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Powerlifting and You

By: Chelsea Wellness Center Staff

April 2, 2025, 10:00 am - Categories: Fitness Tips

Powerlifting is growing in popularity, and it’s no surprise why. If you want to start or learn more about the sport, read on for a conversation between Morgan Gilliam, personal trainer and Wellness Navigator, and her training client, Aiden K.

What is your role at the Wellness Center?

MG: I oversee the MyFitRx program at the center and run a powerlifting class in the evenings.
AK: I am a High School Senior, a member, and also work at the center.

What got you into powerlifting?

MG: My dad, who is a football coach and a teacher, got me interested. He signed me up one day and I fell in love with it.
AK: I had already lifted beforehand, as my school has a required fitness class. Once I realized I was getting pretty good at it, I committed to doing it competitively.

How is powerlifting different than regular weightlifting and exercise?

MG: Powerlifting centers around three compound barbell lifts. Back squat, deadlift, and bench press. It focuses on one-rep maxes as opposed to endurance and other factors.
AK: It focuses on pure strength as opposed to overall fitness. It isn’t working the same muscles that, say, a runner would focus on.

Were there any parts of powerlifting that surprised you as you became more familiar with it?

MG: It is a sport for everyone, not just large muscular people. Strength comes in many shapes and sizes, and in a way, you are competing against yourself as much as the next in line.
AK: I was surprised by the totality of the commitment. I notice when other parts of my routine are off, such as my diet and my sleep, that these external factors heavily affect my performance.

Powerlifting is now more popular than ever, with most schools having some form of competitive team. What do you attribute this growth to?

MG: There are a lot of wins that you can take in powerlifting. Confidence and work ethic directly lead to results in a way that makes it a very approachable sport.
AK: Social media has a lot to do with it; so many youths are inspired by people who post their workouts online and hope to emulate it.

Do you have inspirational figures that helped you learn or get into the sport?

MG: My dad and my Uncle Gary. My uncle was already interested and competing in the sport, and my dad was training him.
AK: Morgan at the center. She has knowledge and passion for the sport that has been so important.

What kind of obstacles could one expect when getting into the sport, and what advice would you give a newcomer?

MG: I think people often get in their own heads about looking silly at the gym, but it’s just a matter of perspective. People have to learn how to do things correctly, and that is okay.
AK: I wouldn’t advise people to do competition right from the start. Learn to enjoy and love the sport and then tackle the rest once you’re comfortable with it.

What resources does Chelsea Wellness Center have that can help someone, or have helped you, continue to compete?

Both: The center has great resources, such as Morgan and our functional fitness team. While Morgan specializes in powerlifting, all of our fitness specialists have something to add to the equation to help you become your best self.