Willoughby was in the Springhill Institution in Nova Scotia, and used weight-training as a way to stay focused.
“I started working out in there. I made some mistakes in my life and I ended up utilizing my time the best I could.”
He came across a newspaper article about P.E.I.’s own John MacDonald, whose accomplishments include an award for the Champion of Champions at the 2014 North American Powerlifting Championships, and the 2013 Equipped Champion at the Arnold Classic.
“I told myself, ‘I’m going to contact that guy.’ It was something I really wanted to pursue, and it kept me out of trouble when I was in the institution.”
He met MacDonald when he came back to the Island last July, and was introduced to his powerlifting club.
Saturday marked the second annual Prince County Open, which took place in Abram- Village. Men and women competed in squat, bench press, and dead lift events.
Willoughby said he’s come a long way, and his girlfriend, Katelyn Arnold, and MacDonald have helped him get here.
“I was an addict. I still am an addict, but I’m in recovery. For me, this is an outlet that occupies my time. It helps me stay clean and strong.”
Training with MacDonald and the other members of the Warrior Ludus club is all about motivation and being in each other’s corners, he said.
He enjoys pushing his body to the limit, and he achieved a personal best in his lifts at Saturday’s meet.
“It’s like a high in itself, and it’s a euphoric feeling. I’m not competing against other people, I’m competing against myself.”
Jillian Sproul is MacDonald’s partner, and together they started a women’s powerlifting club two years ago.
They have gotten nine women into the sport. Saturday’s meet had eight males and eight females competing.
“It’s a really great sport for women to get into at any age. I didn’t start until I was 40 years old.”
Sproul began training in 2012, and said MacDonald is a great support system and coach.
The members have what they call a powerlifting family, she said.
“I love the training and the camaraderie that we’ve built with all the women.”
This was her ninth local meet.
“It gets a little bit easier every time, but there’s always that rush of adrenaline.”
Women of any age, shape, and size who are interested in joining the powerlifting club can contact them through peipowerlifting.ca.