Erick Caldera | Contributing writer
In a corner of the gym, where determination outweighs the barbell themselves. Members of the FIU Powerlifting club are hard at work. As weights clang onto the barbell, members begin to refine their lifts. Led by club president Danny Lawrence, who emphasizes support and growth, ensuring members feel safe as they train and compete.
As the weights are placed, the lifters take their position. Focusing on three main lifts: squat, bench-press, and deadlift. Each one a true measure of strength, control, and discipline.
The Powerlifting Club is about more than lifting weights. It’s a close-knit community where members motivate one another to push past limits and reach goals they once thought were out of reach. The shared passion for training and competition creates strong bonds and often leads to lifelong friendships.
The club welcomes anyone interested in joining, but each new member goes through a tryout to gauge their skill level and identify areas for improvement.
Each lift has specific rules to ensure a valid rep. For bench press, lifters must pause at the bottom of each rep; for deadlift, they must lock out fully at the top; and for squats, they must reach proper depth before returning to the starting position.
It might seem daunting, but everyone is there to support and help you grow as a powerlifter. As the club’s president Danny Lawerence says, “We aim to create a safe environment, since the sport might look dangerous at first.”
As members improve their technique and progress to heavier weights, they’re encouraged to compete in local state and national competitions. These events vary, with some allowing members to compete as representatives of the club, while others are individual competitions.
The three main lifts are used in both state and national competitions. Each lifter competes in a specific weight class, which sets the expectations for their performance. Competitors get one official attempt for each lift, and the total weight from all three are combined to determine their overall score.
For example, a male who is in the 82.5 kg (182 lbs) class is expected to have a combined weight of around 680 kgs (1500 lbs). Placements translate to points; first place earning 12 points.
Ryan Singer, the safety officer of the club, understands the fear and uncertainty of joining the club, however, he encourages students to try it and feel the unity and teamwork. “I want people to know that powerlifting is for everyone,” Singer singer.
“No matter who you are, there’s a spot for you here to learn more about yourself as a person,” Singer added. “Powerlifting is powerlifting, no matter how you do it.”
This is only a glimpse of what the club offers its members and the FIU community. Beyond training and competition, it’s the sense of support and motivation that truly defines the group.
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