy sessions. So there was no going back.”
Having removed himself from the process of eating animals, Gert then developed a “vegan mindset towards animals.”
The diet supports him in his training activities that have taken him to the top. His routines are based on traditional powerlifting, including all three main lifts and additional exercises to support healthy joint movements.
“I work out four times per week” he says. “For cardio I do walking with my dogs- I have two Bullterriers.”
“Because it’s important for me to keep my bodyweight up, my diet includes wholesome high calorie meals. Rice, potatoes, pasta with mixed vegetables. For protein, a mix of different beans and meat replacements.”
Among friends Gert trains with, many have seen his vegan approach as “inspiring”, and a lot of them have turned vegan or have tried vegan food.
At age 50 (in 2025) Gert has some fantastic successes behind him – but he’s not ready to stop yet.
“I wish only to stay healthy and enjoy lifting. I started to do competitive powerlifting when I turned 40. Now being 50, I enjoy being strong and healthy. Trophies are extra!”
This will be vegan.
“My goal has been to show people, that being vegan means being strong. And that age of a person is only a number. I am 50 and strongest I have ever been. Inspire and be inspired! Also that being vegan is easy.”