How to NOT Find a Powerlifting Coach

It’s no secret that there’s a ton of “experts” in the field of powerlifting coaching that have never even so much as done a powerlifting meet.

I’ve been coaching powerlifting full-time since 2014 in Vancouver, BC. In my time, I’ve created a short list of questions I would recommend asking any coach you might consider hiring.

Here’s the 3 criteria that ANY powerlifting coach worth their salt should be able to fulfill:

1. Has the coach been where you want to go?
   
   How much experience do they personally have in the field they are coaching in? How long have they personally been involved with powerlifting as a competitor? What kind of obstacles did they face along the way that they had to overcome?
   
   
2. What kind of success have their lifters seen and do they continue to see it?
   
   Ask around and see what kind of lifters the coach works with.
   
   Additionally, if they coach high level athletes, where did those athletes start? Did they begin as an untrained lifter before they hired said coach or did they come to the coach already at a high level?
   
   There’s a lot to be said for someone who can influence and guide a lifter from that entry level to a very high level and not much to be said for someone who just coaches gifted athletes and takes credit for their genetics.
   
3. Is the coach innovating or just following someone else’s program?
   
   If the coach you’re looking to hire is open about their failures just as much as their successes, it’s a good sign they are trying new ideas and working to INNOVATE in their field, rather than just copying other people’s successes.
   
   Innovation is what separates the bottom 95% of coaches from the top 5%.
   

Ultimately, without these 3 criteria being answered to your satisfaction, you’re better off looking for someone else.

Have you ever been burned by a coach?

PS – Here’s 3 ways I can help you:

1. Join the Powerlifting Unlimited Community for a free copy of my Powerlifting Competition Tool. 

OR

2. Follow me on Instagram (@strongeryoupt) for free lifting advice, programs and more powerlifting content.

OR

3. Apply to join my “Momentum Program” and become a case study. We’ll work with you 1-on-1 (in-person or online, depending on location) to consistently increase your PRs.

It takes less than 60 seconds to apply HERE in order to find out more information and see if you’d be a good fit.