ABOUT THE GUEST
Ed Coan is widely regarded as the greatest powerlifter of all time, known for meticulous programming, clinical technique, and long-term consistency across the big three.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
How Ed organized volume and intensity waves for squat, bench press, and deadlift.
Meet-day strategy: attempt selection, warm-up timing, arousal control, and recovery between lifts.
Assistance work that actually carries over without inflaming joints or stalling progress.
Equipment and setup details that improve safety and repeatability in any gym.
KEY TOPICS
Periodization: top sets with back-offs, rep cycling, and strategic deloads
Technique: bracing, bar path control, foot pressure, and stable rack/bench setups
Longevity: sleep, nutrition basics, and stress management for sustainable strength
QUICK ANSWERS
Q: How often should intermediates squat, bench, and deadlift?
A: Two to three focused exposures per lift weekly usually work—one heavy day and one or two volume/technique sessions—adjusted to recovery and meet calendar.
Q: What assistance lifts matter most?
A: Pick 1–2 that fix your weak range (e.g., pause squats, close-grip bench, RDLs or block pulls) and progress them like main lifts without chasing variety.
Q: What’s the minimum viable setup for serious powerlifting?
A: A rigid power rack with safeties, a stiff bar, calibrated plates, a stable bench, secure collars, and a platform or dense mats to protect floors and control rebound.
SHOP THE EPISODE
Pro Series Power Cage — commercial rack with spotter arms
https://www.ironcompany.com/pro-series-power-cage?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=notes&utm_campaign=raw_ep80
20 kg Black Zinc V2 Olympic Weightlifting Bar — 195K PSI, reliable spin
https://www.ironcompany.com/20kg-black-zinc-v2-olympic-weightlifting-bar?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=notes&utm_campaign=raw_ep80
Ivanko Calibrated Powerlifting Plates — accurate loading for PR attempts
https://www.ironcompany.com/ivanko-cbpp-olympic-calibrated-powerlifting-plates?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=notes&utm_campaign=raw_ep80
Body-Solid SFID425 Full Commercial Adjustable Bench — stable, grippy upholstery
https://www.ironcompany.com/body-solid-full-commercial-adjustable-bench-sfid425?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=notes&utm_campaign=raw_ep80
Heavy-Duty Deadlifting Mats — floor protection and consistent pull height
https://www.ironcompany.com/heavy-duty-deadlifting-mats?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=notes&utm_campaign=raw_ep80
FULL EPISODE LIST & RESOURCES
https://www.ironcompany.com/podcast?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=notes&utm_campaign=raw_ep80
IRON COMPANY — trusted gym equipment & flooring since 1997
Full episode list & resources:
https://www.ironcompany.com/podcast?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=notes&utm_campaign=raw_all_eps
Shop Cardio Equipment (treadmills, ellipticals, bikes):
https://www.ironcompany.com/cardio-equipment?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=notes&utm_campaign=raw_all_eps
Shop Free Weights (dumbbells, barbells, kettlebells):
https://www.ironcompany.com/free-weights?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=notes&utm_campaign=raw_all_eps
Shop Gym Flooring (rubber rolls, mats, tiles):
https://www.ironcompany.com/rubber-gym-flooring?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=notes&utm_campaign=raw_all_eps
Shop Strength Training Equipment (benches, racks, cages):
https://www.ironcompany.com/strength-training-equipment?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=notes&utm_campaign=raw_all_eps
Government & GSA Buyers (contract & bids):
https://www.ironcompany.com/gsa-and-cmas-bid-information?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=notes&utm_campaign=raw_all_eps
RAW Articles & Training Guides:
https://www.ironcompany.com/articles?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=notes&utm_campaign=raw_all_eps
