Looks can often be deceiving.Never has that statement been more accurate than with Alyssa Schindler.The Warrenton senior is typically glowing with femininity, makeup meticulously applied and clad in the latest fashions.“I would say my style is ‘fancy’,” quipped Schindler. “I like to dress up a lot.”But under the classy appearance is a fierce competitor who could give many men a worthy challenge in the weight room.Many nights this summer, Schindler can be found beading with sweat as she pumps iron alongside her mother, Jessi Freeman, at Reps Gym.The two trade out their designer outfits and heels for dri-fit gear for several hours each week, doing a variety of workouts.“When I come to the gym, I don’t care what I look like,” said Schindler.What many do not realize is that Schindler and Freeman are an aspiring powerlifting duo that has grasped a passion for the weight room.“A lot of people get a big shock when they find out,” explained Schindler. “The first time I announced it in class, everyone kind of paused and listened. I get asked a lot of questions about it.”First introduced to powerlifting by their trainer in February, the two began eagerly training for their first venture. Uncertain of what to expect, they traveled to Kansas for an event in April.“There was a lot of pressure going in,” acknowledged Freeman. “We didn’t know what we were getting ourselves into.”At the end of the day, however, each had earned hardware and finished among the top half of their fields.“We missed a few lifts that weren’t counted based on technique, but overall I thought we did well,” said Schindler.She actually won the junior division, with her mother taking fifth in the overall womens standings.Schindler has lifted 260 pounds in the dead lift and 235 pounds in the squat.“I feel like my squats have gotten a lot better, because that’s my favorite workout,” said Schindler, who says her strength is lower body.Freeman focuses more on upper body strength, benchpressing 130 pounds.She is currently deadlifting 235 pounds.“My goal is to reach 300 pounds in the dead lift by competition,” said Freeman.They are now preparing for their next event, which will be in late October. This time they have a more accurate training regimen, focusing on the fundamentals of competitive lifting.“There are a lot of rules to take into account,” said Freeman.So, why powerlifting?“I like that it’s something unique that helps me stand out from other people,” said Schindler. “I don’t usually follow the crowd.”The benefits have been plentiful.While the two say they already had a healthy relationship, training together has provided another bonding experience. It has also made them conscious of their daily decisions.“It makes you aware of your health,” said Freeman. “We pay attention to what we eat now.”They keep their training light-hearted, encouraging one another.“We pump each other up,” said Schindler."We clown around a lot," added Freeman.

Alyssa Schindler and mother, Jessi Freeman, are training for their next powerlifting competition after a successful showing in April.

Derrick Forsythe Photo.