Our Members

Before joining TSF, I trained on and off at commercial gyms, mostly following programs I made up myself. I was constantly changing things around, which meant I never really stuck to one plan or saw consistent progress. 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. Another unexpected benefit was being convinced to join the Tuesday run nights. I never planned to run more than a 5km fun run, but with their encouragement I now run 5km every week and have even completed my first 10km. The environment also makes it easy to connect with people from all walks of life — friendships I wouldn’t normally have had the chance to build.

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.

Before starting at TSF, I had been going to the gym for about four years. I enjoyed weight training for keeping healthy. I was previously was a field hockey player so I when I was looking to start a new hobby, I wanted something that could scratch that competitive itch that hockey had left me with, which made powerlifting perfect for me.

There are three main points of difference that I’ve enjoyed the most training at TSF: the emphasis on safety and technique. At TSF, the coaches stand by the idea that the best environment is a safe one, where we ensure that all of the lifters are using proper form whenever they are lifting. The second thing I’ve enjoyed personally is the custom training plans. This allows me to not have to think too much when I come in to train after a long day at work. Each program takes into account your goals, exercises you enjoy and any injuries you have dealt with in the past or are currently dealing with, allowing your training to be as safe and enjoyable as possible. The third major difference I found was the sense of community in the gym. Coming from training in a commercial gym, it is very easy to just put your headphones on and never converse with anyone in the gym, but at TSF, not only are all the coaches super friendly, but all the gym goes as well are lovely to talk to and willing to help out each other whenever needed. TSF fosters a great sense of community as well with its mid and end of year max outs as well as competitions that are run during the year in which most members will volunteer. 

The coaches at TSF are incredibly helpful when it comes to achieving your goals and they understand that each person that comes into the gym will have different goals. While we may be a “powerlifting gym”, there are many people here that train for different goals that aren’t competing in powerlifting competitions. The variety of coaches also adds to their knowledge, as each of the coaches have slightly different tips and tricks they use when going through movements which means you are likely to find one that best suits your training style/technique.

I first joined TSF as I was trying to resolve a lower back injury from poor lifting form and technique. With the coaching and patience of the coaches over the years, we were able to figure out what works best for me in terms of programming, form and mentality in training and competitions. Now in my 30’s and and working a 9-5 corporate job, powerlifting is not only a hobby but has become my lifestyle. 

My first impression of TSF is that it is not like a commercial gym. TSF is a welcoming, safe training and social space for beginner to advanced lifters, introverts to extroverts, non-competitive to competitive lifters, and everyone in between. Eventually you will know the names of every member and interact with them through spotting their lifts, sharing racks, verbal encouragement or even just a smile and wave. It's a great way to make friends authentically (some of my closest friends now are TSF members).

If you're wanting to get started in strength training or just want to get stronger, TSF is a great place to start. You will be surrounded by knowledgeable coaches who care about your progress, and you will feel inspired by our members - all from different walks of life (students, parents, lawyers, teachers, tradies, recovering from injury, etc.).

When I joined TSF in mid 2021, I wanted to get more out of lifting - not only to improve at my major lifts and potentially compete, but to also improve my form and technique to ensure longevity. I had previously struggled with lower back issues and knee pain from deadlifting and squatting by myself, as well as seeing slow progress from inadequate programming.

While I’d tried personal trainers in the past, I found that few actually had enough knowledge in powerlifting to coach me through harder technique changes, or had programming that was personal enough for my specific training situation. Not to mention, having a personal trainer with you for every session can be expensive!

That’s when I called up TSF and decided to come in for a free trial. As soon as I walked in, I noticed a massive difference between TSF and any other old gym - everyone here is motivated and passionate about powerlifting, the coaches are extremely knowledgeable and supportive, and you actually get to train on equipment that’s used in national level competition!

Ever since joining, I’ve noticed a tremendous difference, not only in the way my body feels and how much I’ve been able to lift, but also in the way I view powerlifting as a whole. Lifting became a team sport, I’ve made lasting friendships and many upon many treasured memories. I can’t think of a better place and better people to embark with on this journey!

The Strength Fortress has a very unique and personalised brand of coaching that will definitely help you achieve your goals, whether your goal is powerlifting, strength training, sports, recovery - even just looking good or feeling good. You will always have a coach onsite to assist you one-on-one with your own customised professional programs and the team are all here with big smiles ready to help.

For myself, taking the programming planning out of my hands and being able to trust the professional advice week to week keeps me on track.

There is an awesome mix of people that seem to have been attracted by the great vibes here. TSF is inclusive in every sense - age, race, gender, sexuality - all are welcomed and this welcoming energy makes strength training feel more like recreation, or a fun hobby.

The equipment provided is top quality, competition level with everything you need to get stronger. Added bonuses include lockers, 24 hour buzzer access, a gymwear/SBD equipment shop on site, powerlifting competitions to attend/participate in and great community parties. I cannot recommend TSF more highly.

I started my journey with TSF as a complete novice to strength training. For the longest time I wanted to get into fitness, but always felt too intimidated to step into a gym because I never knew where to start. I remember walking into the gym for the first time feeling so anxious, however, I walked out feeling empowered and ecstatic to embark on a new venture.

The coaches welcomed me with open arms and quickly made training something to look forward to. Their acceptance, patience and support has made me the lifter I am today.

I feel physically and mentally stronger, but most of all, a lot more confident in myself. I definitely held myself back from starting because I felt I wouldn’t be good at powerlifting. However, 1.5 years later I’ve made such significant progress. I’m glad I decided to give it a go, despite being so scared.

TSF is more than just a gym to me – it’s my happy place. It has enabled me to discover my strength and I’m beyond grateful.

When I first started at TSF, I felt lost in the fitness world for some time. I had assumptions around what it meant to be ‘fit’ and these were compounded by the influencers and social media messages around what constitutes being a girl who goes to the gym, mostly around being thin, 4% body fat and a need to be ‘toned not muscular’. While I fit into the category of societal thinness, I never felt I was enough.

Starting my powerlifting journey at TSF was a completely new experience. While the warehouse appeared intimidating as did the lifters inside, I was instantly comforted when hearing other people’s experiences of working out in a close knit gym and being under the eye of not only an international powerlifting champion, but also someone who genuinely cared about my background, my goals and how we could work together to achieve them.

Under nutrition coaching from Billie, I slowly changed my cognitions from wanting to be ‘toned and skinny’ to ‘my body is strong and I can appreciate everything it does with the right programming and nutrition’.

If you’re feeling hesitant about starting, just know that no one is born strong, but with the right guidance and coaching, you will get there.

Training has now become a part of my life, not just something I do aimlessly after work in order to tell people I go to the gym. I’ve found a family that understands my passion and goals and it’s a completely different experience to going to commercial gyms.

Whether you're a novice or an experienced lifter, TSF caters to all with its inclusive and supportive environment. I transitioned to TSF in January 2018 after an 18-month stint at another gym and was immediately struck by the both coaching quality and the member atmosphere at TSF. The coaching team is exceptional, offering personalised training programs and hands-on coaching to each member, regardless of their experience level.

What truly sets TSF apart, however, is its community spirit among its members. Fostering a supportive space where everyone, from newcomers celebrating their first PR to seasoned lifters smashing huge numbers, receives the same encouragement.

It's not just a gym; it's a community where everyone motivates each other to strive for their best.

I started training with TSF in late January of 2023 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. My biggest achievement has been turning up each week, doing the work and getting the results. Everyday life is so much easier now, from carrying the groceries up the stairs or lugging the suitcase around on holiday. The end of year max out was also such a buzz and a great way to reflect on just how far I had come in ten or so months.

Powerlifting is a very 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.

Joining TSF three years ago was one of the best decisions I've ever made. Through countless injuries, I was motivated to improve my technique and be more consistent with my lifting but intimidated by the idea of being coached professionally.

The welcoming atmosphere at TSF changed all that. The coaches, particularly have been phenomenal in their support. They personalise your training experience, ensuring that it aligns with your goals and fitness level.

The diverse community at TSF is its biggest strength. From students to professionals, everyone brings something unique to the table, fostering an environment of mutual respect and encouragement.

TSF is more than a gym; it's a place where you're pushed to be your best self, both physically and mentally.

Before joining TSF, I had been training at local commercial gyms, looking to improve my strength. After a while I had stagnated and became plagued with recurring injuries that I had no clue on how to manage.  I joined TSF as a I knew of their coaching and training services through a close friend. 

Right from the start I felt welcomed by the staff and members.  Fast forward three years and I am loving training more than ever, I have made steady progress and I have assistance available to manage the occasional injury.  I couldn’t ask for a better group of training staff, members and training facility. 

If you’re unsure about giving TSF a go, have a crack at a trial session and see how you go!