Episode Summary

In this episode, we sit down with Jeremy Hartman, one of America's premier strength and powerlifting coaches whose athletes have collectively shattered 9 world records, set over 70 American records, and earned more than 20 national titles. Jeremy shares the stories behind his most successful athletes, his coaching philosophy for long-term development, and the invaluable lessons learned from 15+ years working alongside legends like Louie Simmons and Ed Coan.

From coaching 14-year-old world record holders to guiding high school wrestlers into Division I programs, Jeremy reveals what it takes to build champions from the ground up—and keep them healthy and successful for over a decade.

Key Topics Discussed

Coaching Philosophy: How to develop athletes from the ground up for long-term success

Youth Development: Programming and training considerations for young athletes like Claire Mainous

Sport-Specific Training: Differences between powerlifting, wrestling, and other athletic populations

Westside Barbell Legacy: 15+ years of experience working with Louie Simmons and the Westside methodology

Ed Coan Collaboration: Insights from working with the greatest powerlifter of all time

Building Winning Programs: Strategies for developing state championship-level high school programs

Military & College Coaching: Adapting training for diverse populations from National Guard to Division I athletes

Longevity & Health: Keeping athletes strong and injury-free across 10+ year coaching relationships

ABOUT JEREMY HARTMAN

Jeremy Hartman is a licensed educator, high school strength and conditioning coach, and elite powerlifting and strength coach based in Indianapolis, Indiana. With a proven track record of success, Jeremy has coached at some of the top athletic programs in the state, including with the Indiana National Guard, where he trained military officers and physical fitness instructors to achieve peak performance.

As a competitive powerlifter, Jeremy has represented the United States on the international stage, competing in three different countries. He is a multiple-time national champion and world championship medalist, earning recognition for his expertise and dedication to the sport.

Jeremy was named the 2023 USA Powerlifting National Coach of the Year and received the 2024 SWIS Symposium Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to strength and conditioning. He has led strength programs at three different high schools, each winning at least one state championship under his guidance.

RESOURCES & LINKS

Follow Jeremy on Instagram: @hartmanperformance

Subscribe & Review:

If this episode added value to your training knowledge, please subscribe and leave a 5-star review! Your feedback helps us reach more fitness enthusiasts, coaches, lifters, athletes or anyone who can benefit from quality training information.

About Brandon Smitley

Instagram: @bsmitley @team.thirst

Subscribe On YouTube!

Website: THIRSTgym.com

Brandon Smitley is a world renowned strength coach and athlete for over a decade. He and his wife, Adrian, own Terre Haute Intensity Resistance and Sports Training (THIRST) where they work with youth athletes and personal training clients of all ages. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Purdue University in Health and Fitness, and his Master’s degree from Indiana State University in Physical Education and Coaching. Brandon has been awarded Personal Trainer of the Year Awards from Purdue University and Indiana State University as well is the 2020 Reader's Choice for Best Personal Trainer in Terre Haute, IN and the Wabash Valley.

Brandon is a sponsored athlete with Elitefts and NutraBio where as a competitive powerlifter he currently holds the all-time world record squat in the 132 pound weight class, with a 567 pound squat. He also holds a 330 pound bench press, and 510 pound deadlift in that weight class, totaling 1377 pounds, ranking 4th all-time. He provides online coaching and programming around the world, and has personally worked with over 200 athletes in the US, UK, France, Italy, Mexico, Canada, and other countries. Brandon’s been published at Elitefts, Muscle and Performance, and Muscle and Fitness magazine.

He holds his Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), Level One Sports Performance (USAW), Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) certifications, and is educated in PRI for Fitness and Performance.