Our Coaching Services

We offer a range of programs tailored to your experience, goals, and lifestyle. Each program is delivered by our experienced coaching team and can be complemented with consultations, video analysis, or mentorship for additional support.

All members of our coaching services also receive 24/7 access to the gym and recovery facilities, as well as discounted rates for sports massage services, ensuring you have everything you need to train safely, recover effectively, and progress consistently.

Introduction 2 Strength

Ideal for beginners to strength or barbell training, Introduction 2 Strength is designed to teach the fundamentals of strength training in a safe, structured, and supportive environment.

  • Hands-on coaching for core strength movements – learning and refining key squat, hinge, horizontal and vertical push and pull movements, with hands-on technique feedback to build confidence and establish a strong foundation for ongoing strength development.

  • Progressive programming to ensure consistent improvement and lay the foundation for long-term strength development.

  • Education on recovery, nutrition, and sustainable training habits, helping you understand how to maximise results outside of the gym.

  • Integration with Strength Crew – the course is coached alongside our ongoing Strength Crew program, providing a smooth transition once you’ve developed the foundations and are ready for more consistent, ongoing strength development.

Perfect For:

  • Beginners looking to gain confidence under the bar.

  • Anyone returning to strength / barbell training who wants a structured, coaching-led foundation.

Next Intake: The first Tuesday of every month

All participants receive 24/7 access to the gym and recovery facilities, plus discounted sports massage services, ensuring you can train, recover, and progress effectively.

Apply for our next intake

Strength Crew

Our ongoing strength training program for members who want structured coaching and long-term progression.

  • Access to progressive, periodised programming tailored to your experience and goals.

  • Face-to-face coaching during every session, providing hands-on guidance, technique feedback, and real-time corrections to ensure safe and effective lifting.

  • Technique refinement for all major lifts, helping you lift smarter, stronger, and with confidence.

  • Coaching support for goal setting, performance tracking, and consistent improvement.

Who Can Join:

  • Those with previous strength or barbell training experience who have established the basics and want to continue developing their strength through more consistent, structured training.

  • Experienced lifters who want structured, coached programming and guidance to continue progressing.

  • Join anytime — no need to wait for scheduled intakes.

All members of Strength Crew also receive 24/7 access to the gym and recovery facilities, plus discounted sports massage services.

Apply Now

Powerlifting Squad

For members aiming to compete in powerlifting, our squad provides expert coaching and competition-focused programming to help you perform at your best.

  • Competition-specific programming designed to peak your strength for meets.

  • Face-to-face coaching for technical mastery of the squat, bench press, and deadlift, ensuring safe and efficient lifting under supervision.

  • Support with meet preparation, including training taper, recovery strategies, and performance optimisation.

  • Hands-on guidance during all training sessions to refine technique, monitor progress, and adapt programming as needed.

  • Competition day handling for select competitions, helping you manage warm-ups, attempts, and overall performance.

Who Can Join:

  • Strength Crew members who want to transition to competition-focused training.

  • Experienced powerlifters can join directly, no need to start in Strength Crew.

All Powerlifting Squad members also receive 24/7 access to the gym and recovery facilities, plus discounted sports massage services to support performance and recovery.

Apply Now

Performance Squad

Elite-level coaching for high-performance athletes. This is an application-only program with full sponsorship opportunities, focusing on:

  • Advanced strength programming

  • Performance optimisation

  • Individualised coaching and recovery strategies

For: Athletes meeting performance criteria, including national or international level competitors.

Submit your Application Here

Online Coaching

MD Strength’s online coaching brings our premium coaching directly to you, no matter where you are. Whether you train at home, in another gym, or while traveling, you’ll have access to structured, personalised programs and expert coaching guidance every step of the way.

  • Personalised training programs tailored to your experience, goals, and available equipment, ensuring you train safely and effectively.

  • Video analysis and technique feedback, allowing your coach to monitor form, correct errors, and optimise your lifts remotely.

  • Ongoing coach support, including progress tracking, program adjustments, and guidance to help you stay consistent and achieve your strength goals.

  • Check-ins and communication via video calls, messaging, or email, so your coach is always available to answer questions, provide motivation, and ensure you’re on track.

  • Optional add-ons, including detailed programming for specific lifts, competition prep, or recovery strategies.

Coaches Available:

  • Mark Derrick – Head Strength & Powerlifting Coach

  • Lee-Ann Derrick – Strength & Powerlifting Coach

All online coaching members receive the same premium focus on technique, progression, and long-term strength development as our in-gym members.

Apply Now

Not quite ready for full coaching but still want structured training?

Our Programs Portal gives you access to a range of professionally designed strength programs.

The portal includes programs for:

  • Foundational strength and beginner development

  • General strength training

  • Powerlifting-specific training

  • Structured progression for long-term improvement

These programs are built using the same coaching principles we apply within MD Strength and are designed to help you train with purpose, consistency, and progression.

Many people who have followed our programs have seen significant improvements in strength, confidence, and training structure.

The Programs Portal is a great option for those who:

  • Want flexibility and independence in their training

  • Are not ready for full coaching services

  • Want to experience the MD Strength approach before committing to coaching

Explore our Programs Portal

Additional Coaching Services

Private Coaching

Train one-on-one with one of our experienced coaches in a session tailored entirely to you.

Whether you're learning the fundamentals, refining your technique, returning from injury, or striving for peak performance, every session is built around your goals, experience, and training needs. Available in 30, 45, and 60-minute sessions, Private Coaching provides focused guidance, personalised feedback, and dedicated support to help you train with confidence and purpose.

Appointments are limited to ensure every athlete receives the time and attention they deserve.

Book a session now

Technique Video Analysis

Receive personalised feedback on your lifting technique from our experienced coaching team.

Our Technique Video Analysis provides a detailed breakdown of your movement patterns, helping you identify technical improvements, build confidence under the bar, and train more efficiently. Whether you're learning a new lift, preparing for competition, or looking to overcome a plateau, you'll receive practical coaching cues and actionable feedback to improve your performance.

Designed for lifters of all experience levels, this service brings expert coaching to you, wherever you train.

Apply now

Coaching Mentorships

Go beyond training and learn the thinking behind great coaching.

Our Coaching Mentorships are designed for aspiring coaches, personal trainers, and athletes who want to deepen their understanding of strength training and coaching. Work closely with our experienced coaching team to develop your knowledge of programming, movement assessment, exercise selection, coaching communication, and athlete development.

Whether you're looking to become a better coach or simply gain a deeper understanding of your own training, our mentorships provide practical, real-world education grounded in years of coaching experience.

Apply now

  • "I can not recommend MD Strength enough for anyone who wants to get involved in powerlifting. No matter your experience level, Mark and the MD Strength squad opens their arms to all athletes and makes them feel so welcome and supported. I have now trained under Mark and with the MD Strength squad for about 1 year and all of my performance goals and expectations have been exceeded!"

    Kim

  • "MD Strength is an exceptional powerlifting gym that truly feels like home. The environment is welcoming and inclusive, and no matter who you are, what you are here for and what numbers you lift, everyone is treated with the same respect. Combined with the world class facilities including nine combo racks, no one visits MD Strength just once. I highly recommend MD Strength for anyone."

    Cindy

  • "Mark and Lee-Ann have an excellent gym that caters to powerlifters of all levels and abilities. Would highly recommend anyone interested to come in for a session, as everyone is extremely friendly and accomodating. The gym also has a wide selection of premium competition-grade equipment that can be great for beginners to get used to, and for experienced lifters to train with prior to competition."

    Daniel

  • "I began training at MD after my daughter was born and quickly reached out to Mark for coaching. Now, I'm hitting my pre-pregnancy maxes for reps! Mark pushes me to challenge my own limits whilst recognising the challenges of early parenthood and tailors my programming accordingly. I couldn't ask for a more supportive coach or environment!"

    Leanne

  • "I joined MD Strength after a few visits because of the elite equipment, the best people around me and the expertise that Mark has as a coach. My nationals total in April was 405, and after signing up for coaching I’ve done 417.5 for reps (only 6 months later). If you’re interested in starting your powerlifting journey, looking for change or just looking for somewhere to get strong I would recommend 😁."

    Aislinn

  • "This is the gym that has it all. From the high quality competition grade equipment, to the great welcoming atmosphere. No matter if you are lifting 3kg or 300kg there is always someone available to spot, cheer and pump you up. This is truly a reflection of the knowledge and passion that owners Mark and LeeAnn have for the sport of powerlifting. If you are looking for a new gym to call home, or just a place to train while in Melbourne, MD Strength should be at the top of your list."

    Leigh

  • "The gym environment is honestly the best you can find. I’m a big advocate for MD strength and also Mark - in a short few months with mark I’ve competed in my first powerlifting competition, totalled 397.5kg as an 69kg athlete and qualified for nationals. Prior to this epic achievement with mark - I was training in a commercial gym, maxing out every week and wondering why I wasn’t progressing and why I was so fatigued throughout all aspects of my world. Safe to say I am very confident i am heading in the right direction and completely trust the process. Come check it out - what’s the worst that could happen? (You’ll be obsessed!)."

    Naomi

  • "MD Strength Gym is hands down one of the best training facilities around, especially when it comes to recovery. The equipment is top-quality, the atmosphere is motivating, and the recovery options are next level—think infrared sauna, Normatec compression, and a proper recovery lounge that makes a huge difference after intense sessions. It’s rare to find a gym that puts as much emphasis on recovery as it does on training, and that balance really helps you stay consistent, avoid injury, and keep progressing. Highly recommend for anyone serious about performance and long-term results."

    Patty

  • "If you are a powerlifter it has everything you need, from plethora of combos, calibrated plates and a good selection of machines necessary for powerlifting/strength training. Some other notable things, its very clean, everyone was friendly and didnt take themselves too seriously, and also a very underated positive is that the gym is right off the freeway, which makes driving there hassle free."

    Harrison

  • "Going to MD Strength was one of the best decisions I’ve made. When my youngest finished high school, I decided to try weight lifting and get in better shape - but I had no idea where to start. Mark and Lee-Anne made me feel welcome from the moment I walked into their gym. After just a couple months of their coaching and support, I already feel stronger and more confident. Such a professional, friendly and clean gym - I encourage others to go try!"

    Heather

  • "I’ve been training with Mark and Lee-Ann Derrick since 2022. These two are such an impressive coaching team operating out of arguably Australia’s pre-eminent training facility. As a masters lifter that’s gone through two major surgeries I absolutely trust Mark to program safely for me to achieve my competitive goals. If I set a big goal, Mark is already ahead of me with data, ideas and programming strategies to get me there. I love training with MD strength and I cannot recommend this team more highly."

    Lisa

  • "I just completed the 8 week Beginner Barbell Program and I cannot recommend MD Strength enough. Mark and Lee-Ann are incredible coaches and create such an inclusive and supportive space. They are knowledgeable as well as empathetic and genuinely invested in each person’s journey. This challenge wasn’t just about lifting weights for me, it was about reclaiming my confidence and learning that I’m capable of so much more than I thought and Mark and Lee-Ann fostered this every step of the way. If you’re looking for a way in to the world of strength training and powerlifting, this is the place to go!"

    Natalie

  • "I just completed the 8 week introductory barbell program at MD Strength and I can’t speak highly enough of the whole experience. Mark and Lee-ann made me feel very safe and supported as I learned new skills. They both really know their stuff and are extremely patient. They want you to do your best. The space is clean and really well resourced and the atmosphere friendly. I’ll be continuing at the next level."

    Deborah

  • "I joined the 8 week barbell program hoping to build some strength and improve my form, but I walked away with so much more. Both Mark and LeeAnn are incredible coaches who are supportive, encouraging and knowledgeable. They made the entire process so fun and genuinely comfortable! After 8 weeks, I feel stronger, more confident and excited to keep going! Truly an incredible program with an amazing & supportive community that I’ve grown really fond of 💗 If you’re a beginner looking to get into lifting, this program is the perfect place to start!"

    Evon

Why MD Strength Coaching is Different

Coaching Comes First

Our coaches provide guidance, face-to-face support, and feedback every step of the way to help you progress safely and confidently.

Evidence Based Training

Every lift, program, and adjustment is grounded in research and practical experience.

Premium Facility & Equipment

Train in a 24/7 facility with top-quality bars, platforms, and recovery tools, including discounted massage services.

Education & Empowerment

We teach you the why behind every lift, so you can train independently with confidence.

Inclusive & Supportive Environment

From beginners to elite athletes, we create a welcoming space where learning and progress are celebrated.

Contact Us

Not sure where to start or have a question? Send us a message and we’ll help guide you in the right direction.