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The Power of Community: How the Freedom Strength Powerlifting Team Builds Strength Beyond the Bar
About four years ago, we started the powerlifting team at Freedom Strength and Fitness. What began as a women’s strength class has grown into something far more extraordinary—a tight-knit community of athletes, supporters, and friends who share a common goal: to lift heavy and lift each other up.
Many of our team members began their journey in our group training or semi-private training programs. For them, transitioning into powerlifting was a natural next step—moving from general fitness to a more athletic, goal-oriented style of training with measurable results. But this transition wasn't just about setting personal records; it was about becoming part of a family.
The Freedom Strength Powerlifting Team has become well-known in the Natural Athlete Strength Association (NASA). We show up, lift heavy, and contribute—whether it’s competing or volunteering to help meets run smoothly. This spirit of service and teamwork has earned us multiple team trophies and, personally, I've been honored to be named Coach of the Year and Gym of the Year several times. But those awards aren't about me—they’re a reflection of the incredible culture and community this team has built.
Recently, one of our team members heard about a coworker, Taylor, who was training for powerlifting on her own. Without hesitation, they invited her to join our Saturday squat session. After asking Taylor a few questions to assess her experience level, we dropped her right into the rotation. Just as I knew they would, the team immediately rallied around her—cheering, clapping, and offering encouragement when the weight got heavy.
We taught Taylor a few adjustments to improve her squat, and by the end of the session, she hit a personal record that had been out of reach for her. Inspired, she returned for our Tuesday deadlift session, where she not only lifted heavier than ever before but also found what she called her "new besties."
Afterward, Taylor said something that struck me: "I have to keep coming because your community keeps making me hit PRs. How can I walk away from that?"
That statement speaks to a truth I’ve known for a long time—and one that’s deeply embedded in the powerlifting community. We might compete against each other, but ultimately, we’re all pitting ourselves against the iron. And when you're surrounded by people who believe in you, who challenge you and lift you up—that energy propels you to heights you never thought possible.
There’s a saying: you are the sum of the people you surround yourself with. Taylor was already strong, already dedicated. But by stepping into a supportive, driven community, she unlocked even greater potential. That’s the real power of what we do at Freedom Strength and Fitness.
It’s not just about lifting weights. It’s about lifting each other.
The lessons learned under the bar extend far beyond the gym. In life, just like in lifting, progress happens when we push through discomfort, when we surround ourselves with people who challenge us, and when we rise after every fall. Strength training teaches resilience, discipline, and the value of persistence—all of which are crucial in facing life’s challenges.
In the gym, we celebrate PRs. In life, we celebrate personal victories that might not involve weights but require just as much strength. Whether it’s overcoming self-doubt, breaking free from unhealthy habits, or stepping into new opportunities, the lessons learned here prepare us for every challenge outside these walls.
So, if you're ready to discover what you're truly capable of, come join us. See what happens when you surround yourself with people who believe in pushing limits—together.
Because the strength you build here is the strength you'll carry with you everywhere.