Hillsborough Powerlifter Wins Championship

Hillsborough, NJ -- Hillsborough native and powerlifter, Mark Salandra has come back after having Arthroscopic shoulder surgery to win the USA Powerlifting - New Jersey Garden State Championships held in Berkley Heights.

This year, 2016, marks Salandra's 34th year competing in USA Powerlifting but was this year was also his first contest competing since the surgery in December 2014. It took about 8 months to get the shoulder back to 100% strength.

“I was a little surprised on how long the recovery took but at 54 years old I guess the body takes a little longer to heal,” Salandra said in a release.

Over Salandra's career he has won several NJ state championships and national rankings, is most proud of his 400 lb. Bench Press at 181lbs which is more than 200% of his body weight.

Along with competing Salandra keeps busy with his volunteer work.

“I have been truly blessed with many things in my life and now I have been trying to give back whenever I can,” Salandra said.

Salandra is on the Board of Directors of “The Somerset Home For Temporarily Displaced Children” in Bridgewater, which helps children who have nowhere else to go and houses them until they can get back on their feet and get back to a loving family environment.

Turning his power lifting into a career, Salandra started StrengthCondition.com with his wife Diane who has been a Physical Therapist for more than 30 years. They started the program eight years ago.

Most recently the couple has partnered with Mark Nagel PT., the owner of Belle Mead Physical Therapy where their training studio is located - 476 Amwell Road in Hillsborough.

His programs are offered for all ages as Salandra has experience training children and has designed a program that will teach the proper technique and form to get stronger safely.

"Strength training provides the confidence and work ethic that teaches children when you put in the work you will eventually see the rewards," Salandra stated. "Strength training gives you confidence to fail. Yes that’s right, we learn, grow and become better from our failures. Don’t be afraid, go out and do what you want in life and you will be amazed at what you can achieve."

For more information on Salandra's program visit strengthcondition.com or call 908-342-1138.

(Photo provided)