The Art of Choosing a Coach Who Empowers Performance Beyond Just Strength

Finding the right coach goes beyond picking someone who can lift heavy weights or has an impressive record in powerlifting. The best coaches understand the unique needs of each athlete and adapt their approach to help them reach their full potential. Mike Webber’s coaching career offers a clear example of this. He has worked with a diverse range of athletes, from NHL players and Olympic speed skaters to World’s Strongest Woman competitors and powerlifters, including the strongest person in Canada by coefficient and World Champion. His success comes from applying core principles across sports while tailoring training to individual demands and abilities.

Why Choosing a Coach Is More Than Picking a Good Lifter

Many athletes assume that a coach who excels in powerlifting or athletic training will automatically be the best coach. But coaching is not just about personal strength or experience. It’s about understanding how to guide, motivate, and adjust training based on the athlete’s needs.

A good coach:

• Recognizes the physical and mental demands of the athlete’s sport

• Adjusts training plans to fit individual strengths and weaknesses

• Knows when to push and when to encourage

• Uses cues and feedback tailored to the athlete’s response

  
  

Mike Webber’s approach shows that coaching is an art as much as a science. He can sense when an athlete needs a challenge or a boost of confidence, and he changes his communication style accordingly. This ability to read and respond to athletes is what separates a good coach from a great one.

Core Principles That Work Across Sports

Despite the variety of athletes Mike has coached, the foundation of his training remains consistent. These core principles apply whether the athlete is a powerlifter, a speed skater, or a bodybuilder:

• Progressive overload: Gradually increasing training intensity to build strength and endurance

• Recovery and rest: Prioritizing rest to prevent injury and promote muscle growth

• Technique focus: Ensuring proper form to maximize performance and reduce risk

• Individualization: Tailoring programs to the athlete’s sport, body type, and goals

  
  

For example, a powerlifter’s program will emphasize maximal strength and technique in lifts like the squat, bench press, and deadlift. Meanwhile, a speed skater’s training will focus more on explosive power, balance, and endurance. Mike adapts these principles to fit each athlete’s unique profile.

The Importance of Emotional Intelligence in Coaching

One of the most valuable traits a coach can have is emotional intelligence. This means understanding how athletes think and feel, and using that insight to guide them effectively.

Mike’s coaching style demonstrates this well. He knows some athletes respond best to encouragement, while others perform better when challenged. The cues that work for one athlete might confuse or injure another. A coach with emotional intelligence can:

• Read body language and mood

• Adjust communication style in real time

• Build trust and confidence

• Help athletes overcome mental barriers

  
  

This skill is especially important in athletic training, where motivation and mindset can be just as critical as physical ability.

Mike adjusts Tara's bench shirt at the World Powerlifting Organization Invite-Only Super Finals

How to Identify a Coach Who Will Help You Grow

If you are looking for a coach, consider these factors beyond their lifting records:

• Experience with your sport: Have they coached athletes in your discipline or similar fields?

• Adaptability: Do they customize training plans or use a one-size-fits-all approach?

• Communication style: Do they listen and respond to your needs?

• Track record: Have their athletes achieved measurable progress under their guidance?

• Emotional support: Do they motivate you in ways that work for you?

  
  

Ask for references or testimonials from athletes they have coached. Watch how they interact during training sessions. A coach who can balance technical knowledge with emotional insight will help you improve both physically and mentally.

Real-Life Example: Coaching Tara Webber, the Strongest Person in Canada

Mike Webber’s work with the strongest woman in Canada by highlights the value of a tailored coaching approach. Her training required not only strength development but also strategic planning to peak at competitions. Mike adjusted the program based on the athlete’s recovery, competition schedule, and mental state. The result was a 2 x World Champion who performed consistently at the podium level for the last eight years.

This example shows that success in powerlifting and athletic training depends on more than raw strength. It requires a coach who understands the athlete’s entire context and can guide them through every challenge.

Final Thoughts on Choosing the Right Coach

Choosing a coach is a decision that affects your progress and enjoyment in training. Look for someone who offers more than just lifting expertise. Find a coach who understands your sport, listens to your needs, and adapts their approach to help you grow physically and mentally.

The right coach will not only improve your strength but also help you become a better athlete overall. Take the time to find someone who can guide you with skill, insight, and care. Your performance will reflect the quality of coaching you receive.