If there’s one thing that inspires me, it’s witnessing individuals in larger bodies achieve extraordinary feats. Society often perpetuates the notion that those with larger physiques are unworthy or incapable of greatness. However, now and then, I come across a remarkable person whose story deserves to be celebrated. Such is the case with Samara Collins, a competitive powerlifter from Oregon. After reading about her, I felt compelled to share her incredible journey.
Samara Collins has always embraced her larger body. “I’ve never fit into a smaller frame,” she reflects. “From childhood, I was always on the heavier side, which led to severe bullying. In high school, I tried every diet under the sun, while my parents struggled with the healthcare system, often being told they were at fault for my weight. They just wanted to support me but felt helpless,” she explains. At one point, her parents were advised to hospitalize her to prove she wasn’t lying about her diet, while school officials ignored her reports of bullying. This constant scrutiny of her size created a toxic relationship with food and exercise.
Despite these challenges, Samara was always drawn to sports. It wasn’t until her teenage years that she met a trainer who recognized her potential as a strength athlete. Sadly, negative experiences in the gym, including being undermined by others, hindered her growth. “I was effectively shamed out of the weight room,” Samara recalls.
After high school, Samara sought to validate her larger body through athletics. “I maintained a toxic relationship with food and exercise throughout college,” she says. Extreme dieting and excessive training became her norm, leading her to pursue marathon running as a way to prove her worth. “I thought if I could run long distances, I could justify my size,” she explains. However, this unsustainable approach led her body to a crisis, causing severe health issues despite her rigorous routines.
A pivotal moment for Samara occurred one day while running in her neighborhood when she was harassed by a group of men. “I just kept running, and by the time I stopped, I realized my feet were bleeding. I was running to escape a feeling of vulnerability, but that was not a healthy way to cope,” she shares. The very next day, she found a body-positive gym and began working with a trainer who would change her life.
Samara Collins discovered powerlifting and immediately recognized her strength. “I’ve always been stronger than average. I was able to beat my classmates in arm-wrestling in third grade!” she laughs. “When my trainer suggested powerlifting, it felt like a natural fit.”
Samara has set impressive records, including a state record squat of 413.5 pounds and is currently training to surpass 500 pounds. “My body is made for strength sports, and larger bodies can be an asset in this realm,” she asserts. “Mass moves mass, and maintaining strength while cutting weight is challenging.”
Her dedication to the sport is intense: “I train two to three hours a day, four times a week, focusing on strength and conditioning. I also prioritize core work and flexibility to prevent injuries. Working with an Olympic-level nutritionist has been crucial for my health,” she adds.
Samara embodies the idea that being larger doesn’t diminish athleticism. “Now, I proudly say, I’m big AND I’m strong. I feel secure in my body, and I refuse to let others’ judgments affect me,” she states confidently.
Beyond her lifting, Samara is passionate about empowering others. She aims to coach individuals in larger bodies to feel comfortable and confident in fitness spaces. “I want to dismantle barriers that prevent people from pursuing activities that bring them joy,” she explains.
Samara lives in Portland, Oregon, with her partner and their rescue dog. You can learn more about her journey on her Instagram or through her website.
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Summary:
Samara Collins, a powerlifter from Oregon, embodies strength and resilience, defying stereotypes about larger bodies. After overcoming bullying and a toxic relationship with food and exercise, she found her passion in powerlifting, setting impressive records along the way. Now, she inspires others to embrace their bodies and pursue fitness without fear.