Alpha Radio

In this episode of Alpha Radio, hosts Chris Aslan, George, Tatsuya Pun, and Michael Sechos discuss the world of accessories for powerlifters. They dive into how accessories can play a pivotal role in boosting strength, improving technique, and addressing weaknesses in the squat, bench press, and deadlift. The coaches cover:

1. Why Accessory Work Matters: The role of accessory lifts in improving the "big three" and supporting overall strength and mobility.
2. Choosing the Right Accessories: Tailoring accessory work to individual goals, weaknesses, and training phases.
3. Avoiding Common Pitfalls: How to integrate accessory work without overloading your program or sacrificing recovery - or skipping them altogether
4. Favorite Accessory Lifts: Each coach shares their process for selection accessories, how much volume to train them with, and why it's a game-changer for their clients.

Whether you're a beginner looking to enhance your strength or an experienced lifter aiming to break through plateaus, this episode offers practical insights and actionable tips to take your training to the next level.

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 episode explores the common experience of feeling intimidated when first starting strength training, especially in a powerlifting gym environment. The coaches - Viola, Izzy, Tats, and George - share their personal journeys and insights on overcoming this intimidation.

Some of the main themes covered include:

- The initial shock and frustration of not seeing linear progress in strength training, and learning to embrace the ups and downs.
- The unique challenges faced by underrepresented groups, like Tats as a transgender athlete, in feeling out of place in traditional gym settings.
- The importance of finding a supportive community that encourages and celebrates progress at all levels.
- Tips for new lifters on building confidence, not worrying about judgment from others, and empowering themselves with knowledge.
- The role of coaches in teaching fundamentals and empowering clients to train independently.

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

Ready to make 2025 your best year yet? In this episode of Alpha Radio, hosts Chris, Michael, George, and Erica dive into the art of setting intentions and goals for the upcoming year. Drawing from personal experiences and professional coaching techniques, the coaches explore practical strategies for creating sustainable, effective systems to achieve long-term success in 2025.

From quarterly goal-setting tips to navigating motivation slumps, this episode is packed with insights to help you stay consistent and crush your New Year’s resolutions.

🎯 Learn how to:

• Set process-driven goals that stick
• Build systems that adapt to life’s challenges
• Overcome mental blocks and stay motivated

Whether you're training for a big event or building healthier habits, this episode will set you up for success.

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

Podcast Title: Running for Powerlifters

Are you a lifter who’s ever thought, “Running will ruin my gains,” or “I’m just not built for cardio”? In this episode, we break down the myths, misconceptions, and limiting beliefs many powerlifters have about running. Whether you think running will zap your strength or that it’s simply not for you, we’re here to challenge those assumptions and explore how lifting and running can complement each other.

As always, our panel of Alpha Athletes coaches brings a mix of experience and fresh perspectives. Join the team as they share their personal journeys of embracing running:

• Michael Sechos: Alpha’s hybrid coach, known for his expertise in balancing heavy lifting and endurance training. In just one year, he went from barely running 10 minutes to completing a full marathon—all while keeping his strength intact. His journey proves you can thrive in both worlds.
• George Moussa: Alpha co-owner, strength coach, and powerlifter who’s never run before—but is now asking, “What if I could?” His candid reflections will resonate with anyone hesitant to take the leap. (And stay tuned for his exciting reveal about what’s coming up next year!)
• Tatsuya Pun: Alpha strength coach and powerlifter turned boxer, who started running to improve his health and now uses it to sharpen his footwork and boost stamina for boxing—all while continuing to lift weights. His story highlights how running can take your athleticism to the next level.
• Isabella von Weissenberg: Alpha’s elite powerlifting coach, who’s learning how to integrate running into her strength-focused lifestyle while staying competitive at the highest level. 

Whether you’re a seasoned lifter or just curious about how running could fit into your routine, this episode offers actionable advice, mindset shifts, and inspiring stories. Tune in to discover how running can make you not just a stronger lifter, but a more versatile athlete.

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 episode of Alpha Radio, Coach Tats, Viola, and George dive into the highs and lows of competing at your first powerlifting. Drawing from their recent experience hosting regular novice comps at Alpha Athletes and watching beginners step on the platform for the first time, as well as their personal journeys, they share tips on managing nerves, conserving energy, and embracing the community spirit of powerlifting. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned lifter, tune in for practical advice and heartfelt stories that highlight the beauty of the sport.

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 ready for an inside look at Australia’s most anticipated powerlifting event of the year – the SBD Cup Australia! 

In this episode of Alpha Radio, Isabella von Weissenberg, Chris Aslan, Michael Sechos, and George Moussa discuss Isabella’s preparation and performance at the SBD Cup, a highly competitive Australian powerlifting event. They reflect on the competition's unique format, which followed Sheffield Rules, allowing lifters to compete across weight classes based on the percentage by which they exceed previous national records.

Isabella describes her unconventional four-week preparation, revealing her struggle with commitment to powerlifting and her decision to self-coach until late in her prep. Despite her limited training time, Isabella achieved a personal best and set a national record in her squat, demonstrating her impressive performance with a 206 kg squat, 102.5 kg bench, and 215 kg deadlift. 

Join us as we sit down to reflect on the incredible atmosphere of the SBD Cup, with Australia's top athletes and coaches in one place, creating an environment that motivated Isabella and others to push their limits. She shares how setting clear intentions, journaling on competition day, and entering a relaxed mindset allowed her to enjoy the experience and focus on her goals.

The team discusses the evolution of powerlifting in Australia, the growing support from the Australian Powerlifting Association (APA), and the impact of high-stakes competitions on athletes’ performance and motivation.

Whether you're a seasoned lifter, a fan of powerlifting, or curious about what it takes to compete at the highest level, this episode offers an inspiring, in-depth look at the grit, strategy, and community that define the sport.

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 episode, we dive deep into the common misconception that pain always signals an injury. We explore the complex nature of pain, its role in the body, and how it can be influenced by factors beyond physical damage, such as stress, fatigue, and mindset. Whether you're an athlete dealing with discomfort during training or someone experiencing chronic pain, this episode will provide valuable insights into understanding pain, when to seek professional help, and how to manage discomfort without jumping to conclusions. Tune in for expert perspectives and practical advice on differentiating between pain and injury, and how to approach both in your training and daily life.

Join our Alpha Athletes coaches and panel of experts:

• Chris Aslan: Exercise physiologist, two-time national champion powerlifter, head coach, and founder of Alpha Athletes.
• Michael Sechos: Exercise physiologist, hybrid coach, strength athlete, and marathon runner.
• Erica Koo: aka Stretch. Personal trainer and strength coach, fascial stretch therapist, currently finishing her master's degree in sports psychology, weightlifter, sprinter and national record holder in powerlifting.
• Tatsuya Pun: Personal trainer and strength coach, strength athlete, ProRaw competitor, and the World's Second Strongest Trans-Man.

Time stamps:

- 0:26 - Michael: Discusses his background in exercise physiology and introduces the biopsychosocial model of pain
- 1:26 - Stretch: Explains her background in strength coaching, fascial stretch therapy, and sports psychology. Discusses how pain doesn't always mean injury and introduces the concept of "no brain, no pain"
- 3:56 - Michael: Adds that some pain is inevitable when pushing physical limits and discusses how to interpret these sensations
- 5:19 - Tatsuya: Shares his personal experience with injuries, including being hit by a car, and how he manages pain while competing and coaching
- 8:25 - Stretch: Discusses how fascia responds to stimulus (or lack thereof) and how perception influences pain response
- 9:18 - Tatsuya: The resilience of the human body and how the pain response might look different in general population training
- 10:29 - Michael: Shares a client story about how environment and mental state can affect pain perception
- 12:07 - What is an injury versus a niggle, and how to manage each
- 12:48 - Michael: Explains his approach to addressing niggles and when to refer clients to other professionals
- 14:36 - Chris: Discusses his approach to managing potential injuries in a gym setting
- 16:44 - Stretch: Shares her experience working with clients who have chronic pain issues and how stress can impact pain perception
- 19:01 - Tatsuya: Explains his process for assessing and managing pain with general population clients, including when to refer to other professionals

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