Ever since I was little, I’ve loved playing sports. I’ve always been a naturally competitive person, and I played sports all through high school.

Once I got to Auburn, I didn’t immediately join any club or intramural teams because I didn’t have time at first (with schoolwork and social activities). But, my sophomore year, one of my friends decided to join the club powerlifting team.

This friend and I always worked out together at The Rec, so I started doing her powerlifting workouts with her. I had lifted in high school and even freshman year at Auburn, so my body was used to it, but it helped to have her regimented program to use. After a semester of doing the workouts but not being on the team, I decided to finally dive in and join.

When I first joined, I had no idea how much I would love it. I knew that I missed competing and being part of a team, but I didn’t realize just how much I had missed it. Each week we have two to three practices in the Olympic/Powerlifting Space at The Rec, and we work out on our own a couple of the other nights. My friend and I also work in some cardio and go to a yoga class or two each week, which I’ve learned helps me with not only lifting, but also with being in a good place emotionally and mentally (I can’t recommend sunrise yoga enough). 

In February, I went to my first powerlifting meet. I (sort of) knew what to expect, since I had photographed the meet a few months back, but was still pretty nervous to actually compete. Thankfully, several girls on the team were also competing, so they helped me through the whole process and answered any questions I had. The meet went well, and I was happy to feel the rush and adrenaline of competition again. 

Ultimately, being on the powerlifting team has given me so much. It has given me a sense of comradery with teammates, new friends, a fresh surge of confidence in my own body and strength, and an outlet on stressful days. I’ve struggled a bit with body confidence in the past, so using my body to accomplish goals and build strength both physically and mentally has been an amazing experience for me.

Joining the Auburn Powerlifting Team is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. If you love to lift and are looking for a safe, fun, and passionate environment in which to lift, I can’t recommend the powerlifting team enough.

Happy lifting, and…

Be well, Auburn.

Photography provided by Zoe L.