ABOUT THE GUEST
Ed Coan is a legendary powerlifter and multiple world champion widely regarded as one of the most accomplished strength athletes in history. He joins host Marty Gallagher to discuss how earlier pioneers informed today’s best practices.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
How past champions organized volume, intensity, and peaking for the big three lifts.
Why power racks, Olympic barbells, calibrated weight plates, and lifting platforms improve safety and progress.
Practical setup cues for stronger, more consistent squats, benches, and deadlifts.
Mindset, recovery, and meet‑day strategies that keep training sustainable.
KEY TOPICS
Periodization and progression for long‑term strength development.
Equipment choices that matter for serious powerlifting: power racks, bars, plates, belts, and platforms.
Risk management: bracing, bar path control, and floor protection for heavy pulls.
QUICK ANSWERS
Q: What are the must‑have items for a powerlifting‑ready gym?
A: A solid power rack, a stiff power bar, quality weight plates, and a stable platform or deadlift mats cover safety and progression for squat, bench, and deadlift.
Q: Do belts and deadlift mats really help?
A: A leather belt improves bracing and spinal stability on heavy sets; deadlift mats protect floors, reduce noise and vibration, and provide consistent bar height and rebound.
Q: How often should intermediates train the big three?
A: Two to three focused sessions per week with planned waves of volume and intensity—plus periodic deloads—works for most lifters; adjust based on recovery and meet calendar.
SHOP THE EPISODE
Pro Series Power Cage (commercial power rack)
https://www.ironcompany.com/pro-series-power-cage?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=notes&utm_campaign=raw_ep85
Ivanko Raw Stainless Olympic Powerlifting Bar
https://www.ironcompany.com/ivanko-raw-stainless-olympic-powerlifting-bar?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=notes&utm_campaign=raw_ep85
Ivanko OM Olympic Machined Barbell Plates
https://www.ironcompany.com/ivanko-om-olympic-machined-barbell-plates?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=notes&utm_campaign=raw_ep85
4" Suede Leather Weightlifting Belt
https://www.ironcompany.com/4in-suede-leather-weightlifting-belt-lbsd4?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=notes&utm_campaign=raw_ep85
Heavy-Duty Deadlifting Mats
https://www.ironcompany.com/heavy-duty-deadlifting-mats?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=notes&utm_campaign=raw_ep85
FULL EPISODE LIST & RESOURCES
https://www.ironcompany.com/podcast?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=notes&utm_campaign=raw_ep85
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
