Junior Daniel Saveliev’s greatest attribute in the gym isn’t his powerlifting. It’s his ability to improve others’ strength. 

One day before the activities fair this school year, Saveliev brought his proposal of starting a Lifting Club to English teacher Mr. Kevin Haney. 

He wanted to educate students on weightlifting so they can improve their personal records (PR) and also not get injured. 

“I just think it’s really great seeing people improve and seeing the happiness they get when they get a new PR, or when they feel something feels better and doesn’t hurt anymore,” he said. 

With beginners, Saveliev starts by having students use a bar with no weights or a PVC pipe. He then ensures that all the motions look perfect before incrementally increasing the weight. 

“I think there have been five examples of when I’ve just had a full fifth block one on one with someone,” he said. “One of the kids that just passed here— I taught him how to squat. And now his PR is a full 90 pounds higher than it was then.” 

Apart from one on one coaching, Saveliev has a Weightlifting Learning Resource which is posted on the Haven Lifting Club Google Classroom. 

While there are no set requirements during club lifts, students often do similar workouts and trade advice with one another. Juniors Adam Ibrahim and Carter Law are some of the other students who teach powerlifting. 

Saveliev stressed that everyone is welcome at the club— regardless of gender, age, or weightlifting experience. 

Club lifts in Room 212— aka the weightroom— are usually filled with energy and loud yelling.

“It’s just like really high energy and when they finally [finish the rep], everyone feels happy for them,” Saveliev said. “They feel happy. It’s just a great bonding and community experience.” 

Sophomore Nathan Lin is a track and football athlete who is a regular at the weight room. 

“It’s a lot of fun and we get to push each other to our limits,” he said.