MD Strength

Fantastic experience: This gym is unbelievably good! World class equipment best you can get anywhere in the world. Friendly members & welcoming environment, you don’t have to be a powerlifter to train here they welcome anyone. Matt & Lee-Ann are so knowledgeable & always happy to have a chat and help you.

Fantastic experience: Great equipment, friendly training environment, professional coach team. And cute gym dog!!!!

Fantastic experience: By far, the most equipped and best powerlifting gym that Melbourne has to offer! Has a very wholesome community of members. Staff (Freya) is very friendly and goes above and beyond to make sure that you always leave with a smile on your face

Fantastic experience: Awesome gym, awesome owners, awesome community. You can see it from the photos and socials. Also awesome from beginners (like myself) to national powerlifting champions alike (they’re there all the time training).

Fantastic experience: 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.

Fantastic experience: The best lifting and recovery setup I've ever seen! And the most knowledgeable and friendliest coaches you could ever hope for. Mark and Lee-Ann showed me the ropes and have helped build a solid strength foundation that has changed the way I workout for good. Thank you!!!

Fantastic experience: Mark is a very professional coach with extensive knowledge. I’ve learnt so much from him. MD strength provides personalised programming and targeted feedback every session. The culture at MD Strength is inclusive and inviting, everyone is encouraged, pushed and challenged in a supportive environment.

Fantastic experience: 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!

Fantastic experience: 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.

Fantastic experience: 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!

Fantastic experience: State of the art powerlifting gym in Melbourne with an incredible community! What more is there to say? No matter if you’re a beginner or competing at world level you’ll feel the team atmosphere the moment you walk in the door. Leeanne & Mark went above and beyond to ensure we felt welcome and introduced us to all their equally welcoming members. The energy is infectious - a good laugh while lifting heavy at the same time. Train or compete here, you won’t regret it! :)

Fantastic experience: MD Strength is hands down one of the best powerlifting gyms I’ve trained at! The space is absolutely huge and the equipment is top tier with an unreal amount of racks, bars and plates. The community is super friendly and welcoming. Would highly recommend to all powerlifters or anyone wanting to get into the sport!

Fantastic experience: Would have to be one of the best powerlifting gyms in Melbourne.. Owners Mark and Lee-Ann are so welcoming, it was a pleasure meeting them both. If you’re into powerlifting or strength training, from a beginner to someone who competes at the worlds I would definitely recommend joining MD Strength, they have amazing memberships packages with coaching included. The only thing I could fault with the gym, is there’s only 1 toilet/shower down stairs and only a toilet upstairs where the sauna and recover room are. Maybe just needs a few more accessories machines like a leg press, smith machine and fixed weighed bars straight and ez as then it would be definitely the ultimate gym.

Fantastic experience: 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.

Fantastic experience: Recently visited the gym for a casual visit and it was quite impressive. 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.

Fantastic experience: Awesome gym in the south east area! State of the art equipment, perfect for advanced power lifters to every day fitness enthusiasts! Very welcoming community, would absolutely recommend!

Fantastic experience: I've been training at MD strength for several years now, and I couldn't be happier with my experience. This place truly stands out for its cleanliness, friendly atmosphere, and top-tier equipment. Mark and Lee-Ann are great coaches and always on hand to provide expert advice.

Fantastic experience: I visited MD Strength for the first time today. 10/10 would recommend. The owners are super friendly and knowledgeable. Great vibes, clean and well laid-out gym with IPF spec equipment. I have no hesitations recommending the gym to anyone interested in powerlifting :)

Fantastic experience: Absolutely loved my time at MD Strength! The coach Mark and other lifters training alongside me were super supportive and welcoming. I'm certain with their guidance, anyone would exceed their lifting goals and I'm keen on training with them again!

Fantastic experience: I came to MD Strength for the first time and had an amazing experience! I was a bit nervous about my lifting ability but everyone was incredibly welcoming and treated me as if I were a regular. Mark is very knowledgeable and helped me improve my squat form. The environment is very supportive and I ended up staying until they closed for the day. I would recommend this place to anyone!

Fantastic experience: Very welcoming and friendly gym which still keeps a competitive mindset!

Fantastic experience: 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.

Fantastic experience: Had the pleasure of visiting MD strength for a training session. Mark was professional, helpful and very welcoming. The patrons of the gym were also very welcoming and helpful, willing to give advice and support throughout your stay. If you’re looking for a gym and a wonderful coach I would look no further. MD strength is all you need. Hope to visit again soon!

Fantastic experience: Been here for just under 2 months and can’t recommend MD Strength enough: - Top quality equipment, gym is clean, everyone is respectful and puts their own plates away - The most incredible environment, the squad really makes you feel at home and fully adopts a “make the person next to you stronger” culture - After 5 years of strength training, head coach Mark increased my bench press by 10kg on the first day through fixing my form, total has increased by over 50kg since - Mark and his team are very knowledgeable and patient and will slowly explain and remind you of the same corrections over and over again Been loving my time here so far; wouldn’t hesitate to recommend to anyone!

Fantastic experience: 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!

Fantastic experience: 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

Fantastic experience: Amazing community with an extremely knowledgable coach! Always a great time training here.

Fantastic experience: I've been training here for over a year and a half and lots the best gym and coaching I've had. 100% recommend for any people looking for serious coaching and progress.

Fantastic experience: I travel from Warragul every Saturday to train at MD Strength. If I didn’t have commitments at home I would consider moving closer to MD! 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!).

Fantastic experience: 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

Fantastic experience: This is the best strength gym in all of Glenvale crescent

Fantastic experience: 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! Mark is a very knowledgeable, professional and personable coach. It is rare to come across a coach in this sport with the level of qualifications and large coaching experience across a number of sports, which is an absolute asset to his powerlifting coaching abilities. Mark does an exceptional job during squad training times to provide individualised feedback to enhance technique and performance. Further, he ensures to provide individualised programming for each of his athletes to support their goals. For powerlifting competitions, Mark is very attentive to understanding his athlete's personalities and mental preparation to allow the athlete to perform their best on competition day. It is very comforting as an athlete to not have to think on competition day - Mark has you covered! Exceptional handling/attempt selection skills. The MD Strength squad is also very supportive at local, State and even National competitions! If you want to have the best powerlifting experience, it is an absolute no brainer - join the MD Strength squad!

Fantastic experience: I’ve been training with Mark for 1.5 years and whole heartedly recommend him to every powerlifter, whether beginner or elite. I was a complete novice when I started and within a year already had a high enough total to qualify for nationals in APU. Mark is highly educated and knowledgeable and is very skilled at communicating information. Best of all, Mark’s programming is completely individualised. I’m currently in my fourth competition prep and every single prep has been more and more tailored to what I need as an athlete. As I progress and mark and I learn what my body needs, my program is adapted to fit. You don’t get that kind of individualisation elsewhere! Training with Mark is also full service. The gym has elite level equipment in a nice facility with flex training hours. In addition to coaching and programming Mark also handles you on comp day. Last but not least, the team at MD Strength loves to laugh and have fun while hyping each other up and challenging each other to be better. I’m having more fun training here than I’ve ever had in any other sport. TL;DR come train at MD Strength! It’s great!

Fantastic experience: Fantastic personal coaching. Didn't realise I could improve my strength so quickly. Highly recommended.

Fantastic experience: After six months of Mark’s training program, I finally ditched my Knee Support when walking for 18 holes of golf and a noticeable stronger body. MD Strength Powerlifting Performance Centre have knowledgeable and experience coach.Highly recommend to anyone who wants to achieve results and goals.

Fantastic experience: A great place to strengthen your muscles. Since I have been there, big improvement in my knee pain & body aches. Highly recommend to anyone who wants to get fit, healthy and look great.

Fantastic experience: Best in the business! Mark is very knowledgeable, passionate and thorough. He designs personal programs and invests a lot of time into you. I have seen great progress since beginning training only a couple months ago. MD Strength have a supportive team which makes for an enjoyable environment to train in.

Fantastic experience: Would highly recommend for anyone interested in powerlifting - whether you are a beginner looking to learn the basics, an experienced gym-goer looking to get into competitive lifting, or an accomplished athlete who wants a personal, professional and seamless coaching experience, with a highly motivating training environment. Mark is a highly experienced and knowledgeable strength, performance and nutrition coach. He continuously strives (and manages) to deliver a truly premium service to his members, by using up-to-date methods of strength programming, utilising modern technology for assessment and progress tracking, and creating a well-designed training environment with premium competition-grade equipment. Mark is also a fantastic coach for any beginner looking to start strength training, and I have found the powerlifting squad an extremely welcoming environment for lifters of all abilities. 11/10.

Fantastic experience: In just three short months, I can already feel that my muscles are getting stronger. Mark knows exactly how to program each session for a smooth progression. Looking forward to beating sarcopenia and osteoporosis!!

Fantastic experience: Good gym

Fantastic experience: I have been training under Mark for the past 3 years. After years of trying to lose weight by running 5-10 kms several times a week and eating near to nothing and still seeing no results, I was fed up of constantly feeling negative about my body. Mark introduced me to strength training and very quickly I started seeing results. When I first started, I was unable to bench press a 20kg barbell. With Mark's knowledge and guidance, I very quickly saw changes not only in my physical body, but also my strength which wasn't my original goal. Soon, my goal changed from body image to strength gains. I have now grown a passion for strength training, specifically powerlifting, and through Mark's coaching have now competed at the national level, finishing 3rd at the Australian Championships (through Powerlifting Australia). Mark is extremely professional, highly experienced and knowledgeable. I am extremely grateful to have him as my coach, to show me "the ropes" from the very beginning and continue to coach me to become even stronger. He is also my sport nutritionist and has helped me with my nutrition plan so I am able to fuel my body adequately and help my achieve my performance goals. I highly recommend him if you are a beginner or are a seasoned lifter.

Fantastic experience: A fantastic place for training and have a great vibe here for everyone. Everything feels just about right. It is the best option if you're looking for some professional help for achieving your goals.

Fantastic experience: Right place to get strong version of myself. Knowledgeable and experienced coach. Great training environment.

Fantastic experience: Mark is awesome, extremely knowledgeable and supportive in achieving your goals.