Did you know that powerlifting, a sport that revolves around mastering three key lifts – the squat, bench press, and deadlift – has the power to boost both your physical and mental strength? It’s a journey of pushing beyond limits and discovering your true potential.

Gold’s Gym is a hub for this transformative experience in the heart of Port Coquitlam, BC. Catering to both experienced lifters and newcomers, it provides an environment where every weight lifted brings you closer to your goals. Here, powerlifting is a pathway to building a stronger, more resilient you, both inside and out.

What Our Customers Have to Say

Our members’ experiences speak volumes about the quality of our gym and the impact it has on their powerlifting journey:

• Brian’s Breakthrough: “My journey to becoming a powerlifter at 60 is a testament to the exceptional training and support at Gold’s Gym. The guidance I received transformed my technique and opened up new competitive opportunities that I never thought possible.”
• Behzad Mirza’s Commitment: “Having been a part of Gold’s Gym for four years, the variety and maintenance of the equipment, coupled with the friendly and knowledgeable staff, have significantly enhanced my powerlifting experience.”
• Sebastian’s Evolution: “The personalized training plan and encouragement from my trainer at Gold’s Gym have not only improved my strength but also instilled a confidence that transcends the gym walls. It’s about becoming a better version of yourself, both physically and mentally.”

The Gold’s Gym Experience: Why Our Port Coquitlam Gym is a Powerlifter’s Paradise

At Gold’s Gym in Port Coquitlam, we’ve created an environment that caters to every aspect of a powerlifter’s journey. From our expert trainers to the diverse range of equipment and amenities, we ensure our members have everything they need to succeed.

We Have the Best Trainers

Our trainers at Gold’s Gym are passionate advocates of powerlifting. With a deep understanding of the sport and its techniques, they are equipped to guide lifters of all levels. 

Whether you are just starting or are looking to fine-tune your technique, our trainers are there to provide personalized support and advice.

Our Equipment Aids Every Goal

To excel in powerlifting, having access to the right equipment is crucial. At Gold’s Gym, we offer an extensive range of state-of-the-art TechnoGym® machines, deadlift platforms, squat racks, bench presses, and free weights that cater to the three main lifts in powerlifting: squats, bench presses, and deadlifts. These ergonomic and sleek machines are designed to enhance your workout, ensuring you can train effectively, safely, and comfortably.

Other Amenities Include

Beyond our top-tier equipment and expert trainers, we offer additional amenities to enhance your gym experience:

• Free Parking: Convenient and hassle-free, making your gym visits as smooth as possible.
• Dedicated Turf Functional Area: Ideal for warm-ups, cool-downs, and functional training exercises.
• Infrared Saunas: A great way to relax and recover after a strenuous workout.
• Smoothie Bar: Refuel with nutritious and delicious options for post-workout recovery.

Powerlifting 101

Powerlifting, a sport celebrated for its focus on pure strength and resilience, revolves around three key exercises: the squat, the bench press, and the deadlift. 

It focuses on lifting the maximum weight possible in these exercises. The aim is to achieve the heaviest single repetition, requiring physical prowess, strategic thinking, mental toughness, and a thorough understanding of one’s capabilities.

This sport is uniquely inclusive, catering to individuals of all ages and fitness levels. It’s a discipline where progress is measured against your own past performances, making every incremental improvement a personal victory.

Each lift is a compound movement that tests the limits of your physical and mental strength, making powerlifting a comprehensive measure of an athlete’s power. 

Let’s dive into each lift.

The Squat: Lower Body

The squat is revered as the king of all exercises. It primarily strengthens the lower body, including the quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and calves. It also engages the core and lower back.

How it’s done

Our certified coaches at Gold’s Gym break down this king of exercises into simple steps:

1. Prepare your stance: Stand tall with the barbell on your upper back. Your feet should be shoulder-width apart, creating a stable base. 
2. Initiate the squat: Begin by pushing your knees to the side while moving your hips back as if sitting in a chair.
3. Achieve depth: Ensure you break parallel by squatting down until your hips are lower than your knees. This depth is crucial for full muscle engagement.
4. Rise with control: Power back up, keeping your knees wide and your chest lifted. It’s important to maintain a strong posture throughout the lift.
5. Lock and breathe: Stand with your hips and knees fully locked at the top. Take a moment here to breathe and stabilize before your next rep. 

The Bench Press: Upper-Body

The bench press is a definitive upper-body exercise that targets the chest, shoulders, and triceps.

How it’s done

Our Gold’s Gym experts guide you through this classic lift:

• Lie and align: Position yourself on the bench with your eyes directly under the bar. This alignment is key for a balanced lift.

• Grip and ready: Grab the bar with a medium grip, wrapping your thumbs around for a secure hold. A proper grip ensures a safe and effective press.

• Lift off: Unrack the bar by straightening your arms. This initial movement should be smooth and controlled.

• Lower with precision: Gently lower the bar to your mid-chest. This phase is as crucial as the lift itself for muscle development.

• Press and extend: Drive the bar back up until your arms are fully extended. The upward motion should be powerful yet controlled.

Steady and breathe: Once the bar is fully pressed up, hold it for a second. Use this moment to breathe and prepare for your next repetition. Remember, your form is paramount – keep your butt on the bench throughout the lift.

The Deadlift: Total Body

The deadlift is a powerlifting staple that challenges your entire body, especially your posterior chain, which includes the back, glutes, and hamstrings.

How it’s done

Let’s walk through this fundamental lift based on insights from our coaches at Gold’s Gym:

1. Position for Power: Start with a narrow stance, placid your feet so that your mid-foot is under the bar and shin about one inch from the bar.
2. Grip with Purpose: Lean forward, bending at your waist, and grab the bar with a shoulder-width grip. Your choice of grip is a key factor in the effectiveness of your lift.
3. Knees to Bar: Gently bend your knees until your shins touch the bar. This movement brings you into the correct position to start the lift.
4. Chest up, Back Straight: Lift your chest and straighten your lower back. Remember, your head should remain aligned with your spine, ensuring a neutral neck position.
5. Lock Your Lats: Engage your lats as if squeezing an orange under your armpits. This action stabilizes your upper body and prepares you for the lift.
6. Lift and Drag: Take a deep breath, hold it in, and stand up with the weight. As you lift, drag the bar up your legs. This technique keeps the bar close to your body, optimizing power and safety.
7. Complete the Lift: Stand tall at the top of the lift. Your shoulders should be back and your hips fully extended.
8. Lower with Control: Return the bar to the ground by bending at the hips. Keep control and ensure your back remains straight throughout.

11 Benefits of Powerlifting

Starting powerlifting or hitting the gym for strength training is like unlocking a treasure chest of health benefits. It’s not just about getting strong; it’s about transforming your life. 

Let’s explain how this fantastic sport helps you feel better, stay energetic, and keep your mind sharp: 

1. Keeps You Young

As a powerlifter, you actively counteract age-related muscle loss. Your muscle-building efforts have kept you stronger and more capable throughout the years.

2. Boosts Metabolism

Your powerlifting routine turns your body into a calorie-burning machine. The more muscle mass you have, the more calories you burn, even at rest.

3. Good for Heart and Sugar Levels

Your intense workouts improve cardiovascular health and enhance insulin sensitivity, which is crucial for maintaining healthy blood sugar levels and reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.

4. Stronger Bones

The weight-bearing exercises in powerlifting are vital for stimulating bone growth and density, helping prevent osteoporosis, and reducing the risk of fractures.

5. Less Pain

Your dedication strengthens muscles and joints, alleviates symptoms of conditions like arthritis, and improves mobility.

6. Happy Mood

Lifting heavy weights in your powerlifting sessions releases endorphins, boosting your mood and combating depression and anxiety.

7. Builds Confidence

Each powerlifting goal you achieve boosts your confidence significantly. This comes from physical improvement and the satisfaction of conquering challenging goals.

8. Helps You Focus

The discipline you develop in powerlifting, from maintaining a routine to focusing on proper form, enhances focus and discipline in other life areas.

9. Makes Friends

Being part of a powerlifting community at the gym leads to new friendships and a sense of belonging.

10. More Energy and Better Sleep

Regular powerlifting sessions increase your stamina and energy levels and promote better sleep as your body recovers from workouts.

11. Reduces Stress

Powerlifting is an excellent stress reliever, diverting your mind from daily stressors and reducing stress hormones, leading to calmness and relaxation.

You can explore more about these benefits from PubMed and ACE Fitness.

Step Up Your Strength Game at Gold’s Gym

Eager to take your strength to new heights in Coquitlam? The opportunity is here, right now.

Gold’s Gym is your go-to destination for top-tier powerlifting and weightlifting training. We have everything you need with expert instructors, cutting-edge facilities, and an encouraging community.

Why wait? Join us today and immerse yourself in the Gold’s Gym experience. Still exploring options? Our complimentary 1-day pass is here to taste our renowned powerlifting and weightlifting classes.

Your path to enhanced strength and fitness is unique, and at Gold’s Gym, we’re thrilled to support your journey every step of the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I try out the powerlifting equipment for free at Gold’s Gym Port Coquitlam? 

Yes, you’re welcome to test our powerlifting equipment. Grab our complimentary 1-day pass and experience the quality of our facilities firsthand.

Can I lose weight if I start powerlifting? 

Absolutely! Powerlifting can boost your metabolism and help you burn fat, contributing to weight loss when combined with a balanced diet.

How many days a week do powerlifters usually train? 

Most powerlifters train 3-5 days a week, depending on their goals and experience level.

What accessories will I need for powerlifting, and why? 

Essential accessories include weightlifting belts for back support, wrist wraps for joint stability, and proper footwear for grip and posture. These accessories help enhance performance and prevent injuries.

How many calories can I burn by powerlifting? 

The number of calories burned during powerlifting varies based on the intensity of the workout and your body weight, but it’s an effective way to burn calories and build muscle.