5 Things I Learned From Ed Coan (The Powerlifting G.O.A.T.)
In my SWIS 2023 recap article, I alluded to the fact that I spent the end of October going through a period of pretty intense learning.
I wrote at length about SWIS 2023 and how valuable I think it is to both my profession and the wider world of training, but today, I want to highlight a person who I also crossed paths with during this time. He deserves a spotlight of his own as we can all learn quite a bit from him. I’m talking about the great Ed Coan.
Ed is really a special person. Besides being one of the most prolific powerlifters of all time with a career that had him appear in 3 separate decades, he’s got a coaching ability to help people lift better by only saying a few words.
One of the best experiences you can have with him is one that many who have learned from him can all say they have in common: his seminars are less lecture-based and more training heavy. He generally works to get everyone in the room up and lifting as soon as possible, while he walks around making his simple corrections that yield exceptional results. If you ever have the opportunity to partake, I suggest you do it.
This wasn’t my first time meeting Ed. In fact, a little over a year ago, we met him at SWIS 2022 and he was extremely helpful and kind, spending time with my partner and I in helping her squat technique.
So without further delay, here are 5 things I have learned from the powerlifting GOAT:
Everything must have a purpose. Ed famous says across nearly any video of his that you’ll find online that he never did a lift that didn’t have a purpose. He repeats it in person too. Every accessory exercise, every method of preparation, whatever it was: it all had the purpose of bringing up his powerlifting total. This may seem obvious, but how many of you have gone on Instagram, YouTube or Tik Tok and wanted to immediately emulate an exercise that you gave no thought to if it would actually help?
Be Realistic. The true killer of so many workouts happens before they even start. If you’re missing lifts in the gym, it’s because you weren’t realistic in your planning. Ed is adamant he never missed a rep in the gym because he was brutally honest about the numbers and where they had to be in his programs. And you know what? I believe him. Ed loves lifting, but you can see the spark of competition in his eye at times, and a guy like that doesn’t play games. He knew lying to himself about numbers wouldn’t help anything— it would just get in his way and set him back.
Technique is most important. Technique can be a bit more specific to the individual, but ultimately, the focus on the technique unlocks your true strength and ability. Throughout a training cycle, you’ll be accumulating a lot of fatigue from all the training. That fatigue makes it harder to measure and see how strong you really are, because you’re too tired to show it. However, when you properly taper and deload your training to peak for a meet or event, your strength will return. You need your technique to be excellent to show your strength on that day.
Say Less. Usually, the people over-correcting and simply doing too much are the ones who understand the least. There’s a place to geek out on science, technique and sport— but it’s not on the platform. Be concise with your language and alterations.
What may be right for you, may only be right for you, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise- not even Ed. There are a multitude of programs and things that will work. Sometimes when you stumble on something that’s working for you, other people (and sometimes even yourself!) will try to convince you to try something else that’s more “optimal.” Don’t fall for it.
Ed is just a good guy at the end of the day. At the conclusion of SWIS 2023, Ed was presented with a lifetime achievement award that was actually re-named for him this year: The Ed Coan Lifetime Achievement Award. Dave Tate said it best- he is THE ambassador for powerlifting. Whether it’s an Elk’s Lodge in Milwaukee that was rented to host a regional powerlifting meet, a gym in northern NJ, or on a big stage, Ed will never hesitate to help someone in need, and do it with a smile.
Thanks Ed for all you do!