Today we’d like to introduce you to Debbie Helms.
Hi Debbie, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I joined North Jax CrossFit December 2019. I did CrossFit for about a year and the gym opened a new program for strength training. There were options of training in Olympic lifting (clean & jerk and snatch) or Powerlifting (back squat, bench press and deadlift). After training in both I developed a passion for the powerlifting side of the strength training. In 2021 I began experiencing pain in my left hip. I blew it off as just a little irritation in a tendon or something. So I continued with my training. The pain kept getting worse over the next few months and I finally went to have it seen about. After X-rays and MRI I learned that I would have to have a total hip replacement. That was devastating news to me knowing I would have to step away from training in something I loved so much. I spoke with my surgeon about my sport and he assured me with the right rehab training after surgery that I would be able to get right back in the sport. I had my hip replaced on February 22, 2022. I began physical therapy the very next morning. I stayed committed throughout the therapy and 6 months after the surgery my surgeon gave me clearance to start lifting as heavy as I wanted. I decided I would begin training for my first powerlifting meet and I was able to set FL State records in my age and weight division at my very first meet 8 months after surgery. I was immediately hooked with competing. I set new goals after each meet. My biggest milestone goal was to qualify and compete at the USPA National Championships in Las Vegas and attempt to set a world record. July 10, 2025 I set world records in my age and weight division in squat, deadlift and total weight. I have new goals set for 2026 now and currently working towards reaching those. In the sport of Powerlifting you go lift as heavy as possible. The sport of Powerlifting lifted me up as well. This will be a lifelong love of mine and I am forever grateful in becoming involved in such a wonderful community of very strong athletes that lift each other up as much as we lift the weights up.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There is never a smooth road in training for any sport. You have ebbs and flows. Some days you don’t want to go train. Some days you can’t hardly wait to get to the gym and train. Some days my hip is stiff and sore. I modify as needed to get some training in. There have been a handful of days that my body just needed the rest and recovery. That’s where the most growth can actually happen.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a Licensed Massage Therapist when I’m not in the gym training. I provide massage therapy for our veterans as well as clients outside of the VA. I specialize in sports massage, medical massage and deep tissue massage.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
You’re never too old to start something. Find an activity that keeps your body moving and strong. There’s something out there for everyone in the active lifestyle. It doesn’t have to be lifting super heavy weight.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/debbiehelmslmt?igsh=dXZ3YmEwOTQwaWQ2
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@debbiehelmslmt?_t=ZT-90fFTn1dxF7&_r=1
