In this episode of the Shaw Strength Podcast, Brian sits down with Ed Coan, widely regarded as the greatest powerlifter of all time, to unpack what real, lasting progress actually looks like. Ed breaks down the foundation of his success: simple training cycles executed with ruthless honesty, an obsession with closing weaknesses, and the discipline to play the long game. No gimmicks. No noise. Just principles that stand the test of time.

Brian and Ed dive into old-school lifting culture, basement gyms, boiler rooms, and training environments where accountability wasn’t optional. You showed up on time. You loaded plates. You cleaned up. If you didn’t contribute, you didn’t lift. That culture built resilient athletes who chased better reps, not attention.

Ed lays out lessons that are as practical as they are powerful: keep the plan simple, track how training feels, not just how it looks, and relentlessly bring up weak points so nothing breaks under heavy load. If one social media post can derail your 12-week cycle, you didn’t have a plan, you had distraction. He also speaks candidly about health, past mistakes with anti-inflammatories, and why bloodwork, sleep, and nutrition ultimately matter more than any number on the bar if you want longevity in the sport.

They also get into equipment, why certain old Nautilus and Nebula machines still hold value, how tools like the Sorinex Back Attack can build the posterior chain safely, and when specialty bars actually earn their place in a program. The episode closes on a bigger theme: trophies fade, but relationships, habits, and character remain. Respect strength. Build your circle wisely. Let your work speak for itself.

If you have questions for Brian, topics you would like to hear Brian talk about or guests you would like to see on the podcast email them to: askbrian@shawstrength.com

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