Anastassia L. Tressler
birthdate:
location:
when did you start powerlifting:
training location:
federations:
personal background:
October 24, 1965
Akron, OH
I started lifting at 16. I entered my first meet in 2005.
I train with THE BEST group of gentlemen that I have EVER
KNOWN at DUKE'S IRON ZOO in Canal Fulton, OH
WABDL, SLP, USAPL, IPA
I am single. I am a Clinical Exercise Physiologist @ Akron General
Medical Center in the Cardiac/Pulmonary Rehab Program. I am also an
Adjunct Professor @ Mt. Uniorn College in Alliance, Ohio in the Exercise
Science/Sports Management Program. I have a Master's Degree in
Clinical Psychology and a second Master's Degree in Clinical Exercise
Physiology.
summary in my own words:
I began training when I was 16 years old. I was kind of a kid who didn't really fit in anywhere...and then I found the GYM
and all of the sudden I "fit" somewhere.
 I competed in bodybuilding from the late eighties into 2006; at that point although I did well, I decided that I needed
something more, something different, something more intense! I entered my first power meet in a pair of jeans, no belt
and without any real preparation. I was just an audience member there to support a friend. I was encouraged (read:
"FORCED") by my friends to enter at the last minute. I don't remember what I benched that day, but I DO remember
that it was the day I got "THE BUG", as my friend, Jeff Begue would say.
 That was it, bodybuilding was DONE that day and I was now a POWERLIFTER. I started to train, not really having any
clue as to what I was doing. The next meet I entered was a push/pull and it was there that I came to meet the guys from
DUKE'S IRON ZOO!!!!! That is the day that I thank God for pretty much every day of my life. What I have learned from
Duke, Mike, Rob, Jared, Travis, Joey and everyone there is much more than how to be a better lifter. I have learned how
to be a better person. For that I will always be grateful to them all!!!
 In my professional life I am a Clinical Exercise Physiologist in the Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehab program. I work with
individuals that have undergone bypass surgery, heart transplants, heart attack, pulmonary disease,etc. I am responsible
for both physical and psychological training with my patients, as heart and lung disease effects a person in both areas. I
teach people how to be healthy and how to take responsibility for their recovery. I feel very strongly that in order to have
credibility, I must practice the same things that I teach...I have to "walk the walk". I think that powerlifting and all that
it entails enables me to have that credibility INSTANTLY with my patients. I LOVE THAT!!! ...adn they seem to respond
to it as well. I like that there is a congruence in my life with what I LOVE to do and what I do for a living. I feel so
grateful that I get to do what I get to do!
 The gym has given me discipline too, that carries over into most aspects of life. I think when you have a respect or an
"awe" for your physical body, you tend to take care of it and to stay away from harmful behaviors, etc...
 My goals for the future...bench 400, squat 600, pull 500 and to keep becoming what I am supposed to become...hopefully
a better person and a better lifter with each year that passes.
weight class:
165
records/accomplishments:
2005, 2006, 2007 Iron Chamber Gym push/pull (Best Lifter in '05 and '07).
WABDL - Several meets in 2205 adn 2006 (oen of the best al time female benchers!)
SLP - 2006 Columbus, OH (push/pull)
USAPL - Pete Lanzi Memorial - Cleveland, OH 2006 (best lifter)
IPA - 2007 Iron House Classic, Iron House Open
best lifts:
500 squat, 330 bench, 440 deadlift