I devoted so much of my life and energy to pursuing bigger weights and competing at the pinnacle of the sport of powerlifting.
But inevitably, things change. What do you do when the drive isn’t there? When you can’t smash weights and amaze the people around you? It could have been because of injury, age, or other factor.
This is a question I’ve received many times, from casual to elite lifters, to those unfamiliar with the sport of powerlifting.
What ELSE gives you satisfaction?
For the fellow elite lifter, who understands the dedication and sacrifice that goes into the training and competing, this question can be incredibly difficult to answer. For the non-lifters, there’s already the underlying question of WHY you put yourself through the grind of training and WHY you commit yourself to return again and again after injuries.
Most lifters—novice to elite—have some mix of talent and drive, leading to varying success. If you are in the middle, you are either content with modest results or still chasing bigger goals. But without both elite-level expectations and the experience of meeting them, your perspective will always be limited.
I’ve competed over 30 times in my career, 6 times internationally, on 3 continents.
I’ve broken 10 all-time world records in multiple weight categories, for total and for squats, in tested and untested competition. Some of the records were previously held by lifters I idolized and admired, as well as some which stood for close to 40 years.
Now, I’m 42 and all those records have since been broken and set higher by younger lifters! I’ve also had 4 surgeries and countless injuries that I’ve competed with or returned to competition after–always getting stronger!
Coaching is a Passion of Mine
Aside from lifting, I personally derive great joy from being married to my beautiful wife for nearly 12 years, raising my 4 kids, being a devoted follower of Jesus, as well as owning and operating my own business. There are many things in a lifter’s life that they CAN derive joy and satisfaction from when lifting is on the back burner, but here I’ll just focus on one: Coaching.
I’ve been a coach since 2006, since before I entered my first competition in 2007! I’ve coached all levels of lifters, from multiple world record setting lifters to the completely unfit!
Coaching is not the same as lifting, but guiding others on their powerlifting journeys is fantastic, and in some ways, even more satisfying.
- Coaching does not give you the adrenaline rush
- Coaching does not afford you the satisfaction of feeling unstoppable
- Coaching does not replace the humility felt when someone tells you that you inspired them
- Coaching can’t beat the moment your kids proudly tell their friends their dad IS the strongest man in the world
Coaching offers a unique challenge—and reward
You’re no longer mastering technique for yourself, but for lifters of all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds, each needing a different approach. Figuring out what works best for them, and getting their buy-in, pushes your own knowledge and judgment. There’s no one “right” way to lift—just the right way for them. A good coach teaches sound technique; a great coach tailors and evolves it to fit each athlete. That’s the difference.
Coaches must design programs that play to each lifter’s strengths, address weaknesses, and fit their life outside the gym. Just as important—if not more—is getting the lifter to fully buy in. A decent program with a driven athlete beats a perfect plan with a half-hearted one. Helping lifters mentally commit is one of the most rewarding parts of coaching, and just like bodies, minds vary—each requiring a different approach to unlock their best.
For me, the strongest motivation comes from knowing what I’m capable of and clearly seeing how training gets me there. Some lifters need belief, others need hype, pressure, or even restraint. And some just need a good kick in the ass!
Coaching expands on the rewards of lifting—you still chase progress, but through others. Few things compare to seeing someone achieve what they once thought impossible because you believed in them, taught them, and guided them there. It’s deeply personal. Coaching is about understanding people—how they think, what drives them—and helping them reach their potential, whether they’re teens cross-training, grandparents staying active, or professionals juggling lifting with demanding careers.
Every athlete has a different story, and as a coach, you feel their highs and lows almost as if they’re your own. Unlike lifting, which impacts others indirectly, coaching creates a direct, lasting impact. I believe when you’re given a gift—whether it’s lifting or coaching—you honor it, and honor God, by striving to use it fully. In the end, it’s not just about how much was lifted, but how you showed up, how you led, and the legacy you leave behind.
About The Author
Dan Green is a 10x World Record Setting powerlifter and the owner of Boss Barbell Club in Mountain View, California. In addition to competitions, he has lifted as an ANIMAL athlete since 2012 and performed at the Animal Cage at the Arnold Sports Festival several times. The "Boss", Dan Green is generously sharing his extensive knowledge of fitness and powerlifting with the Animal community.
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