One definition of feral is “In a wild state, especially after escape from captivity.”

Every week, the Peterborough’s Feral Gals powerlifting club meets at Performance Fitness. Each week is devoted to just one lift, when each member strives to surpass her personal best.

The women’s world record is 701 pounds, set in 2023, and a 75-year-old woman from British Columbia lifted 335 pounds. 

Although powerlifting is not showcased at the Olympics, it is represented at the World Games, an international multi-sport event comprised of sporting disciplines not in the Olympics. Powerlifting consists of three lifts: squat, deadlift and bench press.

In addition to the weekly sessions, each member of the Feral Gals lifts at least three additional times per week to stay in condition, but they also engage in other physical activities such as cycling, power-walking and pickleball.

All ages and sizes are represented among the Feral Gals. The smallest former member stood 5-feet, 1-inch tall and weighted around 105 pounds. The oldest member said she is well past retirement age and shouldn’t be expected to publicize her age, unless it helps her to qualify for a competition.

Jenn Duval of Greenfield is a Feral Gal, who “fell in love with powerlifting at first sight.”

“The women in the group are encouraging and supportive, but they also hold me accountable to my goals. It’s the thing I most look forward to, being with them,” she said.

Duval, who had a hip replacement over a year ago, added, “My orthopedist told me this is the best sport for replacements and strengthening.”

Amanda LeBlanc of Peterborough coaches the Feral Gals. A Keene State graduate with a degree in health sciences, accompanied by an exercise science concentration, she helps people of all ages make their muscles stronger. An impassioned believer in body positivity for women, she developed and taught a class enabling women to achieve confidence being in the often male-dominated weight room.

For LeBlanc, female powerlifting is exciting.

“The field is constantly changing. We understand so much more now about women and lifting,” she said.

Performance Fitness held a powerlifting competition in December 2023. Three of the

Gals competed. On Oct. 26 of this year at ConVal High School, Performance Fitness is sponsoring The Powerlifting America Monadnock Havoc, sanctioned by Powerlifting America. The goal is to help all local lifters compete in a nationally sanctioned meet on home turf. The public is welcome to attend.