How weightlifting helped Jasmeet heal, and uplift others from her community

Melbourne-based mother Jasmeet Kaur Grewal says she overcame a series of postpartum health problems through powerlifting. Now she encourages other women to make strength training their "sanctuary".

Jasmeet Kaur Grewal (second left) and a group of women weightlifters flexing at a powerlifting competition held in Melbourne's southeast. Credit: Supplied by Jasmeet Grewal

Key Points

• Jasmeet Kaur Grewal found strength in weightlifting after battling post-pregnancy medical issues.
• Now she participates in powerlifting competitions while encouraging women in her community to follow suit.
• An expert explains why weight training can be an outlet for self-growth.

Jasmeet Kaur Grewal said giving birth to Kabir - a "cute chubby boy" who weighed around a five kilograms - was the most joyful moment of her life.

After delivery, however, she experienced a series of medical ailments such as acute anaemia, pelvic prolapse, plantar fasciitis and sciatica pain.

"Mostly I felt a weak and tired body that depended on others even for moving around and a broken mind that even my chiros and physios couldn't heal," the 35-year-old mortgage and finance adviser told SBS Punjabi.

Jasmeet Kaur with her two-year-old son Kabir Jhajj. Credit: Supplied

It was six months later when her doctor gave her clearance to do some kind of exercise, and her "fitness freak husband" motivated her to lift weights for the first time.

"I started slowly and noticed I got the same short-term relief I used to get at my physio appointments, only it was longer lasting.

"My ailments were healed within one year of weight training and that's how I started my journey towards powerlifting," she said.

Jasmeet Kaur after testing her mettle in Powerlifting competition at Pakenham, Melbourne. Credit: Supplied

'We are doing something right'

Now Ms Grewal describes herself as a "weightlifting enthusiast" who regularly participates in powerlifting competitions.

It's also her mission to inspire women in her Melbourne community to look beyond stereotypes when it comes to looking after themselves.

"Although many South Asian women have started prioritising their health above their family obligations, still there are struggles to actually do it because of cultural and social taboos," she said, explaining that society's body standards are also an issue affecting strength athletes.

A few months back, she gathered a group of women who are into competitive weightlifting to participate in the annual sports meet organised by Baba Budha Ji Sports Club in Pakenham, Melbourne’s southeast.

Every year, more than 10,000 people from the Punjabi community gather to watch around 2,000 athletes from all over Australia participate in various sports.

Her aim was to showcase and motivate other women to take care of their physical and mental health.

You are stronger than you imagine.

Jasmeet Kaur Grewal

According to Ms Grewal, the reception was hugely positive.

"We loved the support we got and it was a sight when girls from the audience came forward and showed their interest and enthusiasm - it felt like a big yes, we are doing something right," she said.

Women in sports are noticeably underrepresented across various roles, including participants, coaches, officials and board members, in comparison to their male counterparts.

Despite facing the gender gap, Ms Grewal said she is determined to engage in sports traditionally dominated by men.

There are currently seven professional women's sports leagues in Australia, with the Australian Sports Commission indicating that 35 per cent of women and girls across the nation actively participate in sports.

Melbourne mother Jasmeet Kaur Grewal found strength in weightlifting/ Credit: Supplied

'Healing through empowerment'

Kimberley Szeredi is a Melbourne-based qualified sports scientist, powerlifter and personal trainer.

She believes weightlifting offers an incredible arena for women to claim their power and potential.

"I've been coaching women for over six years and have seen so many stories of how entering the training space has continually enabled so many women to find more parts of themselves and also from a strength point of view, women are so capable of lifting way more than they even realise," she said.

Kimberley Szeredi, Melbourne-based powerlifter, personal trainer and a sports scientist. Credit: Supplied.

"Gaining muscle mass, improving energy regulation, and preventing osteoporosis and heart conditions are just a few of the benefits of the lifting space.

"It can serve as a powerful coping skill for those who have experienced trauma, providing a pathway to physical and mental resilience," Ms Szeredi said.

Jasmeet Grewal with her fitness enthusiast colleagues from the finance sector. Credit: Supplied.

Reflecting on a time when she required assistance for the most basic movements, Ms Grewal said, in her experience, strength training can be a healing practice for women who suffer silently.

"I was surprised at myself when after a year of medical ailments I could do deadlifts, bench presses and squats. It's so much empowering to feel how strong you are.

"Weightlifting is now my sanctuary, the place that makes me connect to my mind and body," Ms Grewal said.

Listen to this interview in Punjabi by clicking on the audio icon at the top.  

Disclaimer: The views and information expressed in this article are of a general nature and should not be taken as advice. You should always consult your own medical or health professionals.