Shirley Webb and the Deadlift
Shirley Webb’s deadlift story proves that strength has no age limit.
At 78, she struggled to stand up without assistance.
By 81, she was deadlifting 259 pounds and setting powerlifting records.
If you think you’re too old to get strong, think again.
Learn how deadlifts transformed Shirley’s life—and how they can do the same for you.
Meet Shirley Webb
At 75, Shirley Webb of East Alton, Illinois, struggled to stand up from the floor without the help of a chair.
Even climbing stairs required gripping the handrails.
That changed when she joined a local fitness club, Club Fitness Gym in St. Louis, to keep her granddaughter company.
With the guidance of trainer John Wright, she picked up a barbell for the first time at 76.
Two years later, Shirley wasn’t just lifting—she was competing in powerlifting meets.
By 78, she was deadlifting 225 pounds in the 200-pound range, setting an Illinois state record in a powerlifting championship for her age group.
Her incredible journey made headlines on social media. Watch her inspiring transformation:
Credit Story and Video – Người Việt TV (c) 2016 – https://NGUOIVIETTV.com
What This Means for You
If you’ve never done deadlifts before, they may seem intimidating.
But as 78-year-old Shirley Webb proved, it’s never too late to start.
Lifting 200 pounds is impressive, but deadlifting 225 pounds at 78?
That’s next level.
By 80, she was pulling 255 pounds, shattering age group records and inspiring millions.
Strength Training is for Everyone
Think you’re too old to get strong?
Think again.
Whether you’re 40, 50, or even 80, deadlifting can build strength, mobility, and confidence.
Watch Shirley Webb at 80 years old, deadlifting 255 pounds—a true testament to the power of weight training.
The human body is capable of remarkable transformation—at any age.
Deadlifts aren’t just for powerlifters.
Whether you want to build strength, improve mobility, or regain independence, they can change your life.
Start today.
Eat healthier, stay active, and add strength training to your routine.
Deadlift for fitness or compete—it’s up to you!
Shirley Webb Deadlifts 259 Pounds at 81
At 81 years old, Shirley Webb stunned the crowd at the 2018 USA Powerlifting Raw Nationals by deadlifting 259 pounds with ease.
Her lift shattered expectations and went viral, proving that strength knows no age limit.
Watch her record-breaking lift:
Can You Deadlift If You’re Over 50?
Absolutely.
Deadlifts aren’t just for athletes.
Even if you’ve never lifted weights before, they can rebuild lost strength and improve mobility.
Just ask Shirley Webb—a 78-year-old grandma who once needed a chair to stand up but now lifts over 250 pounds.
Her story proves that age is just a number when it comes to getting stronger.
The 5 Powerful Benefits of Deadlifting
#3. Feeling Good and Fit at Any Age
In Webb’s own words:
“I hope my story encourages others to want to do the same.”
“You don’t have to go and lift 200 pounds, but anyone — no matter what age — can go out there and work out.”
“I promise you, you will feel great.”
“I feel fantastic, I work out twice a week with my trainer, sometimes three times, and I’m just feeling great.”
Do you need more proof of the powerful benefits of deadlifts than this quote from an 81-year-old grandmother who started deadlifting only five years ago?
#4. Stay Independent as You Age
Every person wants to be independent.
We all want to be self-sufficient and not be a drag or drain on our family or friends.
I imagine you wish you had a buck for every time you heard:
“I never want to be a burden on my family.”
Those are great intentions, but the question is how to achieve physical and mental independence.
Here is a clear example of a person gaining so much strength that she has regained function.
She has gained independence.
Without strength, every activity becomes difficult: walking, standing, getting out of a car, even going to the bathroom.
At least now you know how you can remain strong throughout your life.
Functional independence is one of the most precious deadlifting benefits.
#5. Hormonal Tsunami
The fantastic deadlifting benefits of staying young and strong are tremendous.
An older person might shy away from deadlifting for fear of injury.
However, with proper form, deadlifts are not only safe but will elicit a flood of testosterone and growth hormones.
These hormones help to keep you looking and feeling young and strong.
The deadlift is so powerful because you are targeting nearly all the major muscle groups with one exercise, the deadlift.
Your legs, your arms, your back, your core, even your grip, just about every muscle in your body is going to get a workout.
The deadlift is a fountain of youth because you are doing right by your body.
Shirley Webb Deadlift – Wrapping up
This is how the wonder of a Shirley Webb deadlift can change your life.
Because you see the miracle of the human body in front of your eyes.
Your muscles get weaker because you do not use them, not because you got older!
What’s Next
Start moving your body, start lifting weights, exercising, whatever type you prefer.
Weight training works with barbells as well as with your body.
Look how Shirley Webb regained her mobility and increased her strength by adding resistance training to her life.
You can do the same, no matter where you are on your fitness journey.
If you need to lose weight before you start weight training, find out how to lose 20 pounds in 3 months here.
If you are ready to deadlift, then start with this 12-week Deadlift Program for Beginners in Fitness or Powerlifting.
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