Courtesy Photo SkellaFit and Zen Fitness are hosting Big Hearts, Big Muscles on Saturday, Feb. 22, with proceeds to benefit Friends Together in Alpena. Pictured, from left, are Claire Kipfmiller of Zen Fitness, Cristi “Skella” Johnson of SkellaFit, and Zane Kipfmiller of Zen Fitness.

ALPENA — SkellaFit Personal Training Studio and Zen 24 Hour Fitness have joined forces to “give a lift” to local nonprofit organization Friends Together during their first annual Big Hearts, Big Muscles Powerlifting Meet on Saturday, Feb. 22.

The non-sanctioned, friendly competition is open to lifters of all ages and offers multiple ways for community members to get involved, whether they lift or not.

“We love to lift, but we understand not everyone in the community can or is able to, so we’ve come up with a few creative ways for anyone who wants to chip in to support Friends Together,” said Cristi Johnson, owner of SkellaFit Personal Training.

Outside of lifting, everyone is invited to buy a paper “weight plate.” Donors’ names will be displayed on the plate as well as their donation amount, listed to look like the weight of the plate. The plates are proudly displayed on the walls and windows at SkellaFit and Zen 24 Hour Fitness.

“This event holds a special place in my heart, as it represents the strong bonds and alliances we’ve formed with incredible individuals in Alpena,” said Zane Kipfmiller, owner of Zen 24 Hour Fitness. “We have developed a vibrant community of lifters, and this event showcases Alpena’s commitment to not only prioritizing fitness, but also to supporting and uplifting one another, embodying the values that Zen and SkellaFit represent.”

Additionally, sponsor TJ Hoes State Farm, SkellaFit, and Zen have committed to matching a Penny Per Pound lifted at the meet.

“Friends Together is near and dear to my heart,” Hoes said. “Its founder, Judy Burns, was a State Farm agent for many years and I now serve her former customers. In addition, my wife is an employee for them and I serve on their board. It is a great organization that helps people in need, and I’m proud to be a part of it.”

To bring some authority to the event, Celebrity Guest Judge Wally Stamper, of the American Powerlifting Federation and the Amateur American Powerlifting Federation, will be coming to Alpena from Detroit to oversee bout operations. Stamper, who has been in the sport of powerlifting for over 40 years, has held multiple state, national and world record titles with personal bests of 711 pounds at squat, 485 pounds at bench press, and 606.2 pounds in deadlift.

“These athletes have been making the trip down to Detroit to compete for a few years now, so I need to get to Alpena to check out the powerlifting scene in northern Michigan,” Stamper said.

SkellaFit and Zen will also host an after party following the event at The Old Polish Corner in downtown Alpena, with 50% of the proceeds from the drink menu going to Friends Together.

“Participants and non-participants alike will be able to eat, drink, and know that their money is going to a great cause before, during and after the event,” Johnson said. “It should be a great weekend, all around.”

Following Big Hearts Big Muscles, Skellafit Powerlifting will be competing in the upcoming APF/AAPF Michigan State Powerlifting Competition scheduled for March 8 in Royal Oak.