I remember when I had my first ever intro session at TSF for Barbell Club, I was nervous, seriously intimidated and feeling way out of my comfort zone. I had only ever gone to classic 24hr gyms with no guidance and it always left me with a really alienated feeling.

My biggest fear was looking silly and right from the start Billie made me feel so calm and relaxed and like even though I had never done strength training that I could do anything!

Barbell Club being only eight weeks is truly a crime. The structure of the program was super easy to understand and I learned so much about form, spotting and not to mention I was lifting weights that I had never even thought about lifting before. It also came with some really lovely people and getting to see the same people every week and catch up was definitely the highlight for me.

All of the trainers were so passionate and knowledgeable about powerlifting that even when I felt like I wasn't doing something right they reassured me and helped me change my form and instantly the next set, my lifts were 10/10.

Lots of people noticed the change in my confidence after joining TSF and I've noticed myself taking up more space, especially at the gym. It was instilled in me that I deserve to be there, get strong and have fun while doing it.

Walking into TSF for the first time was definitely intimidating. Everyone looked so strong and experienced, and I wasn’t sure if I’d fit in or be able to keep up.

I started Barbell Club in June 2024, and that’s really where everything changed. Over the eight weeks, I learned how to lift with proper form, how different variations target different muscle groups, and how exercises can be adapted for different body types. One of the biggest lessons was realising that strength isn’t just about muscle size or appearances — it’s about technique, consistency, and progression.

Since then, training at TSF has had a huge impact on my confidence. First, confidence in my body’s ability to keep pushing and achieving new goals. And second, confidence in knowing that consistent hard work, dedication, and effort really do pay off — something that has carried over into my work, social life, and family life.

The coaches are fantastic. They’re genuinely invested in my success, always taking the time to help me improve, and their excitement and energy are contagious.

The sense of community at TSF is something really special. I quickly noticed that no matter how experienced you are or how much weight you’re lifting, if someone’s going for a PB or celebrating a win, the whole gym gets behind them with encouragement and support.

TSF has become so much more than just a gym for me. It’s a place where I’ve grown stronger, built confidence, found community, and been pushed beyond what I thought I was capable of.

I was initially introduced to TSF when my boyfriend dragged me to one of his powerlifting meets in 2023. I remember thinking how impressive it was to see women lift such heavy weights. The vibes were awesome, everyone was hyping each other up and being so supportive. I later joined barbell club in November 2024, and realised the positivity was definitely not limited to to comp days!

Prior to starting barbell club my gym experience was limited to unstructured workouts at a commercial gym and some strength training guided by my physio for a back injury.

I was very anxious about starting barbell club, thinking that everyone would judge me for my inexperience and for how weak I was, but that was definitely not the case! Joining TSF allowed me to be a part of a beautiful little community, everyone is so supportive and ready to fist bump post set.

During Barbell Club, Billie and JP taught me the fundamentals of powerlifting, empowering me to not only be safe but have a whole lot of fun in the gym. Throughout the program I became more confident both in and outside the gym. The structure of barbell club also helped me to figure out a consistent routine and to listen to my body while working shift work.

There were a couple of things I did not expect when joining TSF

1. That I would enjoy it so much

2. That I would giggle like a little girl after deadlifting on my max out day

3. Fist bumps are a regular occurrence

Since finishing barbell club I have maintained a regular gym program including doing my first max out where I PB'd all three of my lifts, and plan on doing my first competition at the end of this year.

I started powerlifting to make new friends. Most of my friends are in different life stages to me and I wanted to meet people with shared interests.

It’s always bit daunting trying to make friends as an adult. I always say I’m too weird to make new friends. Turns out that is not true. I look around at the legends I train with now and am in awe of them and how much they lift. The community is so supportive.

My sessions come packaged with a cheer squad who motivate + push me, and support me if I balls something up. I have excellent chats on a daily basis. I really come for a chat and do some training on the side (lol).

I started training as a complete beginner. Being in my early 40s, stepping into a gym isn't something I thought I would do now, let alone stick with. I really had to push myself out of my comfort zone to get going but with the support from the TSF coaches and community any reservations I had quickly disappeared.

When I first joined, my goals were pretty simple— just to get stronger and work through prior injuries. A year in, my goals remain the same. And I’m smashing them.

Powerlifting is an individual sport but at TSF you are part of one big team.Everyone supporting each other in ups and the downs. Working towards one goal; getting better one day at a time.

When I first started at TSF I was super hesitant to train in a "proper gym" because I had no confidence, very little self esteem and I didn't want others to see me struggle.

Now after training in such a super supportive environment, I know I am strong and capable and I am much kinder to myself.

I now train at times where the gym is filled with people and I have no fear. I know that I can do what my program prescribes because I completely trust the coaches at TSF, but I am also not afraid to fail.

I owe a lot of who I am now to the Barbell Club.