Powerlifting Isn’t Just About Competing

Some people say powerlifting is only about competition, but that’s simply not true. Powerlifting can be about so much more than stepping on a platform—it can be about self-improvement, structure, and personal growth.

I didn’t get into powerlifting to compete with anyone other than myself. I started powerlifting at 26, after serving in the British Army. Before that, my athletic background was in rugby, boxing, and CrossFit. Strength training wasn’t a major focus in the military; most of our physical training involved obstacle courses, long-distance running, drills, and battlefield simulation. Weight training was rare—until I was selected for the shooting team. That’s when I was introduced to British Army Warrior Fitness (CrossFit comps) and began leading strength and conditioning sessions for the team. Even then, strength wasn’t the priority—being capable of doing our job was.

After leaving the military, powerlifting became my way to improve my physique more than anything. The numbers were just a bonus. Unlike bodybuilding, which focuses on aesthetics, powerlifting gave me a way to build muscle while also tracking tangible progress in strength. By lifting heavy, I not only built strength but also transformed my body composition.

After leaving the military and quickly gaining weight, powerlifting became about more than just numbers—it became a way to stay healthy, both physically and mentally. Strength training has been shown to increase bone density, improve mental resilience, and provide a structured approach to long-term fitness. It gave me a goal, a sense of discipline, and a way to push myself beyond my limits without needing to compete against anyone else.

The mental benefits of powerlifting go beyond just discipline. Training under heavy loads requires focus, patience, and the ability to push through discomfort. Over time, this builds mental toughness and resilience that carry over into other areas of life. Learning to overcome setbacks in training—whether it’s failing a lift, working through plateaus, or recovering from an injury—teaches problem-solving and perseverance. Powerlifting conditions both the body and mind to handle challenges with a structured, solution-oriented approach.

Powerlifting also offers structure, making it an ideal training approach for those who thrive on routine and measurable progress. Much like people who train for marathons without the goal of winning races, many lifters use powerlifting as a way to stay motivated and track improvements over time. The focus on progressive overload, technique refinement, and consistency makes powerlifting a valuable tool for self-improvement, whether you ever step on a competition platform or not.

Powerlifting doesn’t have to be about beating others. It can be about becoming a stronger version of yourself, building resilience, and creating a structure that keeps you grounded. So if you lift but don’t compete, that doesn’t mean you’re not a powerlifter. If it gives you purpose, that’s all that matters.

Ready to build real strength, structure, and resilience—whether you want to compete or not?

We believe powerlifting is about much more than the platform—it's about becoming the strongest version of yourself, inside and out. If you're ready to take the next step in your journey, book a call with me or one of our coaches today at www.masterathletic.com. Let's build your foundation for lasting strength, together.

Nat Galloway

Coach, Master Athletic Performance