Powerlifting is a strength sport in which athletes practice the disciplines of the squat, the bench press and the deadlift. The total weight lifted across the three lifts are ranked against other athletes in the same weight class. The athlete who has the highest total in the weight class wins the competition.

It sounds pretty dry on paper, right? But many of us have found a huge amount of love for the sport. That’s not just because we’re strong and have won some big trophies. Our love for powerlifting comes from a lot more than our three-lift total.

I’ve learned a lot through powerlifting. Here’s where some of my love comes from.