Beyond the Bump: Katya Reclaims Her Strength Post-Pregnancy

All powerlifters face obstacles like injuries, progress plateauing and interruptions to training so it was interesting to see Katya Gorbacheva return to competition.  She gave birth eight months ago.

Katya was competing at Moscow Night Lights, among the largest powerlifting meets in Russia.

She competed at 72.5 kg bodyweight and recorded an impressive 476 kg total.  This was a record for the Moscow Lights competition and won her the Best Overall Lifter award.

Katya was pleased to record 9 good lifts including a 176 kg squat, 105 kg bench and a 195 kg deadlift.  She added 10 kg her bench personal best and 5 kg to her deadlift.

It was also her first competition in 18 months and her best competition total.

“When you were weak and get stronger – it feels awesome” she says. “When you WERE strong, but got a C-section, coming back to the gym feels like a losing game.”

As well as birth, pregnancy was a big disruptor.  Wearing a lifting belt is impossible so squat and deadlift was on ice.

“The fact that I benched heavy during pregnancy allowed me to add 10kg to my Bench press at a 5kg lower bodyweight compared to best comp bench.”

Now living in the United States, the Plantbuilt team member is clearly thrilled to be back.

“The female body is amazing! We can create life only to come back stronger.”