It’s a new year, and with it comes a familiar wave of New Year’s resolutions. For many people, that resolution involves going to the gym, building healthier habits or committing to an exercise routine. The challenge, as most people quickly learn, isn’t starting, but rather staying consistent. Accountability can make all the difference, and that’s where the UAA Powerlifting Club steps in, offering students a welcoming environment and support system to help them keep showing up.

The Powerlifting Club is open to all experience levels, from those who are just curious about lifting weights to athletes actively training for competitions. Members don’t need to have prior experience or performance goals to participate. The club exists to meet people where they are, whether that means learning basic form, building confidence in the gym or preparing for regional or collegiate powerlifting events. At its core, the club emphasizes growth, consistency and community rather than comparison or pressure.

“[Powerlifting] is absolutely fun and empowering,” said Jane Mastre, small business administration alumna and First-Year Experience coordinator. “You’re always against your own numbers, trying to get stronger and never comparing yourself to other people. It's just you and the weight, and how strong you get each time just depends on if you're consistent and disciplined.”

Formed in fall 2025, the club was the result of Mastre’s long-standing desire to create a dedicated, inclusive space for students interested in lifting. Her own journey into powerlifting began during the COVID-19 pandemic, years after giving birth and while focusing on improving her health. With limited access to in-person guidance, she relied on social media to self educate. After entering her first competition, she quickly found herself hooked — not just by the physical challenge, but by the culture of support surrounding the sport.

When Mastre posted on social media to offer her expertise as an advisor to any student interested in starting a powerlifting club at UAA, nursing major Bella Edades responded, taking on the role of club president. After recently beginning her own powerlifting journey, Edades was also searching for community. And as someone who previously relied on clubs as a social anchor in high school, she recognized the value of finding shared spaces on campus.

Beyond being a place where members can learn the techniques or train for competitions, both leaders want the club to serve as a welcoming entry point, especially for students who may feel intimidated by gym culture. Powerlifting often carries misconceptions, such as heavy weights, aggressive participants or judgmental onlookers. But the reality, they emphasize, is far more supportive.

“When I think of powerlifting, obviously it's heavy weights, but also meatheads,” said Edades. “A lot of people have those misconceptions and overlook [powerlifting], especially women because it is male dominated. But that's something that shouldn't be, because it's a great sport. Also, a lot of the meatheads are some of the nicest, most supportive people I’ve ever met since everyone in the gym is working toward the same goal.”

The benefits of participation extend well beyond the gym. Physically, lifting weights supports long-term health, particularly for women who experience natural declines in muscle mass and bone density with age. Mentally, regular exercise has been widely linked to improved mood, reduced stress and better overall mental health. And since the club also has partnerships with strength training gyms around Anchorage, members benefit from being part of the broader powerlifting community, which is often characterized by encouragement, shared goals and mutual respect.

“We all have weight on our shoulders,” said Mastre. “So to pump iron in the gym and let go of what you're going through really does help mentally and emotionally. Just listening to music and lifting weights helps me release all that I need to. And the other people lifting in the gym are also dealing with stuff that we don't know about. It’s a very supportive community. Even if you're not powerlifting, you're just going to the gym, the community is amazing and supportive.”