Michael Elrod-Erickson
Founder & Head Coach
Michael is the founder and head coach of Premier Power & Performance. He has experience coaching and educating lifters of all levels. He served as the assistant coach for Team USA powerlifting twice, at the 2023 and 2024 IPL Powerlifting World Championships. He also coaches the University of Alabama in Huntsville’s collegiate powerlifting team. In 2024 Michael helped write and teach the USPA’s Level 2 Powerlifting Coach Certification Course. Michael leverages this vast experience and knowledge to help deliver serious results for serious lifters.
Michael has a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology (concentration in Exercise Science) from UAH. He is an NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and a USPA certified powerlifting coach. He has additional certifications from Westside Barbell, Pre-Script, CFSC, and Zero Weakness.
Michael has personally been competing in powerlifting since 2017 and in that time has added over 650 lbs to his total. He has also achieved an international elite deadlift in two different weight classes.
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Michael's Philosophy
Training is not all about effort, it is also important to choose the right things to do and to execute 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 know how to 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 most return out of the effort you put in.
In order to make my remote coaching the best service possible, I've centered it 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.