We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Asa Barnes a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Asa, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

Preacher Power was grown out of a desire to teach others the finer parts of powerlifting. The 3 lifts at the surface seem quite basic, but to perform at an elite level, or even just a safe level, one has to master the finer techniques of each lift. It takes patience, perseverance and belief in the process. We are a teaching facility. Thats what separates us from the rest. We want you to succeed and fulfill your goals. The individual success is our success, as are the failures. I feel those as much as my athlete does. I take it personally and find a way to move past those failures, physically and mentally.
While we are a powerlifting community, I also teach and help others to reach their personal goals even if it is not a competitive goal. We are all inclusive. If you are willing to work, I am willing to teach.

Asa, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Oh boy. Well, my father was a World Champion on the 60’s and 70’s. I grew up with it. My first competition was a AAU weightlifting competition in Encanto Park. Ive been lifting weights ever since. Now Im 58. I have set many World Records, National and State Records throughout my career. Currently #1 in the World in my age group and working on #1 in the Open class where I compete against those much younger than myself.
I obviously enjoy what I do. And I love sharing my passion with others whether they are first timers or old timers. It doesn’t matter, just have fun with it.
My clients range from 13 to 67. So my training profile and abilities cover a wide range of needs. I do a fair amount of rehabilitation for those who may be coming back from injury as well. We work with proper movement first and then progress our strength as our movement progresses and improves.
I am a certified trainer by NASM and USPA Certified Powerlifting Coach. I am constantly learning to improve myself and advance my clients as well. If you’re interested. LETS TALK!

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Preacher Power has always been a dream. I had an opportunity arise to help a friend with his business and accumulated some equipment during the process. We started in a garage, then sub-leased some space in a crossfit box. We quickly grew out of that and bit the bullet to a storefront space which was 1500sqft. 3 years later its 4500sqft and we did that at the beginning of the pandemic. Our members are amazing and we were able to develop a plan that enabled them to keep coming. While the pandemic is still here, and its still a tough battle for small business to succeed, we are persevering.
I work a full time job, coach over 30 members, plus online clients and run the gym. Its a lot, but I wouldn’t change it.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Ive been powerlifting competitively for over 30 years. Im pretty good at it and have built a reputation through the years. Im fortunate enough to have had a following who believed in the mission and the process which helped us to get where we are today. But, dont depend on reputation. You have to be on top of the process all the time. In this business people come and go frequently for many reasons. Moving, marriage, kids or maybe just a new adventure. You cat take it personal. Its just part of the business. (although I still take it personal!)
I think our biggest success is just being honest and upfront with people. Guide them honestly and they will always trust you.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.preacherpowerllc.com
• Instagram: @asa_preacher_barnes, @preacherpowerbbc
• Facebook: Asa Preacher Barnes