Michael Elrod-Erickson
I first started lifting weights at 14 years old to help with basketball, but I quickly realized I loved lifting in a way I never did traditional sports. With lifting, you are in complete control and the results are objective. These two components are highly enjoyable and difficult to find elsewhere in life.
I started competing in powerlifting at 15, but I soon ran into some problems with chronic low back pain that took a couple of years to overcome. While my own training was put on the back burner, I began coaching. I coached the strength training for my high school's track team for two years, shadowed twice a week with strength coaches at a local university, and did two strength coaching internships all before even graduating high school. I decided to dedicate my life to coaching strength training.
My Experience
I am the Assistant Coach for Team USA in the International Powerlifting League (IPL). At the 2023 IPL World Championship we won first place as a country/team, as well as winning best lifter awards for open male, open female, and masters female.
Prior to that, I interned at Kabuki Strength, where I coached multiple world record holders, hall of fame powerlifters, world champions, and some of the best masters athletes of all time. I also learned from six different coaches on a daily basis. Additionally, I coached for Kabuki at the 2023 USPA National Championship, where our 10 athletes set 41 world records, while winning 5 best lifter awards, 21 gold medals, and over a quarter of the prize money.
I am an educator for the United States Powerlifting Association (USPA) Coach Certification Course. I received a Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology (Exercise Science) from the University of Alabama in Huntsville. I am a USPA Certified Powerlifting Coach, and have additional certifications from Westside Barbell (Personal Training And Athletic Coaching), Pre-Script (Barbell Coaching and Level 1), and CFSC Level 2.
My Philosophy
I believe that striving for mastery in all movements you perform in the gym is the best way to make progress. Whether your goals are strength, performance, or aesthetics related, exercises are more efficient when performed well.
Training is not all about effort, it is also largely about choosing the right things to do and executing them well. Think about it this way - would you rather paint a fence with a toothbrush or a paint roller? Working hard is great, but first you should make sure that you're using the right tool and that you can use it effectively. I am here to help make sure you're doing the right things and performing them well so that you can get the highest return out of the effort you put in.
When it comes to remote coaching, I have structured my service around three central aspects: individualized programming, video feedback, and daily communication.
1) Individualized programming - Your exercise plan should be 100% individualized to your current level and your goals.
2) Video feedback - Film yourself performing the movements, so that I can see how you're moving and we can work together to optimize that.
3) Daily communication - Many powerlifting coaches only provide feedback on a weekly basis, because this is easiest for them. However, there's no doubt that receiving feedback shortly after you perform the activity is more beneficial for learning. That is why I do daily communication instead. I respond as soon as I am able, and I guarantee you a response to any technique videos or questions within a maximum of 24 hours.
To read more about my coaching services, click here.
