Recruiter wins state power lifting championship

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Kent Kagarise
  • 442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  Staff Sgt. Chris Modlin, 442nd Fighter Wing USAF Reserve recruiter, recently won first place in the American Drug Free Power Lifting Federation's 2010 Missouri state meet.

Sergeant Modlin, who has completed twice before, was in the 221-242 weight division for the competition, hosted in Columbia, Mo. Despite his previous competitions, this was the first time he took home first place.

The competition is comprised of three events: squat, dead lift and bench press. Each competitor is given three opportunities to lift as much weight as possible.

"The first lift is moderately heavy," Sergeant Modlin said. "Then you progress up while utilizing 15- to 20-minute breaks in between to prepare for your next attempt."

He said the goal during the rest period is to maintain the proper mind frame so that relaxation does not take precedence over the proper amount of intensity required to increase weight.

"I usually listen to my iPod," he said. "Lots of heavy metal seems to work for me."
Sergeant Modlin visits the gym two hours a day, four days a week in order to stay in shape and meet his goals.

"(During) my last competition, I squatted 623 pounds and would really like to get up to 700," Sergeant Modlin said.

Sergeant Modlin encourages others to be fit while he trains for competition.

"It's a motivating presence when you see him lift that much weight," said Capt. Keith Yersak, 442nd FW wing executive officer. "It makes you want to try harder."

Staff Sgt. Zachery Walker, 442nd FW services technician, works out at the fitness center at Whiteman Air Force Base with Sergeant Modlin. The two spot each other to ensure safety while lifting extreme weight.

"You have to show up with your game face," Sergeant Walker said. "Working out with (Sergeant Modlin) has improved my technique and taught me to believe I've got more in me than I think."

Sergeant Modlin started lifting weights in 1997 but had not focused on power lifting until 1999.

"At that time there was a bigger following of power lifters in the gym," Sergeant Modlin said. "I began training with (the power lifters) and liked that style, which led to them talking to me about a competition in 2000."

Sergeant Modlin has applied the same power-lifting principles to benefit his Air Force career by setting goals and going after them the same way he would go after the next pound.

"If you want to make gains in the Air Force, you've got to go after it with the same go- getter attitude you bring to the gym," Sergeant Modlin said.

Sergeant Modlin also said his and other power lifters' greatest obstacles are maintaining 100 percent focus while attaining objectives - and that it takes decisions to cut a lot of things out of their lives.

While it is hard work, he said, and requires a commitment that is accompanied by sacrifices, Sergeant Modlin has no plans to quit any time soon.

"I just love doing it," he said. "For some reason it brings a certain amount of confidence that not everybody can put 600 pounds on their back without freaking out," he said.

Sergeant Modlin has advice for Airmen considering a life of power lifting.

"Do it -- it's fun!" he said.