BUILD STRENGTH.
LEARN THE LIFTS.
Individualized powerlifting coaching in Maplewood, Minnesota for lifters who want to squat, bench, and deadlift with better technique, build measurable strength, and understand how to train for long-term progress.
MORE THAN A PROGRAM
Powerlifting is built around three lifts—but getting stronger at them requires more than adding weight to the bar.
We start with how you move. Your squat, bench, and deadlift are assessed alongside mobility, positioning, bracing, foot pressure, and technique so we can understand what is actually limiting the lift.
From there, your training is built around Knowledge → Skills → Abilities.
You’ll learn why we use certain variations, what positions we’re trying to improve, how to execute your lifts more efficiently, and how to make adjustments as you get stronger.
The goal isn’t to make you dependent on a coach forever.
It’s to build a stronger, more knowledgeable lifter.
POWERLIFTING COACHING
Individualized Training — Built Around Your Lifts
✓ Individualized squat, bench + deadlift programming
✓ Movement assessment + mobility work
✓ Technique coaching for setup, positioning, bracing + foot pressure
✓ Exercise variations selected based on what your lifts need
✓ Progressive overload with planned volume + intensity
✓ Warm-ups designed around your movement needs
✓ In-person coaching to develop and refine lifting skills
✓ Ongoing program adjustments as strength + technique progress
✓ Video review + feedback between sessions
✓ Meet preparation + attempt planning when competing
✓ Competition commands + meet-day preparation
TRAIN FOR STRENGTH. COMPETE WHEN YOU’RE READY.
COACHING THAT’S ACTUALLY INDIVIDUALIZED
You don’t have to be a competitive powerlifter to train like one.
Some lifters come to me because they want to learn the squat, bench, and deadlift, improve their technique, and get stronger. Others have a meet on the calendar and need their training built toward competition day.
If competing becomes the goal, we’ll prepare for more than just heavier lifts.
Meet prep includes:
✓ Competition commands + standards
✓ Programming built toward meet day
✓ Heavy singles + competition-specific practice
✓ Attempt selection + meet-day strategy
✓ Warm-up planning
✓ Equipment + meet-day preparation
✓ Managing fatigue as the meet approaches
✓ Building confidence under competition conditions
Your first meet shouldn’t feel like a guessing game. You’ll know what to expect, how to execute your lifts, and have a plan when you step onto the platform.
“Working with Angela has completely changed the way I approach my lifts. I’m not just following a program—I understand what I’m working on, why we’re making adjustments, and what I should be feeling during each lift. My technique has improved, I’m stronger, and I feel much more confident training on my own.”
— Powerlifting Client
YOUR COACHING STARTS WITH AN ASSESSMENT
Before we start adding weight to the bar, I want to understand how you move.
Your first session includes a full-body movement assessment looking at foot pressure, ankle and hip mobility, shoulder movement, rib cage and trunk position, bracing, and how those pieces show up in your squat, bench, and deadlift.
What we learn helps determine your:
✓ Warm-ups + mobility work
✓ Squat, bench + deadlift setup
✓ Stance, grip + positioning
✓ Exercise selection + variations
✓ Individualized programming
Your technique gives us information. Rather than forcing every lifter into the same positions, we build your lifts around your individual mechanics and continue refining them as your strength develops.
That's enough. You don't need the additional closing sentence because you've already established the outcome elsewhere.
POWERLIFTING FAQ
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No. You can train the squat, bench, and deadlift and build strength without ever stepping onto a competition platform. Some clients simply want to become stronger and more technically proficient. If competing becomes a goal later, we can transition your training toward meet preparation.
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No. Coaching can start with learning the lifts from the beginning or refining years of existing experience. We start with your current knowledge, movement, and lifting ability and build from there.
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Your training frequency is individualized based on your experience, recovery, goals, schedule, and current technique. Your program may also include variations of the competition lifts and accessory work designed to address specific needs.
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Earlier is generally better. Having time before a meet allows us to develop technique and strength before training becomes increasingly competition-specific. If you already have a meet selected, we’ll evaluate your current training and determine the best approach based on the time available.
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As the meet approaches, training becomes increasingly specific to competition. We practice commands and competition standards, introduce appropriate heavier work, manage fatigue, plan attempts and warm-ups, and prepare you for what to expect on meet day.
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No. You do not need a gym membership for your scheduled coaching sessions at American Strength. If you want to train there independently between sessions, membership options are available.
READY TO GET STRONGER?
Whether you want to improve your squat, bench, and deadlift or have a powerlifting meet on your calendar, we'll start with where you are now and build from there.