Here's Looking at VAMHCS: Extraordinary People (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs)

HERE’S LOOKING AT VAMHCS: EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE

In the photo below, McLean demonstrates strength and endurance during one of her 385 pound power lifts at a competition.

For Margaret McLean, Revenue Office, Perry Point VA Medical Center, staying healthy takes more than 30 minutes of cardio three times a week, or drinking eight glasses of water a day. For more than four years, Margaret’s fitness routine has included body building and powerlifting. In fact, in February, Margaret won the title of Women’s Nationals Champion in powerliftin in Denver, CO. Standing at 5 foot 5 inches tall, Margaret can dead lift up to 400 pounds!

Margaret trains at least three days a week and has competed in several local and regional competitions. Three years ago, her goal was to someday advance to world competitions. Well, this October, Margaret will represent the US on the World’s Masters Powerlifting Team in Texas.

Graceful moves and poised precision are always present when Elsa hits the dance floor. She is shown here with instructor Slava Sergive during one of her competitions.

You don’t have to wait for the next season of Dancing with the Stars to get your fix of ballroom dancing. Just take Elsa Interior’s lead and do some dancing of your own. Elsa’s day job is as a registered nurse in the Medical Intensive Care Unit at the Baltimore VA Medical Center, but after she punches the clock, you can find her in her dancing shoes. Over 20 years ago, Elsa met a friend while serving in the National Guard who turned out to be a dance instructor. In the beginning, dancing was a hobby. She started with American style dances like the hustle and slowly progressed to showcases and small competitions with the Fred Astaire franchise.

Twelve years ago, Elsa made the move to international style, which is danced worldwide. Elsa trains five hours a week, including two hours of private lessons, a one-hour group class and two hours on her own. In addition to her dance training, Elsa practices Bikram Yoga to help keep her body flexible and healthy. “Dancing competitively is physically demanding and requires commitment and dedication, but the rewards are great. I’ve made great lasting friends and it makes me very happy,”comments Interior. Elsa currently competes three to four times a year, including dancing in the “Super Bowl”of ballroom dancing –the Ballroom Championships in Ohio.