Eleri Õisma: powerlifter and Estonian go-getter
Eleri Õisma is a powerlifter whose first workout was on 3 November 2010. Based on Eleri’s own words, this story sums up how ballet and ball games gave way to the barbell, the squat and stepping onto the competition platform.
Why Eleri Õisma got into powerlifting
Eleri’s story didn’t begin with a grand plan to become a powerlifter. Sport was a perfectly normal topic at home, though, since Eleri’s parents were active athletes and the mother worked as a BodyPump instructor. That’s where the first push to start training came from.
Ballet and rhythmic gymnastics weren’t really Eleri’s “cup of tea”, by Eleri’s own account. Team ball games weren’t a good fit either, since taking others into account didn’t come naturally in sport. Eleri tried different kinds of training but didn’t find a true calling.
Then came the gym. At first Eleri went to BodyPump classes with their mother and sometimes just trained in the gym. At some point, Eleri started arm wrestling with friends. The girls lost. The boys wanted to try too. Often they lost as well. That’s how the strength bug quietly stuck.
The decisive moment came when an aunt arranged a meeting with Margus Silbaum. That turned powerlifting into more than a casual interest.
How Eleri Õisma trains and competes
Eleri’s coaches are Raigo Kuusnõmm and Margus Silbaum. At the time of this story, Eleri’s biggest achievement was the Baltic Cup win. Eleri was quick to stress, though, that they had trained and competed only a little so far, so most of the journey is still ahead.
Powerlifting isn’t just about being strong. Preparing for a competition can be painful, especially in full squat gear. If you’ve ever put on that kind of gear, you know it isn’t comfortable workout clothing. It squeezes, pinches and tests your mind.
Honestly, this is the part that onlookers often don’t see. Heavy weights can loom larger in your head before an attempt than they really are. But you get used to it. Eleri described the motivation and adrenaline that follow every workout as the best feeling.
Future goals
Eleri wanted to spend the junior years, up to age 23, working toward medals at international competitions. Anything beyond that was too far off to make exact promises. The dreams were there all the same.
A powerlifter’s everyday life: food, rest and motivation
For Eleri, powerlifting wasn’t quite a job, since it didn’t bring in any money. But Eleri didn’t call it just a hobby either. Training was a natural part of life, much like eating and sleeping. That says quite a lot.
Eleri found motivation in training with men. The idea was simple: not wanting to be any worse and trying to keep up with them. The role of supporters was big too. Parents, loved ones and coaches gave confidence. When a coach said something good, it sparked the urge to push even harder.
Eleri considered nutrition very important. Their day had at least 6 meals a day, spread throughout the day. Among supplements, Eleri singled out joint-support products, because the skeleton and joints develop more slowly than muscle. With a short training history, this was especially important to them.
Eleri had a particular relationship with rest. Sitting in one place was a big challenge. Training was the place to thrash around, release tension and finally feel calmer, even if staying still sometimes felt difficult after just 1 min.
What Eleri Õisma would tell a beginner athlete
A simple truth: the beginning is interesting, but then it gets hard. There will be setbacks, and you have to get past them. Eleri’s advice to a young athlete was to set a goal that isn’t easy to achieve. Life doesn’t always have to be easy, otherwise it gets boring.
That idea fits powerlifting well. The barbell makes no concessions. If technique, sleep, nutrition and mindset don’t work together, the result signals it quickly. But when the work is done, the feeling is very concrete: I can do this.
From school days, Eleri remembered an episode involving a forearm bone fracture in February. The arm wasn’t in a cast; it was fixed with a plate. But the skiing grade still had to be earned. So Eleri put on skis, took one pole and made it across the Nõmme hills with a single pole and double poling. Eleri figured that walking on a rope would probably have been faster.
Eleri said thank you to fans and supporters. Every piece of advice and every bit of support added courage. It isn’t always easy under a heavy barbell, but other people’s belief helps you think: “I can do this, I have to!!!”
FAQ
What sport does Eleri Õisma do?
Eleri does powerlifting. Their first workout was on 3 November 2010, and Raigo Kuusnõmm and Margus Silbaum are mentioned as coaches.
What was Eleri’s biggest achievement by the time the story was published?
Eleri named the Baltic Cup win as the biggest title. Eleri also said that, since training and competition experience was still limited, a lot lies ahead.
What can a beginner powerlifter learn from this story?
A goal has to be hard enough to really make you push. A coach, consistency, recovery and the people who help you keep going through difficult moments matter too.
Author:Turg.Fitness.ee
.Come and train! ArtGym
