In this episode, I interview Alex Hayes, a prominent powerlifting coach from Sydney. We discuss Alex's journey into powerlifting coaching, the evolution of the sport in Australia, and the importance of practical experience over theoretical knowledge. Alex shares insights on the value of in-person coaching, the challenges of online coaching, and the significance of game day coaching. The conversation emphasises the need for coaches to develop their intuition and understanding of athletes, as well as the importance of collaboration and continuous learning in the coaching profession.

We delve into the intricacies of coaching in powerlifting, focusing on competition logistics, communication strategies, and the importance of understanding lifters' individual goals and mentalities. We discuss the evolution of their coaching philosophies, the significance of adapting communication styles to different lifters, and the common mistakes coaches make. The conversation also highlights the importance of building a community within online coaching and the need for coaches to balance pushing their athletes while supporting their personal journeys.

00:00 Introduction to Powerlifting Coaching
01:52 The Evolution of Powerlifting in Australia
04:35 Coaching Experience and Background
07:28 The Importance of In-Person Coaching
10:42 Learning Through Experience and Mentorship
13:28 The Role of Communication in Coaching
16:25 The Slow Burn of Coaching Success
19:27 Theoretical vs Practical Knowledge in Coaching
25:53 The Importance of Practical Experience in Coaching
27:51 Simplifying Coaching Metrics and Tracking
29:54 The Balance Between Data and Intuition
31:52 Finding Your Coaching Style and Recipe
37:34 The Art of Game Day Coaching
41:15 Learning from Experience and Mistakes
47:51 Communication Strategies on Game Day
53:19 Respecting Lifters' Goals and Experiences
58:33 Balancing Coaching and Performance
59:41 Understanding Lifters' Goals
01:01:22 The Cost of Commitment in Powerlifting
01:02:36 The Role of Comparison in Powerlifting
01:04:35 Adapting Communication Styles
01:07:36 The Emotional Chameleon: Coaching on Competition Day
01:10:17 Learning from Mistakes in Coaching
01:13:12 Maturity and Coaching Philosophy
01:15:50 Inspiration vs. Comparison in Coaching
01:19:10 Building Trust and Credibility as a Coach
01:22:52 The Evolution of Process Powerlifting Club