Start Your Strength Journey

Whether you’re stepping under the barbell for the first time or looking to take your strength training to the next level, MD Strength is here to guide you. Our coaching-first approach ensures that you learn how to get stronger safely and effectively, with long-term progress and confidence at the core of everything we do.

We focus on education, personalised coaching, and a supportive environment, so every member can feel capable, challenged, and proud of their achievements.

How to Get Started

Getting started at MD Strength is simple. We tailor your first steps based on your experience level, goals, and availability, so you can start training right away and progress confidently.

Step 1: Choose Your Entry Point

  • New to Strength Training?
    Start with our 8 Week Introduction 2 Strength Course. Learn the fundamentals of barbell training, build confidence, and prepare for ongoing strength development.

  • Experienced Lifter?
    Join the Strength Crew directly. This is our ongoing coached program for lifters who want structured programming, technique refinement, and long-term strength gains.

  • Competitive Powerlifter?
    If you’re already competing, you can join the Powerlifting Squad directly and receive competition-focused coaching.
    If you’re new to competing, we recommend starting in Strength Crew to build a strong foundation before progressing into the Powerlifting Squad.

  • High-Level Athlete?
    Apply for the Performance Squad, our elite program with full coaching and sponsorship support.

  • Remote or Flexible?
    Explore our Online Coaching options with Mark or Lee-Ann , delivering the same high-quality coaching no matter where you train.

Learn more about our Coaching Services
Learn more about our Coaching Services

Step 2: Book a Gym Visit or Online Onboarding

If you're planning to train with us in person, we invite you to book a visit to the gym. This gives you the opportunity to see the facility, meet the coach and other members, and get a feel for the training environment.

As MD Strength is a coaching-focused facility, visits are by appointment only so we can ensure a coach is available to show you around and answer any questions.

During your visit, we’ll walk you through how training works at MD Strength and help you choose the best starting point for your experience and goals. If everything feels like a good fit, we’ll organise your starting date. In most cases, members can begin the following week depending on availability, however those joining the Introduction 2 Strength 8 Week Course will begin at the next scheduled intake.

For Online Coaching

If you're joining us online, we begin with an initial onboarding meeting with your coach.

During this session, we’ll discuss your goals, training history, lifestyle, and any relevant medical considerations. We’ll also outline how online coaching works and establish expectations and boundaries so you feel confident about the process before beginning your personalised program.

Book a gym visit
Book a gym visit
Apply for Online Coaching
Apply for Online Coaching

Step 3: Set Your Goals

At MD Strength, we believe clarity of purpose drives progress. Your coach will work with you to define:

  • Strength targets (e.g., personal records, technique mastery)

  • Body composition or performance goals

  • Competition preparation, if applicable

  • Long-term development plan

This ensures every session has a clear purpose and measurable outcomes.

Step 4: Start Training with Confidence

Once your entry point is chosen and your goals are set, you’ll begin training under the guidance of our experienced coaching team.

All members have access to our premium 24/7 facility, high-quality equipment, and recovery services, including discounted sports massage. Our environment is designed to help you train consistently, safely, and effectively.

Why MD Strength?

Coaching First

Every member receives structured, high-quality coaching.

Evidence-Based Programming

Training is grounded in science and practical experience.

Premium Facility & Recovery Services

Train with the best equipment and support your progress with massage and recovery options.

Supportive Environment

We foster confidence, learning, and long-term development.

Flexible Options

In-person or online coaching tailored to your lifestyle and goals.

  • "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

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.