Meet Michael Cole of Long Beach Power Co.

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Cole.

So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
It all started when I refused to sit in LA traffic.

Some years ago, powerlifting was quickly becoming more than a hobby for myself. It was becoming something I was passionate about. Something I wanted to pursue personally, but also share with others. However, I soon learned that corporate gyms didn’t take too kindly to strength athletes. So, I found myself making the (on average) 45-minute commute out to Long Beach to train at the Metroflex Gym out there. There I found many like-minded individuals as well as a powerlifting team! Everything was perfect, save for one thing: the commute home. I would jump in rush hour traffic, & sit in my car for anywhere from one to two hours. Not only was it terrible for my body, it was soul-crushing.

I grew sick of that FAST, & decided I’d rather stay at the gym & help my coach out. The rest, as they say, is history. From there I progressed to an assistant coach, then eventually to head coach. As head coach, the team went from local heroes to national & even world champions. We went from the strongest people in the gym to national & world record holders.

Somewhere along the way, I found a niche for individuals who value strength training, but not necessarily powerlifting competition. People who didn’t care so much how good they looked, but rather how good they felt. Thus, the Long Beach Power Co was born. Personalized training centered around strength training & healthy movement patterns, in addition to a kickass powerlifting team.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The struggle was real. Though nothing in life comes easy.

We went through a lot of the struggles small businesses experience, more specifically the struggles that come with a niche market (powerlifting/strength training). While those struggles aren’t quite what they were, to say we’re past them would be naive. But, we’re still here with plans to continue our growth as a business AND as a community.

The first obstacle was a clash of personalities. My initial transition to head coach wasn’t smooth (to say the least). Communication wasn’t a priority on the team back then, & I personally suffered for it early on. The team suffered for it. In a gym full of alpha individuals, you have to expect alpha egos. Couple that with the typical woes of a commercial gym (despite the best efforts of the gym owner), it wasn’t the best place to be. Anxiety was high & the team was suffering.

The second & the biggest obstacle was when I decided to move the team to the location we’re at now. It was something I felt that was necessary, but I wasn’t 100% certain I’d have a team when it was all said & done. When I initially informed the team of the move, only two team members told me they’d follow me. At that time, there were over ten members on the team. To this point, that remains the most stressful time of my life. I didn’t know if there’d be a team to speak of the next day, & I was constantly feeling like this dream job of mine would be over before it even started. I did end up loosing some business initially, but I ended up retaining more than I thought I would.

Please tell us about Long Beach Power Co.
Long Beach Power Co is primarily a powerlifting team. In addition to providing a safe & effective environment to pursue one’s powerlifting goals, we also offer strength-based personalized training.

As head coach, I train all the athletes. I write their programs, oversee their day-to-day training, & accompany my competitive athletes to their competitions. I basically do everything I can to ensure my athletes/clients achieve their own powerlifting/fitness goals.

In the world of powerlifting, the team is quickly becoming known for being technically sound & well disciplined. My athletes move efficiently with little to no wasted movement. We are aware & conscious of all the rules in a powerlifting meet, & make sure we don’t “beat ourselves”.

Outside of the world of powerlifting, we’re developing a reputation of providing a “safe” environment. Safe in the sense that I won’t put my athletes/lifters in high-risk positions. I learn & respect each individual’s physical & mental limits & work to push those limits as safely as possible. I also strive to provide a low anxiety environment. The only way I can get the most out of my athletes’/clients’ workouts, is by providing a space for them to feel comfortable. Between the walls of Long Beach Power Co is a safe environment, in every sense of the word.

Despite the aforementioned national/world championships, despite all the national/world records, I am most proud of the individual stories being told. Helping somewhat squat pain-free for the first time in their life has proven more fulfilling than any medal they’ve ever won.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I feel like an open mind & a closed mouth has proven the most beneficial. I can tell my athletes/clients what to do all day, but sitting & listening to them has been the most important quality/characteristic. That’s where all the progress has & ever will be made.

Contact Info:

• Address: 2445 N Palm Dr. #104Signal Hill, CA
  90755, USA
• Website: http://longbeachpowerco.com/
• Phone: 6266327445
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lbpwrco/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LBPWRCO

Image Credit:
Laurel Dailey

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