In this episode of Alpha Radio, coaches Isabella von Weissenberg, Chris Aslan, Tatsuya Pun and George Moussa break down everything squat. From the fear of heavy weights on your back to the anatomy of a perfect unrack, we explore why the squat is the most daunting (and satisfying) lift in powerlifting.

We cover:

• Why your setup dictates your success
• The difference between lifting the bar vs being crushed by it
• How to brace properly (without bearing down)
• Midfoot, torque, stacked positions, and why "knees out" might be sabotaging you
• The eternal high bar vs low bar debate
• Why ankle mobility might not be your biggest problem
• Common squat cues we love, hate, and have re-learned over time

Whether you're just getting back under the bar or chasing a new all-time PB, this episode is packed with practical coaching gems.

Got a squat question? Come find us in the gym or DM us anytime.

Get coaching today:
www.alphaathletes.com.au
391 Liverpool Rd, Ashfield NSW 2131
@alphaathletes_

Chris Aslan @sydneystrengthcoach
Erika Koo @stretchwithe
Michael Sechos @coachmichaelsechos
Tatsuya Pun @strengthsenpai

This week on Alpha Radio, the coaches join for a no-holds-barred chat about the wildest (and most avoidable) gym fails they’ve ever seen. From a plate-swinging “windmill” routine to talc-covered hands and drunken PR attempts, the crew unpacks each horror story and spells out the simple safety rules that would’ve saved the day.

Hit play, enjoy the stories, and remember: don’t do dumb stuff and leave your ego at the door.

Get coaching today:
www.alphaathletes.com.au
391 Liverpool Rd, Ashfield NSW 2131
@alphaathletes_

Chris Aslan @sydneystrengthcoach
Erika Koo @stretchwithe
Michael Sechos @coachmichaelsechos
Tatsuya Pun @strengthsenpai

In this raw and powerful episode of Alpha Radio, Alpha coaches Isabella, Erica, Tats and George sit down to unpack one of the most hotly debated topics in strength sports: what is your true weight class?

From world records and podium finishes to hormone crashes, food obsession, and identity crises, this conversation goes far beyond macros and weigh-ins. Isabella shares the behind-the-scenes reality of cutting 10kg to compete internationally—and the emotional aftermath that followed. Erica brings a sports psych lens to how tracking, cutting, and striving for “smallness” can warp self-worth. And Tats opens up about life on a permanent cut—and what it’s really like when the body starts pushing back.

Expect brutally honest reflections, expert insights, and no-bullshit guidance on:

• How to know if you’re in the right weight class
• The difference between strategic nutrition and disordered behaviour
• Whether sacrifice is necessary, or just self-punishment
• How to pursue big goals without losing yourself

Whether you’re a competitive lifter, a novice, or just someone trying to navigate body image in a weight-centric world, this episode will hit hard in all the right ways.

👉 If you’ve ever asked “Should I cut?” or “What’s the cost of going up or down a class?”—this is the episode for you.

Get coaching today:
www.alphaathletes.com.au
391 Liverpool Rd, Ashfield NSW 2131
@alphaathletes_

Chris Aslan @sydneystrengthcoach
Erika Koo @stretchwithe
Michael Sechos @coachmichaelsechos
Tatsuya Pun @strengthsenpai

Get coaching today:
www.alphaathletes.com.au
391 Liverpool Rd, Ashfield NSW 2131
@alphaathletes_

Chris Aslan @sydneystrengthcoach
Erika Koo @stretchwithe
Michael Sechos @coachmichaelsechos
Tatsuya Pun @strengthsenpai

Discipline. It’s a word that either fires you up—or makes you want to roll your eyes. In this episode of Alpha Radio, coaches George, Erica, Viola, and Izzy meet for a raw, hilarious, and deeply insightful conversation about what discipline really means—and why it looks different for everyone.

We explore:

• Why the traditional “just do it” model fails many of us (especially if you’re neurodivergent)
• The power of building systems instead of relying on willpower
• How identity, motivation, and accountability play into long-term consistency
• Why it’s okay to not want it enough—and what to do about that
• The myth of being disciplined in all areas of life at once
• Practical tools like cues, contracts, and even cute gym fits that actually help

Whether you’ve always considered yourself “undisciplined,” or you’re rethinking your approach to training, goals, or routine—this episode will help you reframe what discipline means for you.

Get coaching today:
www.alphaathletes.com.au
391 Liverpool Rd, Ashfield NSW 2131
@alphaathletes_

Chris Aslan @sydneystrengthcoach
Erika Koo @stretchwithe
Michael Sechos @coachmichaelsechos
Tatsuya Pun @strengthsenpai

Get coaching today:
www.alphaathletes.com.au
391 Liverpool Rd, Ashfield NSW 2131
@alphaathletes_

Chris Aslan @sydneystrengthcoach
Erika Koo @stretchwithe
Michael Sechos @coachmichaelsechos
Tatsuya Pun @strengthsenpai

Get coaching today:
www.alphaathletes.com.au
391 Liverpool Rd, Ashfield NSW 2131
@alphaathletes_

Chris Aslan @sydneystrengthcoach
Erika Koo @stretchwithe
Michael Sechos @coachmichaelsechos
Tatsuya Pun @strengthsenpai

In this honest and supportive episode of Alpha Radio, coaches Erica and George sit down to unpack the very real experience of gym anxiety—and how to work through it without judgment or shame.

Whether you’re new to training or have been lifting for years, feeling anxious in the gym environment is more common than you think. From fear of judgment to overthinking your technique, Erica and George share practical tools and mindset shifts to help you feel more at ease, more confident, and more in control when you walk through the gym doors.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

🧠 Why gym anxiety happens—and what’s actually going on in your nervous system
 🗣 How to manage your internal self-talk when self-doubt creeps in
 📍 Small strategies to ground yourself before or during a session
 🧍‍♀️ Why it's okay to feel awkward—and how to keep showing up anyway
 🔁 Tips for building consistency, even when motivation is low

If you've ever walked into the gym and felt like you didn’t belong, this episode is for you.

Get coaching today:
www.alphaathletes.com.au
391 Liverpool Rd, Ashfield NSW 2131
@alphaathletes_

Chris Aslan @sydneystrengthcoach
Erika Koo @stretchwithe
Michael Sechos @coachmichaelsechos
Tatsuya Pun @strengthsenpai

In this powerful and nuanced episode of Alpha Radio, Chris Aslan is joined by coaches Erica, Tats, and Vee to explore the misunderstood but essential role of aggression in strength training.

Erica, a sports psych in training and coach, opens the conversation by redefining aggression—not as violence, but as a focused, energetic drive that fuels performance, sets boundaries, and sustains long-term goals. The group dives deep into:

💥 What aggression really means in sport
💥 The fine line between too little and too much arousal
💥 Differentiating anger, rage, and functional aggression
💥 Emotional intelligence and learning how to channel your feelings productively
💥 Practical ways to regulate your arousal before a lift—like breathing, music, and visualization
💥 The stigma around women expressing anger, and how lifting becomes a space to reclaim that power

From Celine Dion-induced euphoria to aggressive hype up screams, every coach shares their unique approach to psyching up—and calming down—for performance. They also touch on cultural pressures, gender expectations, and how lifting has helped both themselves and their clients develop confidence, agency, and self-belief beyond the barbell.

🔥 Whether you're new to powerlifting or competing on the platform, this episode will leave you inspired to lift—and live—with more intent.

Get coaching today:
www.alphaathletes.com.au
391 Liverpool Rd, Ashfield NSW 2131
@alphaathletes_

Chris Aslan @sydneystrengthcoach
Erika Koo @stretchwithe
Michael Sechos @coachmichaelsechos
Tatsuya Pun @strengthsenpai

In this raw and inspiring episode, Izzy sits down with Alpha Athletes co-owner and coach, George, to uncover his remarkable journey from addiction and rock bottom to becoming a powerlifting champion, respected coach, and business owner.

George opens up about his struggles with addiction, the pivotal moment he asked for help, and how recovery transformed every part of his life — physically, emotionally, and spiritually. He shares the role powerlifting played in rebuilding his self-worth, how training became an act of self-love rather than self-punishment, and why the Alpha community means so much to him.

This episode is a powerful reminder that growth is possible, change is real, and vulnerability is a strength — not a weakness. Whether you're on your own journey of healing, rebuilding, or rediscovering your 'why,' this conversation will hit home.

💬 Topics covered:

• Addiction, identity & recovery
• Trauma, childhood, and emotional health
• The connection between movement and mental wellbeing
• Coaching as service and empathy in fitness
• Juggling business, marriage, and personal growth
• The joy (and fear) of setting new goals like City2Surf

If you’ve ever felt stuck, lost, or unsure where to go next — this episode is for you.

Get coaching today:
www.alphaathletes.com.au
391 Liverpool Rd, Ashfield NSW 2131
@alphaathletes_

Chris Aslan @sydneystrengthcoach
Erika Koo @stretchwithe
Michael Sechos @coachmichaelsechos
Tatsuya Pun @strengthsenpai