Foster Beigler began weightlifting two years ago at the age of 82. Now 84, Beigler participated in her first-ever powerlifting meet earlier this month. (Photo provided)
Foster Beigler, 84, finds success in powerlifting
By RICHIE HALL
You’re never too old to start something new. Even weightlifting.
Just ask Foster Beigler, a member of Starting Strength Indianapolis, a gym based in Fishers. Beigler began lifting two years ago, at the age of 82. Now at 84, not only has Beigler continued to progress in the sport, she is also a competitive powerlifter.
Beigler entered her first-ever weightlifting competition on Sept. 6: the 2025 American Powerlifting Foundation (APF) Iron Maidens 2, which took place at West Indy Barbell in Indianapolis. Competing in the Masters 9 division – made specifically for her – Beigler lifted 150 points in deadlift, 90 pounds in squat and 80 pounds in the bench press.
“There was not an age group in my class, so they created one for me,” said Beigler. “It was a great experience. I couldn’t believe how everyone was so encouraging and supportive of all the lifters.”
(Photo provided)
Beigler began weightlifting two years ago. She had also taken up pistol shooting in her early 80s and was told about Starting Strength from one of her instructors.
“He said it was fun, and it ended up being really interesting and you work hard,” said Beigler. “I had just moved from California to Indiana, so I was going through a big adjustment. Now, I feel more comfortable. At my age, I’m not interested in big social events. You begin to cherish the time that you have remaining and it’s really important to do that. Going to the gym and exercising has helped me emotionally.”
Beigler began working with Starting Strength owner Andrew Lewis and her primary coach, Adam Kacius. She started slowly but made measurable progress as the years went on. Beigler also has osteoperosis, and she explained in a YouTube video that weightlifting has helped her with that condition.
“When I started weightlifting, my heaviest weight was 35 pounds,” said Beigler. “We didn’t know what I was capable of. You have to build up to it. At this stage, less is more. You need to learn the form.”
“Every day that we get to train with her is a privilege,” said Lewis. “She’s very coachable. She wants to do everything correctly. In between sets, every time she has input on the situation is phenomenal. She has great stories, she’s level-headed. Knowing her has been such a boost to our lives.”
“Foster’s great to work with,” said Kacius, who has been working with Beigler since March 2024. “She’s always positive. She works really hard and she just loves to be in the gym.”
Beigler said her favorite part about going to Starting Strength is the socialization, also giving praise for Lewis and Kacius and how they coach.
“They watch you,” she said. “They’re right there observing. It’s not similar to other gyms where they show you once and you’re on your own for 20 minutes. The main thing is to do it correctly and not hurt yourself. And everyone there is so encouraging. It’s a new experience for me.”
Beigler also got to try something new when she participated in the Iron Maidens 2 competition.
“We had announced that this powerlifting meet was coming up, and Foster expressed interest,” said Kacius. “She said, ‘I want to sign up.’ She was pretty sure of it. We said okay, we got her enrolled, we told her what competitions are like, what to expect, what the rules are. We just trained her how we would normally train her. Over the course of several months, we increased her lifts.”
The competition was a success. Beigler now has plans to compete in another lifting meet that takes place Nov. 15 at West Indy Barbell.
“She has a competitive spirit, she always has,” said Kacius. “She just likes to her challenge herself and she likes to see what she’s capable of.”
Beigler said she encourages everyone – women and men – who are relatively sedentary in their lives to start a weightlifting program, even if they don’t have competition in mind. “A little weight is better than no weight at all,” she said.
“When you get to be my age, it’s easy to isolate oneself,” said Beigler. “I really enjoy the whole process. And I feel stronger, and that’s the main point.”
