top of page

Why Work with Me

Writer's picture: Josh HezzaJosh Hezza

Updated: Feb 2





Why Work with Me: The Right Choice for Competitive Strength Athletes

When it comes to competitive strength training, choosing the right coach is not just about finding someone with a certification or a social media presence. It’s about selecting a guide who understands the intricate balance between theory, practice, and the unique demands of your sport. With over 12 years of experience working with athletes at every level—from complete beginners to world champions—I bring a proven track record, an academic foundation, and a results-driven methodology to every client I coach. This article explores why I am the right choice for competitive strength athletes, highlighting the principles, methodologies, and philosophies that underpin my coaching practice.



A Proven Track Record of Excellence

Results Beyond the Podium

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with athletes across various strength sports, including Strongman, powerlifting, and general strength training. My athletes have consistently achieved personal bests, stood on podiums, broken records, and excelled in their chosen disciplines. These results are not mere coincidences; they stem from a deliberate, adaptable approach to coaching that combines evidence-based practices with innovative programming.

One of the key drivers of these successes is my ability to adapt proven methodologies, such as the Conjugate Method, to the unique demands of competitive strength sports. This includes tailoring Maximal Effort (ME), Dynamic Effort (DE), and Repetition Methods to improve not only maximal strength but also attributes like endurance, speed, and explosiveness.

For example, in "The Conjugate Method for Strongman - Rides Again" on TEAMJOSHHEZZA.com, I explore how traditional powerlifting principles can be reimagined to suit the multifaceted requirements of Strongman. By integrating event-specific training into Conjugate programming, I help athletes address the unpredictable challenges of competition, such as transitioning between maximal strength lifts and high-rep endurance events.

Real-World Applications

Whether it's helping an athlete refine their deadlift technique for a world record attempt or designing a training cycle to peak for a Strongman competition, my coaching philosophy is rooted in practicality. Articles like "Event Training Within a Conjugate Framework" delve into how these principles play out in real-world settings, offering actionable advice on integrating event-specific demands into broader training cycles.



An Academic Foundation with Practical Application

Bridging Theory and Practice

I’ve built my coaching philosophy on a robust academic foundation, holding a BSc, MSc, PGCert, and currently pursuing a PhD. On top of the usual industry specific qualifications you would expect as well as the WSBB Special Strengths Certificate. These qualifications provide me with a deep understanding of biomechanics, physiology, and sports science. However, what truly sets me apart is my ability to bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world application.

Many coaches rely solely on either academic knowledge or practical experience. My approach integrates both to:

  • Conduct in-depth assessments of individual weaknesses.

  • Develop optimised recovery and injury prevention strategies.

  • Create programmes aligned with both short-term goals and long-term development.

In "The Conjugate Method for Dummies", I present a comprehensive breakdown of complex training methodologies, turning them into accessible, actionable insights for athletes and coaches alike. This synthesis of theory and practice ensures that every aspect of an athlete’s training is informed by both cutting-edge science and proven experience.

Advanced Problem Solving

Through my academic work, I’ve developed advanced skills in biomechanical analysis, periodisation design, and injury mitigation. Articles such as "Lower Body Mobilisation for Squat Performance" showcase how these insights translate into practical strategies to enhance movement efficiency, reduce injury risk, and improve overall performance.



Customised Training for Every Athlete

Comprehensive Assessments

Every athlete begins their journey with a thorough evaluation. This includes:

  • Strengths and weaknesses analysis.

  • Mobility assessments.

  • Detailed injury history reviews.

By identifying specific areas for improvement, I can create highly targeted programmes that address the root causes of performance limitations. For instance, insights from "Assistance and Accessory Work in Strongman" inform my approach to accessory programming, ensuring that every exercise serves a clear purpose within the broader training plan.

Tailored Programming

Each programme I design is built around an athlete’s unique goals, competition schedule, and physical profile. Key features include:

  • Event-Specific Training: For Strongman athletes, I seamlessly integrate event work into the training cycle, using principles outlined in "Building the Squat for Strongman and Powerlifting" to ensure optimal carryover to competition.

  • Dynamic Feedback Loops: Regular check-ins allow me to adjust programming based on real-time feedback, ensuring that athletes remain on track even as circumstances change.



A Holistic Approach to Athlete Development

Beyond Physical Strength

Success in competitive strength sports requires more than just lifting heavy weights. It demands:

  • Mental Toughness: My coaching includes strategies to develop resilience, focus, and confidence under pressure.

  • Recovery Optimisation: Joint health, mobility, and active recovery are cornerstones of my approach, as explored in "Lower Body Mobilisation for Squat Performance".

  • General Physical Preparedness (GPP): Building a robust base to support high-intensity training while minimising injury risk.

Long-Term Athlete Development

Rather than chasing short-term results, my coaching focuses on sustainable progress. By prioritising longevity and comprehensive development, I help athletes build careers that last.



The Conjugate Method: A Pillar of My Coaching

Versatility in Application

The Conjugate Method is a cornerstone of my programming. Its versatility allows for the concurrent development of strength, speed, and endurance, making it ideal for sports like Strongman. My article "The Conjugate Method for Dummies" provides an in-depth guide to its principles, including exercise rotation, wave loading, and the integration of sport-specific elements.

Tailored for Strength Sports

By adapting the Conjugate framework, I ensure that my athletes are prepared for the unpredictable demands of competition. This includes:

  • Rotating exercises to address weaknesses.

  • Prioritising recovery to prevent overtraining.

  • Integrating event-specific drills seamlessly into weekly cycles.




Results-Driven Coaching with a Personal Touch

At the heart of my coaching philosophy is a commitment to results. Whether it’s helping an athlete achieve their first competition win or guiding a seasoned competitor to a new personal best, my focus is always on delivering tangible outcomes. My results-driven approach is built on three key principles:

Individualised Attention

I take the time to understand each athlete’s unique journey, adapting training programmes and strategies to their specific needs. This includes:

  • Identifying key performance indicators to track progress.

  • Customising feedback and adjustments to suit each athlete’s goals and challenges.

  • Providing tailored mental strategies to help athletes stay focused and confident.

Building Relationships Based on Trust

Coaching is not a transactional process. It’s a partnership. I prioritise open and honest communication, ensuring athletes feel supported throughout their training journey. By fostering trust and mutual respect, I create an environment where athletes are motivated to excel.

Long-Term Success Over Short-Term Gains

While quick wins are satisfying, my focus is on sustained, long-term success. This means:

  • Designing programmes that promote career longevity and reduce injury risk.

  • Educating athletes on recovery, nutrition, and mental resilience to enhance their autonomy and understanding of their training.

  • Celebrating not only competitive achievements but also personal growth and milestones.

Testimonials and Success Stories

My approach has been validated by numerous athletes who have reached new heights in their careers under my guidance. From breaking personal records to dominating podium finishes, my coaching delivers results that speak for themselves. Testimonials from clients highlight my ability to not only improve physical performance but also instil a deeper sense of confidence and capability in each athlete.




Why Choose Me?

  1. Proven Expertise: With over 12 years of coaching experience, I have worked with a diverse range of athletes, from those entering their first competition to world-class competitors. My track record includes guiding clients to personal bests, podium finishes, and record-breaking performances, always prioritising long-term success over quick fixes.

  2. Innovative Methodologies: I combine academic rigour with practical application, offering training programmes that are evidence-based and tailored to meet real-world demands. My ability to adapt methodologies like the Conjugate Method to suit the specific challenges of strength sports has been instrumental in delivering results. This innovative approach ensures that every programme is both cutting-edge and effective.

  3. Customised Programmes: Every athlete is unique, and so are their training needs. I design bespoke plans that take into account individual strengths, weaknesses, goals, and competition schedules. This includes event-specific training for Strongman, where exercises and strategies are carefully selected to prepare athletes for the unpredictable nature of competition.

  4. Holistic Development: Physical strength is only part of the equation. My coaching philosophy encompasses mental resilience, recovery optimisation, and injury prevention, ensuring athletes are well-rounded and prepared for the rigours of competition. From improving joint health to developing mental toughness, I focus on building athletes who can perform consistently at their best.

  5. A Track Record of Success: The results speak for themselves. My athletes have excelled across a range of strength sports, achieving consistent progress and exceptional outcomes. Whether it’s hitting a new personal best, excelling in a specific event, or standing on a podium, my coaching delivers tangible results that align with each athlete’s goals.

  6. Personalised Support and Feedback: Coaching is more than just writing a programme. I prioritise regular communication, providing feedback, support, and adjustments as needed to ensure my athletes remain on track. This collaborative approach fosters trust and ensures that every programme evolves alongside the athlete’s progress.

  7. A Commitment to Education: Beyond coaching, I aim to empower my athletes with the knowledge they need to understand their training. By explaining the principles behind each exercise, programme adjustment, and recovery strategy, I ensure that my clients are not just following instructions but actively engaging with their own development.



A Partnership for Success

Choosing the right coach is one of the most important decisions a competitive strength athlete can make. It’s about finding someone who understands the demands of your sport, who can push you to achieve your best, and who genuinely cares about your success. With a proven track record, a deep academic foundation, and a commitment to individualised, results-driven coaching, I am confident that I am the right choice for athletes who are serious about excelling in strength sports.

To take your training to the next level, explore my Diamond Package at TEAMJOSHHEZZA.com. This comprehensive coaching programme offers tailored training plans, regular feedback, and dedicated support to help you achieve your goals.

For more insights, updates, and training tips, follow me on Instagram and TikTok. Let’s continue to push the boundaries of strength sports together, one lift and one event at a time.





14 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


STRONGMAN - POWERLIFTING - NUTRITIONAL ADVICE - WEIGHT LOSS - MUSCLE TONE - CORE STABILITY - POSTURE CORRECTION - CARDIO FITNESS - SPEED AGILITY QUICKNESS - ONLINE COACHING - PERSONAL TRAINING - WEDDING-FIT - OLYMPIC WEIGHTLIFTING

TEAMJOSHHEZZA Logo

© 2023 by PERSONAL TRAINER. All rights reserved

bottom of page