Hillsdale LIFT: Women and Weightlifting
Written by Jessica Kidwell
Almost all of us have experienced a lack of motivation when it comes to exercising, and some of us don’t know how to begin our fitness journeys. With rigorous academic schedules and the busyness of being a college student, it can be difficult to learn lifting movements and create individualized workouts. Tatum Linde, ’25, president of the Hillsdale Ladies in Fitness Training (LIFT) Club, has filled a void for women on campus interested in fitness.
As a freshman, Tatum went to the gym on her own, but she often found it hard to motivate herself. “I really wished there was a female fitness community on campus,” Tatum said. The frequent “if you go to the gym, I’ll go to the gym” conversations between Tatum and her friends made her realize: why not create a women’s fitness group that goes to the gym together?
So, Tatum formed the LIFT Club board: Tatum as president; Anna Eddy, ’25, as vice president; Kara Johnson, ’23, as secretary; and Sarah Pataniczek, ’24, as treasurer. These women have a strong passion for fitness, especially lifting, and a love for helping others reach their fitness goals. The board not only creates a fitness support system for women across campus, but they also help women learn different lifting techniques and forms and cater to beginner and advanced lifters. The club meets Tuesdays from 6-7 p.m. for beginners and 7-8 p.m. for high-intensity lifters in Founders Gym.
The board has integrated more skillful movements into workouts, such as deadlifts, squats, and snatches. Tatum said it’s an inspiration to see women cheering each other on and pushing each other to do better. “You can tell they’re more confident with the movements and gym atmosphere,” said Tatum. “Girls walk in ready to work and make friends along the way. It is great to see these girls motivate and encourage each other.”
While the Hillsdale LIFT Club is new, it has become immensely popular. Regular attendee Maggie Carriker, ’25, says that Hillsdale LIFT has surpassed her expectations in every way. Maggie has been an avid runner and swimmer her whole life and is currently training for a triathlon. Hillsdale LIFT allows her to keep her fitness level up and connect with women she might not have met up the hill. “I have met new workout buddies, learned new workout techniques, and connected with a supportive fitness community.”
Hillsdale College acknowledges human health as part of the liberal arts through classes like Physical Wellness and the promotion of mind, body, and soul. Tatum believes that without physical health, it becomes more of a challenge to excel in all other aspects of life, as fitness and nutrition have been directly linked to academic strength. With Hillsdale College being a place of fostering character development, physical fitness is one of the main facets of a person’s well-being. The Hillsdale LIFT Club has helped women get out of their comfort zones, broaden their fitness knowledge, and increase overall fitness.
“It’s the club I never knew I needed,” Maggie said, smiling.
Jessie Kidwell, ’24, hails from St. Louis, MO, and studies politics. Outside of the classroom, she loves to workout, watch the St. Louis Cardinals, and be with her Pi Phi sisters!
Published in December 2022