Nick Harden | PhD

Coaching Expertise: Hypertrophy / Bodybuilding, Powerlifting, Endurance, General Sports Performance, Weight Loss, Muscle Gain, Body Composition, Beginners, Intermediate Athletes, Advanced Athletes, General Fitness Enthusiasts, Marathons, Longevity, Post-Injury Recovery Clients   Coaching Style:  Positive and Supportive (Encouraging and affirming throughout the process.) Compassionate (Understands and adapts to individual challenges.) Goal-oriented (Focused on achieving specific, measurable outcomes.) Transformational (Emphasizes personal growth and mindset shifts.) Client-centered (Prioritizes the client’s goals, preferences, and feedback.) Educational (Focuses on teaching clients the “why” behind strategies.), Detail-oriented (Carefully tracks data and progress for optimal adjustments.) Holistic (Considers the client’s overall health, lifestyle, and well-being.) Flexible and Adaptive (Adjusts plans frequently to suit changing client needs.) Motivational and Inspirational (Inspires clients to stay consistent and overcome obstacles.) Practical and Realistic (Balances ambition with achievable goals for long-term success.)   Qualifications:  PhD Sport Physiology & Performance Sports Nutrition Graduate Certificate UCM Personal Training (under Jared Feather) UCM Scientific Training Association VP (under Mike Israetel & Jared Feather) ETSU Head Powerlifting Coach   Hobbies and Interests:  I love Jesus! Psalm 150.  If you ask me where or what I want to eat, it's probably going to be meat related. There's nothing better than a Brazilian Steakhouse ;)  No joke—I was once ranked in the Top 10 worldwide for Capture the Flag in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3. Safe to say, I had a lot more free time back then.   Why Choose Nick:  Coaching isn’t just about handing you a plan—it’s about truly understanding you and helping you navigate training and nutrition in a way that fits your lifestyle. I am intentional with our time together—whether that’s getting to know you, thoughtfully considering your questions, or reading between the lines to address the ones you didn’t explicitly ask. That’s why I encourage Q&As—I love deep discussions, nuanced thinking, and breaking down complex topics without making your brain melt. My clients often call me an “interactive textbook,” which I take as both a compliment and possibly a sign that I need more hobbies. But while I love diving into the details, my real focus is making sure it all works in real life. After all, training and nutrition don't exist in a perfectly controlled environment. Life happens—stress, busy seasons, travel, sickness, holidays, impromptu "why did I agree to this?" events—you name it. My job is to guide you through all of it without losing your mind while keeping you on track toward your goals and adapting as needed. More often than not, I’ll send you longer emails than you send me because I want you to understand what we're doing—not just follow instructions. I believe in explaining the why behind the plan so you actually understand how it benefits you. Training should challenge you, but dare I say, it should also be enjoyable. If we're going to do the hard stuff, we might as well make it something you actually look forward to.   My areas of expertise include hypertrophy, strength, and endurance. Or, as I like to put it: getting you strong, jacked, and lean. No matter your background, I can help. My style? Laid-back, encouraging, and—let’s be honest—emoji-laden. I like to keep things fun while still delivering the depth and detail you need to succeed. If this sounds like the coaching experience you’re looking for, I'd love to work with you!