Listen "Alex Hayes - Growing a coaching brand and succeeding over a decade"
Episode Synopsis
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 Coaching01:52 The Evolution of Powerlifting in Australia04:35 Coaching Experience and Background07:28 The Importance of In-Person Coaching10:42 Learning Through Experience and Mentorship13:28 The Role of Communication in Coaching16:25 The Slow Burn of Coaching Success19:27 Theoretical vs Practical Knowledge in Coaching25:53 The Importance of Practical Experience in Coaching27:51 Simplifying Coaching Metrics and Tracking29:54 The Balance Between Data and Intuition31:52 Finding Your Coaching Style and Recipe37:34 The Art of Game Day Coaching41:15 Learning from Experience and Mistakes47:51 Communication Strategies on Game Day53:19 Respecting Lifters' Goals and Experiences58:33 Balancing Coaching and Performance59:41 Understanding Lifters' Goals01:01:22 The Cost of Commitment in Powerlifting01:02:36 The Role of Comparison in Powerlifting01:04:35 Adapting Communication Styles01:07:36 The Emotional Chameleon: Coaching on Competition Day01:10:17 Learning from Mistakes in Coaching01:13:12 Maturity and Coaching Philosophy01:15:50 Inspiration vs. Comparison in Coaching01:19:10 Building Trust and Credibility as a Coach01:22:52 The Evolution of Process Powerlifting Club
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