You don’t need to “Earn the Right” at MWBC
This has been coming up in conversation with some of the athletes within MWBC. The notion that you need to be at a certain level of “athleticism” or competition, or snatch/clean/lift a specific number to “earn your place”.
“I don't want to set goals, because I'm not really a serious athlete”
“I don't want to sign up for a competition, because I haven't hit X number”
“I don't want to share the platform with X, because they are lifting so much more than me”
“I'm not really a serious lifter… I only train for 3 times a week”
There’s this quiet belief that you need to hit a certain number, train a certain way, or look like a “proper lifter” before you’re allowed to set big goals, step on a platform, share a rack with experienced lifters, train hard, or take up space in the gym.
But you don't need to “earn the right” to train hard, take up space, compete, set big goals, demand attention, and be a part of the team at MWBC.
We understand where this comes from. Walking into any gym, including MWBC can feel intimidating.
People are lifting numbers you can’t imagine you could achieve yet.
There are athletes preparing for competitions and it is so easy to start comparing your own capabilities or lifts to others. It’s easy to look around and think:
“I don’t belong here yet.”
But here’s what you don’t see:
That person squatting perfectly was once a beginner and felt exactly the same way.
The person snatching 90kg today once missed 30kg.
That “serious” athlete once set goals that felt unachievable.
That confident competitor once signed up terrified.
MWBC is not an elite team selection camp - you are not required to behave like an elite athlete to belong here.
Yes, some of our members train like competitive athletes, compete regularly, and are chasing national totals. But EVERYONE is here because:
They love lifting and they want to feel strong
They want to learn - about lifting, health and fitness, and themselves
They want to be a part of a community
They want to achieve their training and personal goals
Commitment to lifting, and commitment to yourself IS NOT measured by how extreme you are or how heavy you lift.
You don’t need to earn the right to be at MWBC, set big goals, or take up space.
But what does matter is:
Walking into the gym and encompassing our team values
Working hard, and putting in our best effort each time
Coachability, and supporting the person next to you
Respecting the process
Having the courage to show up, fail, and show up again
At MWBC, we want people to know that you do not need to earn the right to be here before you begin. Whether you are brand new to lifting, thinking about your first competition, or simply wanting more direction in your training, you are welcome here.
If you have been feeling unsure about where you fit, what your next step should be, or how to move forward with more confidence, we are currently offering free one-on-one sessions. It is a chance to sit down with a coach, ask questions, talk through your goals, and get clear on what training can look like for you.
