Ed is an absolute gem, my 15 yr old son wrote to him about his deadlift and was stoked when Ed wrote back with some advice. The smile that put on his face was priceless, he couldn’t wait to show all his mates at school and it also benefitted his lifts. We re down in Australia and he didn’t think he would ever get anything. Thanks to all you guys for the advice.

Ed is a national treasure!

In the 1st minute, Ed “don’t be a dick.” Exactly. The greatest are humble and kind.

I love the mentality of powerlifters like Ed Coan and Jen Thompson. Two powerlifting athletes on opposite sides of the spectrum and yet they both stay humble, keep their training simple, and try to lift others up.

Ed's never changed, through all the records and titles, he is still a regular guy who is unaffected by his notoriety in the sport. That is how to carry yourself!

message to the younger guys....listen to Ed...even 10 minutes of proper stretching...knees, lowback, hips...will save your joints and body big time...

meanwhile im eating cake and drinking a protein shake before workout 😂

I’m one of the 96% I don’t compete but always loved power lifting, I’m the only one out of my family and friends that does it, and do it safely all thanks to Elitefts, thanks guys for all the great advice and wisdom you give us

Ed n Dave are priceless gems with priceless knowledge.

I competed in the mid 80’s through mid 90’s and if there was social media back then I never would have been as successful simply because of the distraction it causes. The secret to my success was to only focus on myself and be the very best and strongest I could be then hit the meet and see what happens. It was the best time of my life. I also got to meet Ed and hang out with him a little and he was the nicest and kindest guy I ever met in sports.

Ed has some very good points. The first one is true. At some power lifting gyms there are "clicks" kinda like high school. One gym i used to attend had several nice and cool people leave because of the Online and in the gym harassing and bullying by certain lifters. I didn't believe it because i never saw it as i lifted with a different group but then when i left the gym and moved out of state , i saw it on Facebook even some comments against me by those certain lifters and i am cool with everyone. In order to protect the future of the sport, people need to put their egos aside and stop the nonsense. We are not in High School anymore. We are grown men and women all on a journey and should be supporting, caring and helping each other to become better and stronger human beings, not tearing each other down and bringing toxic behavior in a place where your supposed to find comfort, motivation and strength.

I workout with a guy that used to be trained by Ed Coan and just being this guys friend I've learned a good deal thx Ed

Love this. “If you’re not nice you’re just a dick”. Well said Ed.  Well Said   Now I want a shirt that says this

It's funny Ed Coan should mention how people treat others, because I purchased an EliteFTS 3x3 rack back around 2012, and I even though I'm some nobody, I was treated as if I was an important client.

I'm not even good for the image of EliteFTS, I don't matter, yet I was treated REALLY well.  

Honest business with decent people is a difficult thing to forget.

I always liked the counter culture aspect of old powerlifting. Not so into the more acceptable part. But. I love listening to Ed coan

Kaz hinted that the plates used in the Hawaii meets may not have been accurate.

Let me first say Ed is a super generous guy. And I have had experience which is exactly like he explains. Elite gym in Brooklyn refused to have formal powerlifting in their gym,even refused some offers of free seminars from a legend in the sport. But the gym profited from an influx of powerlifters,so their business grew. But they still have not even appreciated much less learned what the sport is about.

On the topic of powerlifting in the olympics, i think the biggest problem isn'f money, its the drugs and the division. There are too many federations with different rules and regulations and the PED use is rampant, not that weightlifting is not worse, its that the countries that abuse ped's in weightlifting hide it better. The olympics has a vested interest in maintaining the illusion of clean.

Just started lifting 2 years ago, 1st competition Dec 2024.  Hwave met so many great people   i think the discipline and the truth that you always fail, both are humbling.  I am 77, and some of the young men in their late teens that I have met give me hope for the future.  Perhaps top level open International competition is different, but in all the age/weight segmented divisions I have seen, everyone roots for each other, and are supportive both with advice and energy!

Ed’s right. The vast majority will never ever care about competitive powerlifting. Powerlifters dedicate their life to moving weight on a barbell through space. Very vein and very boring. Are the weights lifted impressive. Absolutely. I do like that it’s not as homo erotic as bodybuilding.