Greetings! My name is Matt Hockley. I’d love to be your coach.
I live in southeastern Pennsylvania with my wife and three sons. I’ve been practicing the barbell lifts for about 7 years. I started with Stronglifts 5×5, but quickly plateaued. After some time off, I began following the Starting Strength method on my own before I progressed the point that I realize I really needed a coach to refine my form and avoid injury. I signed up for coaching with Barbell Logic over two years ago, and have been consistent in my lifting since then, even competing in a few online lifting competitions put on by Barbell Logic and The US Strengthlifting Federation. I am a graduate of the Barbell Logic Coaching Academy instructed under Certified Professional Barbell Coach Karl Schudt.
I’m not a gym rat or one of those “bros” checking himself out in the gym mirror. I have experienced the transformational power of barbell training and I want to share that experience with others to help them live better lives. My approach is rather philosophical and I believe that the benefits of strength training go far beyond the physical manifestations of bodily ability. I believe barbell training is one ingredient in achieving the Good Life that philosophers of old sought. I believe in “the refining power of voluntary hardship” (credit to Matt Reynolds). I believe that by doing difficult things; by voluntarily choosing to do difficult things, we more fully embody what it is to be human and we prepare ourselves for the hardships of life that are not of our choosing.
In my own practice I’ve found not only significant physical development and ability, but also increased confidence, a calmer, less anxious demeanor, and greater grit and determination when faced with a challenge. My life is objectively better in many ways because of regular barbell training. It is my firm conviction that these benefits are accessible to anyone who is willing to take up the art and choose to do this hard thing. It would be my honor to mentor you along the path.