At Buff Studs, we’re all about pushing limits, celebrating grit, and sharing the journey — so when one of our stud club members stepped onto the platform for his first ever powerlifting meet, we had to hear all about it. Here’s Trent’s raw and real story from signing up to smashing personal bests.

Trent moments before stepping onto the platform for his first powerlifting competition — ready to feel the Buff.

Getting Started: From Gym Newbie to Powerlifting Beast

“I decided to get back into health and fitness at the start of 2024. My only goal was consistency and maybe a six-pack — though, honestly, how often do you really have your shirt off in Tasmania? By December, I’d built some solid habits and even raised $4.5k for charity running 10K a day for 10 days. But I felt something was missing... I wanted to learn to lift safely and really move weight.”

That spark came when Trent stumbled on the Atlas Classic powerlifting competition at a local gym called the Atlas Barbell. The chalk, the smelling salts, the 400kg+ squats — the whole scene blew his mind.

“It was an absolute vibe.”

He signed up for PT with coach Alex, and four months later, when the next comp was announced for July, he was all in.

The Lead-Up: Nerves, Setbacks & Hard Work

The two weeks leading up to the comp tested Trent’s grit.

“Work was insane, I was maxing out multiple times a week, and then I got hit with gastro and RSV, dropping from 89kg to 82kg in a week. It was a real spiral, but my coach pulled me back in.”

Despite everything, competition day turned out to be

“one of the greatest experiences I’ve ever had.”

The support, the celebration of every lifter’s hard work, and seeing friends hit amazing milestones made it unforgettable.

Meet Day Madness: Chaos, Camaraderie & Chalk

“The first thing that hit me was the atmosphere — the venue was packed, no seats left, and you had to push through the crowd just to warm up. There were 63 lifters all trying to get ready in a tight space. It was nuts.”

Competing in wraps added a whole new layer of challenge, with timing and prep critical to hitting the platform fresh. But once on the platform?

“That part was actually easy and the most fun.”

Highlight Reel: PB Deadlift & Lessons Learned

The standout moment?

“Hitting a new deadlift PB of over 200kg on my last lift in front of my friends and coach was unreal.”

Not every lift went perfectly — a rack height mix-up cost him a red light on his first squat attempt, and he missed his goal of a 200kg squat. But his support crew — Themeli and Elijah, both incredible lifters themselves — kept him grounded and hyped.

(Quick side note: he definitely learned not to walk through baby powder on the floor — rookie mistake!)

The classic powerlifting ritual: smelling salts and last-minute motivation from friends and handlers Themeli and Elijah.

Repping Buff Studs & The Power of Community

Wearing the Buff Studs tee was a constant motivator.

“It reminded me I wasn’t competing just for myself. It represented my friends, my team, and everyone who supported me. Plus, it looked absolutely sick — I got so many compliments all day!”

What He Learned & What’s Next

“Powerlifting taught me I’m capable of more than I often think. In six months, I pushed my bench from 60kg to 100kg +, my squat from 100kg to 190kg, and my deadlift from 130kg to 200kg — all drug-free, all hard work.”

Would he do it again? Absolutely.

“The week before I thought it was one and done. The day after, I signed up for December’s comp.”

His goals for the future:

• Total over 500kg
• Squat 220kg +
• Deadlift 230kg +
• Bench aiming for 120kg +
• Podium finish (if it happens, awesome!)

Crushing a new personal best — Trent’s 200kg+ deadlift was the highlight of his first meet.

Words of Wisdom

“If you’re thinking about competing — just sign up. Commit 100%. The lifestyle, the sacrifices, the highs and lows — it’s all worth it. There’s no hiding from the truth the bar tells you. But when you’ve put in the work, eating right, sleeping well, training consistently, stepping on that platform and nailing your lifts... it’s the ultimate high.”

Rapid Fire Round

Here’s a quick glimpse at Trent’s vibe:

• Go-to hype song? Rammstein all day.
• Pre-meet meal? As many Killer Pythons as I can stomach.
• Favourite lift? Squat — I joke I could squat every day. Nothing beats a huge squat PB in wraps.
• Biggest inspiration? My coach Alex — if he’s hyped, I’m hyped. Also, Ed Coan is the GOAT. 
• Powerlifting in one word? Obsession.

The stage where hard work meets opportunity — the platform that tests mind and muscle.

Ready to Feel the Buff?

Trent’s story is a perfect example of what Buff Studs stands for — hard work, community, and crushing goals with heart.

Got your own journey to share? Reach out and join the Stud Club. The platform is waiting.