In this VIDEO, I go over another topic as part of my Powerlifting Mistakes series. In this series, I go over mistakes I made in the sport when I first got started, and common mistakes I now see at meets from beginner lifters. For this video, it’s all about equipment. Lots of lifters don’t read the rules as far as the minimum equipment required to compete. In addition, lots of lifters don’t know what additional Read More
In this VIDEO, I go over the key differences between elite-level powerlifters and average-level powerlifters. This video can help you see if you’re neglecting any key factors that can take you to the next level. This was another user-submitted topic. If you have any topics or questions you’d like for me to discuss, then be sure to comment them below or message me directly through my contact information below. First off, what’s considered “elite” and Read More
Written by: Kevin Cann I think that most coaches will agree that repetitions in training should be focused and that mindless repetitions are not too beneficial beyond a certain point. There is only so far that “checking a box” will get you. However, I do not believe that most understand what focused reps are. When I ask people what that means I get responses like “Not checking my phone”, or “I think about the things that I Read More
In this VIDEO, I go over how you can strengthen your weakest lift or weakest lifts. This is another user-submitted topic that’s fairly broad, so I break the problem down into a number of different factors. First off, you need to have realistic expectations. Lots of lifters overestimate what can be achieved in the short term. In addition, lots of lifters think they’re much weaker than they actually are. So, it’s important to be realistic Read More
Written by: Kevin Cann One of the things that I have been focusing a lot on with the group is reflecting. These reflections have really helped me understand who I am. This is important for us finding a purpose (intent) to our coaching and training. This purpose needs to mean something to the individual. This will help them face setbacks and adversity and stick with the sport long enough to develop skills that extend far beyond the platform. Reflection Read More
In this VIDEO, I go over the role and importance of genetics in the sport of Powerlifting and other sports. This is another user-submitted question. In the video, I go over how genetics can determine physical and personality traits. I show a number of studies showing how genetics can determine dopamine release, ability to trust, optimism, mastery, self-esteem, how many muscle fibers you’re born with, power output, and more. In addition, I go over if Read More
In this VIDEO, I do a meet recap of a couple of my lifters who competed last weekend at the 2021 USA Powerlifting Connecticut State Championships. This also happened to be Kristen and Ron’s first powerlifting meet. So, in the video, I break down how we met, the plan for the training going into the meet, and the plan for attempts at the meet. Kristen ended up going 9 for 9 with an 82.5 kg Read More
Written by: Kevin Cann We did our second skills class last night. Skills class is a class that I run where we cover aspects of skill acquisition. I think when most people hear the term skill they think of some specific sports aspect. In powerlifting they may think about technique and/or the actual strength that the lifter displays. Skills go much deeper than that. We need to train our psychological skills as well. Many of which tend to be weaknesses Read More
Written by: Kevin Cann Powerlifting is viewed as an individual sport at the end of the day. However, no one gets great alone. We all need help along the way. This can come from a coach, a mentor, or training partners. Powerlifting in this sense can be a great community. Powerlifting is also a sport that we compete ourselves. Yes, for a select few, they are competing against each other for cash prizes and world championships. However, for the vast majority Read More
Written by: Kevin Cann When we all start off as coaches, we have this fascination with writing the perfect program. This usually leads to us collecting more and more data, pumping out graphs, and explaining every mishap with the logic of these programs. Now, I collect data that I feel is important. This just happens to be a lot less than I used to collect. We track all of our max effort numbers and the lifters place a Read More