Are you wondering if it’s the right time for you to hire a powerlifting coach? Honestly, it’s a personal journey. Looking back, I believe my coach, Josh Bryant, only propelled my powerlifting career to greater heights. If you’re ready to dive in, here are some factors that will help you see if you’re ready to make that decision.
The first piece of the puzzle is to consider how novice you are to lifting in general. Have you competed in powerlifting before? Has it been a few weeks, or maybe even a few years, since you’ve consistently hit the gym? If you have a sports background like me, you may have been training for years and have a foundation already in place. This means you might be ready for the work ahead.
Some of the benefits of hiring a coach are the heightened accountability and the mountain of knowledge they’ve acquired through their own experience. Having a coach that has achieved what’s on your bucket list is an added bonus. Most people tend to overlook their training, but a coach will have you focused on the bigger picture. A coach will expect excellence and continually challenge you to put your best foot forward. If you’re not serious about your training progressions and you’re not focused or present in the gym, then a coach isn’t for you.
Next, consider your goals. Is your current training progressing and allowing you to reach your goals in a timely manner? Or do they seem out of reach no matter how much you’ve deviated off course? If you’re having this issue, a coach will help you pull in the reigns and focus on the tasks at hand. Having that guidance from someone who has your best interest in mind and is committed to helping you reach your goals will allow you to make more efficient progress. That second eye watching your lifts in an unbiased way will only benefit you in the long run.
When vetting a coach, make sure their services are exactly what you need to reach your powerlifting goals. You want to take into account what they provide. Do they have weekly check-ins? How is their communication? Is their support encouraging? Are you making some type of progress if you’ve been training with them for a few months? Do they also customize your program weekly and provide adequate accessories to help your weak points? You don’t want to be stuck with paying for something you are not receiving. Which brings up another point—don’t put yourself in a financial bind to hire a coach. If it doesn’t fit your budget, research other coaches or learn how to program yourself for the time being.
Before hiring a coach, make sure you’re in it for the long haul. Ask questions and make sure you’re on the same page. If you’ve hit these checkpoints and you’re ready for your powerlifting career to reach new heights, then your next step is looking into and hiring a coach.
