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 (8 Week Course)

Ideal for beginners or anyone returning to barbell training, this 8-week course is designed to teach the fundamentals of strength training in a safe, structured, and supportive environment.

  • Hands-on coaching for core lifts – squat, bench press, deadlift, and accessory movements, with technique feedback to build confidence and prevent injury

  • Progressive programming to ensure consistent improvement over the 8 weeks 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, allowing you to seamlessly continue structured training after the 8 weeks

Perfect For:

  • Beginners looking to gain confidence under the bar

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

Next Intake: Starts April 20th, 2026

  • Scheduled intakes occur throughout the year

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.

Price: $100 AUD per week

Apply for our next intake
Apply for our next intake
Book a Gym Visit
Book a Gym Visit

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:

  • Beginners after completing the 8 Week Introduction 2 Strength Course

  • Experienced lifters who want structured, coached programming

  • 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.

Price: $100 AUD per week

Apply Now
Apply Now
Book a Gym Visit
Book a Gym Visit

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.

Price: $100 AUD per week

Apply Now
Apply Now
Book a Gym Visit
Book a Gym Visit

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
Submit your Application Here

Online Coaching

MD Strength’s online coaching brings our premium programs 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.

Price: $80 AUD per week

Apply Now
Apply Now

Additional Coaching Services

Consultations

One-on-one guidance to assess goals, movement patterns, and training readiness. Perfect for beginners or members seeking personalised direction.

Contact Us
Contact Us

Video Analysis

Detailed technique analysis to improve lifts, prevent injury, and optimise performance.

Apply now
Apply now

Coaching Mentorships

For aspiring coaches or athletes looking to deepen their knowledge. Receive structured guidance and insight from our experienced coaching team.

Apply now
Apply now

Programs Portal

Access your training plans, track progress, and stay connected to your coach via our online platform.

Check it out
Check it out

  • "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.