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Coach Patrick joins to discuss the behind-the-scenes experiences at Advancus Houston. He highlighted the luxurious athlete accommodations, such as stocked hotel fridges, tracksuits, and trading cards, which created a professional sports atmosphere. The conversation also covered coaching strategies, specifically the importance of focusing on an athlete's individual performance and executing a clean, eight-for-eight lift strategy rather than reacting to competitors. Patrick also reviewed the stellar performances of lifters like Nataleigh Hunter and Cassidy Conaghan, who secured personal records and strong podium finishes. The discussion also touched upon the evolution of powerlifting, exploring how frequent high-stakes invitational meets are shaping the sport's future, shifting athlete mentalities, and demanding higher levels of coaching expertise. TSG Coaching: https://thestrengthguys.com/coaching/ TSG IG: https://www.instagram.com/thestrengthguys Patrick IG: https://www.instagram.com/coachpatrickcarr/

On this episode of the TSG podcast, veteran powerlifter Meg Scanlon discusses her journey of balancing an elite athletic career with motherhood. She explains her decision to delay having children until she reached the World Championships, eventually returning to the sport after having twins. Scanlon emphasizes the importance of flexibility and time management, sharing how she adapted her training sessions to fit around her family’s schedule. She also highlights the mental health benefits of lifting, viewing her gym time as a necessary outlet that allows her to be a better parent and coach. The conversation explores the resilience of the body post-pregnancy and the value of exposing children to a lifestyle centered on physical strength. Finally, she provides practical advice on using timers and home gyms to maintain consistency amidst the unpredictability of raising children. TSG's IG: https://www.instagram.com/thestrengthguys Meg's IG: https://www.instagram.com/megscanlift/

This podcast features Coach Matt Gary, the head coach for Team Great Britain, discussing the strategic nuances of game day coaching and attempt selection during high-level powerlifting competitions. He breaks down specific battles from the IPF World Championships, explaining how coaches use athlete monitoring systems and detailed psychological profiles to prepare for international stages. A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the ethics of handling multiple athletes in the same weight class and the mathematical precision required to secure podium placements. The conversation highlights the importance of consistency, the strategic use of "chips" to gain weight advantages, and the necessity of prioritizing a total over individual personal records to win medals. Matt also shares his three-decade journey in the sport, offering a professional perspective on how coaching philosophies evolve from local meets to elite global events. Finally, the source touches on the risks of aggressive attempt selection, illustrating how mismanaged goals can lead to missed opportunities for world records and titles. TSG Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestrengthguys Matt's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mlgary72/ SSPT Game Day Coaching Manual: https://sspt-game-day-coaching-manual.dpdcart.com/

In this episode of the TSG Podcast, Coach Arian is joined by Coach Jayne and Coach Hendrik to break down major takeaways from the 2026 IPF Sub-Junior and Junior World Championships. Evaluating platform performance, attempt selection strategy, and national coaching models based on live stream and scoresheet data, the episode highlights several critical insights for lifters, coaches, and powerlifting fans: Training Totals vs. Platform Reality A major recurring theme is the massive performance drop between Instagram/gym training totals and competition totals. Factors like international travel, strict weigh-in cuts, referee depth/command standards, and platform pressure cause significant hits to performance.Tactical Attempt Selection & Game Theory Winning lifters consistently prioritize high-percentage made attempts over chasing single maximum numbers. Statistical data shows championship winners average 7.5 to 7.7 made lifts out of 9.Lot Number & Chipping Strategy: In the Junior 52 kg battle, France’s Pauline used lot-number advantage and minimal world-record chips (0.5 kg) to secure total gold.Calculated Hail Marys: Big deadlift jumps can pay off when timed right, such as Cardin (USA, Junior 59 kg) making a 25 kg jump to 297.5 kg on his final deadlift to snatch gold.Centralized Coaching vs. Individual Coaching Models Nations with centralized head coaches and established team culture (such as France and Germany) achieved much higher attempt success rates and podium conversions. Team France won the women’s team title with only four lifters.Conversely, decentralized models like the US—where personal coaches and athletes often dictate strategy individually—suffered from lower overall attempt success rates and friction over conservative versus aggressive numbering.Bench Press Technical Volatility Bench press proved to be the most technically sensitive lift. Strict start commands, elbow depth, and butt-lift refereeing led to unexpected bomb-outs.In the Subjunior 59 kg class, gold favorites Justin (USA) and Itto (Japan) both bombed out on bench press due to technical calls and command restarts, completely altering the podium outcome.Joshua Ngoka (Great Britain, Junior 120 kg): Named overall male best lifter after a flawless 9-for-9 day, putting up a massive 980.5 kg total.Eva Infantino (France, Junior 57 kg): Secured female best lifter honors with 116.5 GL points, leading France's dominant junior women's squad.Tereza Brezkova (Czechia, Junior 84+ kg): Set a world record with a 280 kg squat and a 620 kg total.Giada Spadaro (Italy, Sub-Junior 63 kg): At just 16 years old, posted an open-level 470 kg total. TSG Sub-Junior & Junior Sponsorship: We’re looking for Sub-Junior & Junior athletes ready to take their powerlifting to the next level. This is your chance to join a world-class coaching team, with expert coaching, tailored programming, and dedicated 1-on-1 support to help you reach your full potential.⏳ Applications close September 30th. https://forms.gle/HbLvKGD8dVGBkSvV7 TSG Coaching: https://thestrengthguys.com/coaching/ https://www.instagram.com/thestrengthguys Jayne Jones: https://www.instagram.com/jaynekate_/ Hendrik Becker: https://www.instagram.com/hendrik_ksc/

Training Strategies for Powerlifters: Insights from Jason Tremblay In this deep dive into powerlifting training strategies, Jason Tremblay shares valuable insights on how to effectively guide athletes in their training journeys. Jason emphasizes that the way we approach an athlete's training strategy has evolved significantly. "Thirty, forty, fifty years ago, our training strategy would be informed by what we see from those around us and maybe what we'd read in a magazine." Today, the abundance of information can be overwhelming, leading to confusion about how to interpret it effectively. A key aspect of training that Jason highlights is the dose-response relationship. He explains, "Almost all of it is based around the dose-response relationship, not only as it pertains to improving performance, but also as it relates to how an injury could come about." This understanding is crucial for developing effective training regimens that prioritize performance while minimizing injury risks. Jason argues that many contemporary training approaches overlook the importance of periodization. He notes, "What many powerlifters are missing is that meaningful adaptations could be happening as a result of changes in multiple tissues." By incorporating variation in training, we can manage workload demands and reduce the risk of repetitive stress injuries. TSG Coaching Services: https://thestrengthguys.com/coaching/ TSG Mentorship: https://thestrengthguys.com/powerlifting-coach-education/ Powerlifting Progress Calculator: https://gymlog.info/tools/powerlifting-progress/

Powerlifting can be a fulfilling endeavor, but it often requires careful navigation to maintain balance with life's many demands. In this episode, Coach Arian and Coach Julianna dive deep into the complexities of juggling powerlifting with work, family, and personal interests. The Common Path to Powerlifting Both coaches discuss the common routes into powerlifting, highlighting how social settings—like schools and gyms—can shape one’s experience. Julianna notes the impact of discovering powerlifting through social media versus an in-person community, emphasizing that the way one enters the sport influences how they view their commitments and balance. The Importance of Balance Julianna points out that this struggle isn't unique to powerlifting; it resonates with many sports. The key takeaway here is the balance of effort and reward. When the perceived output doesn't match the effort invested, lifters may face burnout. She articulates: "The amount of buy-in has to equal the perceived output that you're getting from it." When lifters invest heavily into their identities as powerlifters, they risk feeling disillusioned if their progress stalls. Individual Goals Shape Training The coaches discuss how individual goals significantly influence programming and training approaches. For competitive lifters, the focus is on strategic planning to maximize potential. In contrast, those lifting for personal goals may follow a more flexible and enjoyable path, which allows them to maintain balance with other life activities. Arian highlights: "It's about managing those other goals and also how serious you are about being the best in the sport versus just enjoying yourself." The conversation wraps with both coaches emphasizing the importance of honest discussions about goals and life balance, noting that having guidance in this space can be invaluable. As you reflect on your own powerlifting journey, consider the balance between your training and other life commitments. How does your experience align with the insights shared by Coach Arian and Coach Julianna? For a deeper dive into the conversation, listen to the full episode. TSG Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestrengthguys Julianna Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliannaking_/ Episode 3 w/ Coach Julianna: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0PYXWzcQmlMJVHhSDdqmcT?si=N5aheJznTHyTWZVbazEvOg

In this podcast episode, Dr. Kate Cohen is introduced as the newest member of The Strength Guys, where she discusses her dual background as an elite powerlifter and a sports psychology expert. She recounts how multiple ACL injuries during her youth shifted her athletic focus toward strength training and sparked a deep interest in the mental aspects of performance. The conversation explores critical topics such as building confidence, managing athlete burnout, and navigating the psychological challenges of injury rehabilitation. Dr. Cohen emphasizes that mental skills like visualization and self-talk are essential tools for any performer, from world-class lifters to surgeons. Ultimately, she describes her coaching process, which aims to provide athletes with the self-regulation tools necessary to master their own competitive mindset. https://www.instagram.com/thestrengthguys https://www.instagram.com/kateco220/ https://thestrengthguys.com/coaching-services/

In this episode of the TSG Podcast, Coach Arian breaks down the realities of long-term strength progression for powerlifters, weightlifters, and general strength training enthusiasts. If you are a beginner or intermediate lifter struggling to see your numbers go up, this episode is a must-listen. Arian dismantles the idea that progression is purely down to genetics and explains how to audit your lifestyle, recovery, nutrition, and programming to kickstart your progress. Positions of Power App: The Strength Guys' template training app ($30/month) featuring strategically designed, progressive templates matching your current training volume and frequency. https://positionsofpower.programs.app/ The Strength Guys Coaching Services: Sign up for a free consultation call with Coach Arian to discuss your goals, review sample programming, and outline a custom roadmap. https://thestrengthguys.com/coaching/ https://booking.appointy.com/Arian Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestrengthguys https://www.instagram.com/coachariank/

In this podcast episode, Coach Arian and Coach Henrik analyze the recent IPF Classic World Powerlifting Championships, offering an elite coaching perspective on the event's results and strategies. They discuss the overall performance of national teams, highlighting Great Britain’s successful game planning and their upset victory over the USA in the women's team standings. A significant portion of the conversation focuses on the technicalities of judging, specifically critiquing the inconsistency of the elbow depth rule in bench pressing versus the more effective implementation of the new heaving rule. The coaches examine specific weight classes, noting that while top-end world records are plateauing, the overall depth and competitiveness across all categories have increased drastically. Through detailed play-by-plays of athletes like Tiffany Chapon and Austin Perkins, they illustrate how attempt selection and psychological resilience often determine the difference between winning and losing. Ultimately, the source serves as a deep dive into the strategic nuances of professional powerlifting and the evolving landscape of international competition. TSG Powerlifting Coaching: https://thestrengthguys.com/coaching/ TSG Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestrengthguys Coach Arian Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachariank/ Coach Hendrik Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hendrik_ksc/

Welcome back to the TSG Podcast! Building directly on Episode 10’s discussion of tapering and game-day strategies, this episode dives deep into the vital process of *peaking* for powerlifting competitions. Whether you are preparing for a local meet to hit a qualifying total or aiming for the World Championships and Sheffield, peaking is essential to prepare your body to perform its absolute best on a specific day. In this episode, we explore the core variables of a successful peak, including how to safely handle high intensity, meet competition standards, manage psychological stress, and balance maximal skill practice with necessary fatigue reduction. **Key Topics Covered:** * **The AMRAP Method:** We break down how testing an AMRAP (As Many Reps As Possible) at around 90-92.5% intensity can help assess a highly reliable opening attempt. We discuss why this method builds confidence with lower psychological stress, making it an ideal choice for less experienced lifters, while also covering its specific downsides, such as lower specificity and potentially higher recovery demands. * **The Top Single / RPE Method:** We explore the benefits of working up to heavy, conservative one-rep maxes or RPE-based singles to maximize competition specificity and build extreme confidence under heavy loads. While highly effective for athletes who like to get hyped up and focus on single-rep execution, we also discuss why this method carries a higher risk of overshooting and emotional fatigue for beginners. * **Real-World Case Studies:** Listen in as we analyze the exact peaking programs and data of TSG athletes. We break down a 3-week AMRAP peaking schedule, and review the top single approaches used by open lifter, Kwaku Nyarko, at SBD Austin and Masters lifter Jermaine Williams, showing how individualized adjustments—like accounting for deadlift fatigue—lead to massive PRs on the platform. If you want to learn how to perfectly time your strength for meet day, you won't want to miss this breakdown! Be sure to listen to Episode 10 for our 50/60/30 tapering rule, and drop a comment to let us know what topics or guests you want to hear on future episodes. TSG Coaching: https://thestrengthguys.com/coaching/ TSG Mentorship: https://thestrengthguys.com/powerlifting-coach-education/ TSG Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestrengthguys

This podcast episode features Coach Arian discussing how powerlifters can maximize their performance on competition day. He emphasizes that physical strength developed during training can be wasted without a detailed game plan covering specific warm-up times, attempt selections, and nutritional timing. Coach Arian also highlights the importance of a proper taper, suggesting athletes reduce training volume to approximately 50-60% for squats and bench, while cutting deadlift volume even further to dissipate fatigue. Coach Arian also provides guidance on weight management, advising lifters to avoid drastic last-minute cuts that might zap their strength. Finally, he advocates for using a dedicated handler to manage logistics, allowing the athlete to remain focused solely on execution. Through structured templates and strategic recovery, athletes can ensure their final results accurately reflect their hard work. https://thestrengthguys.com/coaching/ https://www.instagram.com/thestrengthguys https://www.instagram.com/coachariank/

Welcome to another episode of the TSG Podcast! In this episode, host Coach Arian Khamesi is joined by Coach Urban Mur to discuss the balancing act of juggling a professional career alongside powerlifting coaching. Coach Urban shares his unique background, transitioning from natural bodybuilding to becoming a pioneer for powerlifting in Slovenia and helping create the country's IPF affiliate. He also explains how his professional background as a physicist helps him structure programming and deeply analyze training data. The core of this episode dives into the pros and cons of being a part-time versus full-time powerlifting coach. Coach Urban explains how keeping a smaller roster of 10 to 15 clients while working full-time in academia helps him prevent burnout and allows him to keep highly detailed mental notes on each athlete's training needs. Conversely, Coach Arian discusses how full-time coaches managing 40 to 55 clients need highly structured workflows and athlete management systems to ensure consistent, high-quality communication without falling behind on programming. They also explore this dynamic from the athlete's perspective. A part-time coach may offer more focused attention and a coaching style driven purely by passion rather than income. However, the coaches warn that part-time coaches who are not heavily involved in the powerlifting community might struggle to stay up-to-date with rule changes and federation qualifications. To avoid these pitfalls, the coaches stress the importance of athletes doing thorough research when selecting a coach, advising them to interview multiple candidates and ask tough questions rather than just picking someone based on social media popularity. Finally, the coaches highlight the immense value of in-person meet-day coaching, noting how critical it is for a coach to be present from weigh-ins to warm-ups to better understand their athlete's mood and movement for attempt selections. The episode wraps up with Coach Urban discussing his upcoming plans, including competing as an athlete at the Classic Worlds in Lithuania and organizing the Junior European Championships in Slovenia later this year. https://thestrengthguys.com/coaching/ https://www.instagram.com/thestrengthguys https://www.instagram.com/urbanmur/ https://www.instagram.com/coachariank/

On this episode of the TSG Podcast, Coach Arian is joined by special guest, Coach Jaime, to break down the pros and cons of having an online powerlifting coach versus an in-person powerlifting coach. Whether you’re a seasoned coach or just starting out, there’s valuable insight here about the distinct advantages and challenges of each coaching style. Key Benefits of In-Person Coaching 1. **Enhanced Communication**: Being physically present allows for better communication. Coaches can demonstrate exercises, correct form, and provide immediate feedback. 2. **Personal Connection**: In-person interactions foster stronger relationships between coach and client, making it easier to motivate and inspire. 3. **Rehabilitation Support**: Jaime particularly enjoys helping clients with sports injuries. Being able to assess and assist clients in real-time enhances the recovery process. The Benefits of Online Coaching - **Flexibility**: Online coaching offers clients greater flexibility in scheduling and allows coaches to reach a broader audience. - **Diverse Learning Resources**: Coaches can utilize various digital tools and platforms to enhance the learning experience for clients. - **Broadening Horizons**: Jaime discusses how online coaching has allowed him to connect with clients beyond local boundaries, making fitness accessible to more people. The Future of Coaching Jaime believes that the future of coaching lies in a hybrid model that combines both in-person and online methods. Why a Hybrid Approach Works - **Meeting Diverse Needs**: Different clients have different needs and preferences, and a hybrid approach allows coaches to cater to each individual effectively. - **Adapting to Change**: As the fitness landscape continues to evolve, coaches must be adaptable and willing to learn new skills. About Jaime Cortes Jaime Cortes is a dedicated powerlifting coach with over 15 years of experience in the industry. He has transformed his life from being overweight to becoming a competitive powerlifter. With a background in sports science and a passion for helping others, Jaime now runs his own gym in Cadiz, Spain. His journey and expertise make him a credible voice in the fitness community. https://thestrengthguys.com/coaching-services/ https://www.instagram.com/thestrengthguys https://www.instagram.com/jaimecorher/ https://www.instagram.com/repbyrepcenter/

In this solo episode of the TSG podcast, host Arian reveals how powerlifters can accurately track their strength gains without the physical toll of constantly maxing out or waiting months for a competition to see if their program actually worked. He breaks down TSG's "test-retest method," a coaching system that uses indirect assessments like AMRAPs, RPE, velocity tracking, and volume PRs to safely gauge progress at the end of key training phases. By treating your training plan like a scientific hypothesis, you can continuously adjust your workload based on objective data. To prove how powerful this framework is, Arian shares an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at a real athlete whose squat strength suddenly started plummeting mid-program. Tune in to discover the exact adjustment Arian made to rescue their numbers and trigger a massive 35-kilo turnaround. TSG Coaching Mentorship TSG Instagram

How to Optimize Your Powerlifting Training: Insights from Coach Hendrik Discover key strategies for effective powerlifting training, including the golden microcycle and fatigue management. Essential insights for athletes and coaches alike. In the world of powerlifting, optimizing training is crucial for success. What does a well-structured training plan look like? In this episode, we’ll explore vital insights from powerlifting coach Hendrik, including the concept of the golden microcycle and effective fatigue management. With years of experience in coaching and competing, Hendrik shares practical advice that can help elevate your training. About Coach Hendrik Hendrik is a powerlifting coach from Germany with a rich history in the sport. Since 2019, he has been coaching athletes, leading them to national championships and world records. With a deep understanding of both the physical and psychological aspects of training, he is well-respected in the powerlifting community. Understanding the Golden Microcycle The golden microcycle refers to a meticulously structured week of training designed to maximize performance and recovery. - **Why This Matters**: This approach allows athletes to focus on their key lifts while ensuring they are adequately recovered for peak performance during primary sessions. - **How to Implement**: Identify your primary sessions in the week and arrange your training around optimizing recovery and performance for those days. For instance, if you have heavy squats scheduled, plan lighter sessions the days leading up to it. - **Common Mistake**: Many athletes focus solely on optimizing each week without considering the long-term effects of their training. This can lead to accumulated fatigue and potential overtraining. The Role of Fatigue Management in Training Fatigue management is an essential component of any successful powerlifting program. - **Understanding Fatigue**: Fatigue isn’t necessarily a negative aspect of training; it can indicate that the body is adapting to stress. However, too much fatigue can hinder performance. - **Finding the Balance**: The key is to determine what level of fatigue is productive and when it becomes counterproductive. Some athletes feel they must perform at their peak every session, which can lead to burnout. - **Practical Advice**: Coaches should monitor their athletes’ performances to identify when fatigue may be affecting their lifts. Developing an intuitive understanding of an athlete's condition can help in making necessary adjustments to their training plans. Setting Athletes Up for Success To ensure athletes perform their best, it’s essential to create a supportive training environment. - **Avoiding Pitfalls**: Athletes often make decisions in the heat of the moment, such as pushing for a PR during a session when they should stick to their plan. This can lead to injuries or setbacks. - **Creating a Structured Environment**: Encourage athletes to adhere to their training plans, even when tempted to push limits during casual sessions with friends. Setting clear goals and maintaining accountability can help mitigate these issues. - **Long-Term Planning**: Coaches should emphasize the importance of sustained progress over short-term gains. Training shouldn’t just focus on immediate performance but also on building a strong foundation for the future. Key Takeaways - The golden microcycle is a powerful tool for structuring training effectively. - Fatigue management plays a vital role in maintaining performance and preventing burnout. - Creating a supportive training environment is crucial for athlete success. --- https://thestrengthguys.com/coaching/ https://www.instagram.com/thestrengthguys https://www.instagram.com/hendrik_ksc/ https://www.instagram.com/coachariank/