By Eric Kuznar

Indianapolis Fitness and Sports Training, better known as “IFAST,” is set to celebrate eight years of sweat with a free weightlifting competition and party at the gym Aug. 13.

IFAST co-owner Mike Robertson, who earned a master’s degree in sports biomechanics from Ball State University, said the lifting competition is open to all experience and skill levels.

“For a lot of our clients, it gives them a target and a goal to aim for,” Robertson said. “Not everybody is chasing that perfect physique. A lot of these people are more interested in performance-based goals, so we thought a powerlifting meet was a great way for them to push themselves.”

The lifting meet begins at 10 a.m. Aug. 13 with the party running from 1 to 3 p.m. at the gym, located at 9402 Uptown Dr., #1600.

Robertson said the meet will include 20 athletes who will be competing against themselves in bench press, squat and deadlift.

“In a traditional power lifting meet, it is broken down by weight class and is very competitive,” Robertson said. “For our meet, it’s very individual, like if you squatted 150 (pounds) last time, can you squat 150 or 170 this time?”

Robertson said it will be a family friendly event with snacks and kids’ activities at the party.

“Even if they are not interested in power lifting, they are welcome to come and attend the meet … and see what IFAST is all about,” Robertson said. “The party afterword is just a celebration of eight years of being in business and really a testament to the clients who come to our gym because they are really why we are so successful.”