Physician lifts way to national ranking

Photo By Chuck Cannon | Capt. Loraine Baraki, an OB/GYN physician at Fort Polk’s Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital, squats 341 lbs. during the USA Powerlifting Raw Nationals in Lombard, Ill. in October. Combined with her totals in the deadlift and bench press, Baraki earned a No. 6 ranking in the U.S. in her weight category (138.9 lbs).  

FORT POLK, LA, UNITED STATES

12.06.2019

Courtesy Story

Fort Johnson Public Affairs Office

By KATHY PORTS
BJACH PAO

FORT POLK, La. — Six years of hard work paid off for Capt. Loraine Baraki, an OB/GYN physician, at Fort Polk’s Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital, as she pushed her way to the No. 6 Powerlifter in the United States during the USA Powerlifting Raw Nationals in mid-October in Lombard, Illinois.
Baraki competed in the 63kg (138.9lb) weight class and squatted 155kg (341lb), bench pressed 105kg (231lb) and deadlifted 180kg (396lb) totaling 440kg (968lb).
Cheering her on was her husband and coach, Dr. Austin Baraki, an Internal Medicine physician contractor at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas, and an instructor in the BAMC residency program.
The two met in 2011 while attending medical school and were married in 2013.
“Just about anyone can learn to lift weights safely, so don’t be afraid to try,” Austin Baraki said.
Although Austin Baraki works in San Antonio and Loraine Baraki is stationed at Fort Polk, they are making it work. Since his schedule is a bit more flexible than hers, he travels at least once a month to Fort Polk and whenever possible, they try to find weekends to link up.
“We work out together, whenever we can,” she said. “It’s nice to be able to share in this passion.”
Baraki works out three times a week for about 90 minutes to two hours. Workouts are either in her home gym or at Fort Polk’s Wheelock Fitness Center. She plans her days around her work schedule, which includes being on call and post-call. Delivering babies usually requires additional flexibility.
“It is important to set goals and remain disciplined,” she said. “Long days working at the hospital and unexpected trips to the hospital while on call sometimes require adjustments in my training schedule. The key, however, is to not let this variable schedule open the door to excuses for skipping training altogether.
“There are innumerable benefits to resistance training and day-to-day tasks are just easier when you’re stronger. It’s not all about competition, but I do enjoy signing up for meets as it promotes better personal adherence to my training program and allows me to work toward specific goals on a timeline.”
Baraki said she enjoys combining two of her passions — powerlifting and women’s health — by promoting exercise recommendations to her patients, including the benefits of resistance training.
“For example, prenatal care involves many components, including healthy eating, and exercise,” she said. “Continuing exercise throughout pregnancy is generally recommended as it reduces the risks of some conditions and ultimately helps when it is time for the baby to be born.”
Baraki said she was in ROTC during her undergraduate studies, then re-commissioned upon graduation from medical school.
“I did my OB/GYN residency at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas,” she said.
Baraki said she comes from a military background. Her father, Col. Jose Solis, is an active duty quartermaster officer as well as a competitive cyclist. Her brother is also on the Army Cycling Team.
“I grew up in a home where athletic achievement and self-improvement was pervasive, especially following in my father’s footsteps as he maxed every physical fitness test he has taken while in service,” she said.
Baraki said she doesn’t follow fad diets, but tends to be deliberate in her food choices to maintain her weight within range of her competition weight class.
“I prioritize getting enough protein and dietary fiber while minimizing sugar-sweetened beverages, but I have to confess that I eat ice cream almost every night,” she said.
Baraki said she a proponent of the new Army Combat Fitness Test.
“I am currently working to master the new Army Combat Fitness test,” she said. “I am filled with joy seeing more barbells in the hands of my fellow Soldiers as our new standards are emphasizing strength, in addition to other components.”

• Date Taken: 12.06.2019
• Date Posted: 12.09.2019 11:11
• Story ID: 354777
• Location: FORT POLK, LA, US