Practical Powerlifting

email [email protected] for online powerlifting coaching
@5tong on instagram 

In this episode, I discuss the idea of acquiring knowledge and experience in powerlifting and how that can actually make it harder. Harder to sift through the noise and make good decisions.

I talk about the Dunning Kruger Effect, the Expert Paradox and the laws of Diminishing Returns and how that gets in the way of good coaching and training.

In this episode, I chat with dear friend Alex Hayes about my most recent competition, the Clash at the Collective 3.

We chat about the mistakes I made both during the prep and on the day, focusing on psychology, nutrition and buy in. 

email [email protected] for online powerlifting coaching
@5tong on instagram 

In this episode, I talk about the potential upside to going all in. I propose a contrary take on the popular belief that lifters ought to diversify their worth, instead suggesting that going all in is as valid an approach as any and that it perhaps has its own upsides.

email [email protected] for online powerlifting coaching
@5tong on instagram 

In this episode, I talk about the role coaches have in helping clients make better decisions both in training and in life. I acknowledge that good decision making requires more than simply good knowledge. I touch on how to troubleshoot when a client or yourself are making self sabotaging decisions and how to help them get the best out of their training experience

email [email protected] for online powerlifting coaching
@5tong on instagram 

In this episode, I explore the true value of training in powerlifting beyond just personal bests. I emphasize the importance of enjoying the process, recognizing other benefits, and building a lifelong relationship with strength training.

00:00 Introduction: Rethinking Training ROI
00:28 Early Gains and the Motivation of Progress
01:25 The Slow Grind: Progress After the Beginner Phase
02:23 The Disappointment of Stagnation and Mindset Shift
03:20 From Loving PRs to Loving the Process
04:17 The Hypothetical: Would You Keep Training Without PRs?
05:52 Benefits Beyond Numbers: Health, Community, and Identity
08:21 The Social and Community Aspects of Powerlifting
11:02 Training as Identity Building
13:33 Lifestyle Benefits of Consistent Training
15:02 The Cost of Training for Personal Bests
17:13 The Value of Enjoyment and Long-Term Engagement
23:18 Summary: Embracing the Broader Benefits of Training
24:19 Closing Remarks and Contact Info

In this episode, John Paul Cauchi explores the vital role of motivation in coaching powerlifters. He discusses how coaches can foster motivation, the difference between desire and motivation, and practical strategies to keep lifters engaged and progressing.

In this episode, I explore the importance of session quality in powerlifting and strength training. I discuss practical strategies to enhance training productivity, including preparation, nutrition, mental engagement, and adaptability, emphasising that small improvements can lead to significant long-term gains.

In this episode, I share my experiences and insights from competing in the Australian Powerlifting Alliance Nationals 2026. 

I managed to weigh in exactly at 74.00kg and, after 13 years of successful weight cuts, share some of the techniques and timelines that saw me land exactly where I needed to be for weigh in.

In this episode of Practical Powerlifting,  I discusses the importance of training programs in strength training, emphasizing that they should serve as flexible guidelines rather than strict rules. I highlights the necessity of adapting training plans based on new information, such as changes in physical condition or life circumstances. The conversation encourages lifters to feel empowered to make adjustments to their programs, fostering a more intuitive and responsive approach to training.

In this episode of Practical Powerlifting, host I discuss the significance of pre-training preparation and how it can enhance performance. I emphasize the importance of pre-session reflections to clarify goals and identify potential distractions. Additionally, I introduce the concept of monthly themes to guide training decisions and maintain focus. The episode provides practical tips for lifters to maximize their training sessions and achieve better results over time.