As family and friends look on, area resident Theodore Carr III attempts to lift 500 pounds during the Your Best Body Bench Pressing Competition. Carr was the big winner at the event, taking home four first-place trophies. His son, Theodore IV, was also golden, taking home top honors in his division. The fast-paced atmosphere found at Your Best Body Fitness Center & Day Spa tends to slow down a bit on weekends, with clients opting to use the short span as an opportunity to rest their bodies for the upcoming week ahead.

However, action was at a fever pitch at the Gaffney fitness center Saturday as area power lifters took aim at personal records during the gym’s Bench Pressing Competition, the second event of its type held at the facility this year.

“We’re usually pretty slow on Saturdays, but we were glad so many came to participate and watch.” said Lisa Fink, who along with her husband David, own the facility. “It was definitely a good day, a lot of people reached new personal bests.”

Lifters from various parts of the Carolinas put their fitness and power on display for a crowd consisting of friends and family members, which was held in an area of the local gym usually reserved for pickup basketball games.

Each competitor was given three opportunities to set a weightlifting mark, starting with lower weights they could handle and increasing the amount on the bar with each successive attempt. More often than not, those participating in the competition pushed boundaries previously believed to be out of reach.

“It’s definitely a lot of fun seeing guys push themselves and being successful,” David Fink said.

Competing in his first weightlifting tournament in five years, Theodore Carr III wanted to see if he could pick up where he left off. As added incentive, the competition marked the debut of his son, Theodore IV.

Both would leave Your Best Body with hardware, the father-son tandem combining to take home five first-place trophies.

“I didn’t know if I was going to be a bit rusty, but it was good to come and win on your first try in five years,” Theodore Carr II said. “I definitely had a good time, especially seeing my son win his first competition. That made it a special day for me and my family.”

In the end, however, all eyes were on Keith Mackey, claiming the overall title and the event’s $100 cash prize.

A competitive power lifter for the past 22 years, Mackey shattered a personal record Saturday, easily benchpressing 575 pounds.

“This is something I have been working toward for a long time,” Mackey said. “Definitely the best I’ve ever done, but what makes it so special I was able to do this in front of my girl.”

Your Best Body Gym member James Spearman was credited with organizing the event, which according to the Finks has turned into an event that garners interest from clients and local residents alike.

“(Spearman) has done a good job with the bench pressing competition, and we’re looking forward to holding many more with his help in the future,” Lisa Fink said.

David Fink said the gym is shooting for its next event to be held next summer.