Novelist with Rare Muscle Disorder Offers Strength Tips and a Challenge

    /24-7PressRelease.com/ - That’s the fundraising challenge offered by novelist Rodney Robbins to participants at the 2004 AAU Red Swaim Memorial Open at Enterprise Workout Center in Monroe on December 4. “It’s a side match to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association,” said Robbins. “Participants who make a donation can try to double my lifts.” Robbins, who has a rare genetic muscle disorder called Periodic Paralysis says, “There are plenty of people who are twice as strong as me. The question is, will they show up to challenge me and make a donation for the MDA?”

Powerlifting is an internationally recognized sport where people compete in the squat, bench press and deadlift. Robbins, who won his class in a similar statewide meet a few years ago, offers these tips for people interested in attending their first Powerlifting meet.

* Practice with heavy singles. Once a week, lift a maximum or near maximum bench press or similar pressing movement. Once a week, go heavy in the squat or deadlift.

* Add some general physical conditioning movements like rowing, arms curls, leg extensions and the like. You should be in and out of the gym in less than an hour.

* Don’t buy a lot of equipment to start. All you need are a sturdy lifting belt and a one piece lifting uniform (available from Enterprise Workout Center).

* Eat a good breakfast the day of the meet and bring healthy snacks. You will need your energy.

* Plan on having a good time. There is only one overall winner, so go there to lift your best, meet some new friends and enjoy yourself.

Robbins is the author of a new young adult novel called My Romantic Spell. “It’s an Urban Fantasy,” said Robbins. Set in modern Salem, the World Capitol of Halloween, it follows a teen Witch who uses magic to “improve” her mother’s love life. “You can imagine how well that’s going to work out!” jokes Robbins.

MDA is a voluntary health agency working to defeat 43 neuromuscular diseases through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive patient and community services, and far-reaching professional and public health education. For information on the myriad of services offered by the Muscular Dystrophy Association or how to volunteer, please call (704) 567-2912 or go to http://www.mdausa.org.

Awesome Possum Press, Inc. Stories and information in words and picture.

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