Strength on show in bench, deadlift duels

POWER to weight ratio will be on show when Silverback Strength runs a bench press and deadlift classic on 31 October in Bendigo.

The Halloween night showdown is tipped to draw more than 40 competitors to the High Street gym.

It’s free entry for the event which will start at 5pm.

Ruby D’Arcy and Ryan Hobden have dedicated many hours in training for the bench press and deadlift challenges.

Both train at least five times a week.

This will be D’Arcy’s first competition.

A goal is to have 80kg on the bar for the deadlift.

D’Arcy tips the scales at 50kg.

Silverback’s event is based on body weight to maximum lift ratio.

Strength training was part of D’Arcy’s time as a runner.

Away from the gym, D’Arcy is a nurse at Castlemaine Hospital.

After starting at a gym in Melbourne, D’Arcy has now trained at Silverback in Bendigo for a year.

A key influence in training at Silverback is James Hume, an Ocenaia natural bodybuilding champion.

Hume is a multiple national champion in classic physique and is a dual finalist in Bendigo’s Sports Star of the Year awards which have reached their 60th anniversary.

Hobden is also coached by Hume at Silverback.

A goal for Hobden, 19, is to compete in bodybuilding.

He started training at Silverback more than three years ago and now works at the gym.

Hobden’s target for the upcoming competition will be 90kg in bench press, and deadlift of 110kg.

The 16-22 years age group is likely to be strongly represented.

Another contender in next week’s classic will be Hunter Greenwood.

Hume said the bench press and deadlift competition draws athletes who train for all sorts of reasons.

“There will bodybuilders, powerlifters, strongmen, and those who train for general fitness showing what they can do.

There will be prizes for various categories across the night, including best Halloween costume on a night aimed at fitness and fun.

Ruby D’Arcy raises the bar during a training session at Silverback Strength in Bendigo. Photos: AJ TAYLOR