Today we’d like to introduce you to Sean Broda
Hi Sean, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Growing up, I was always involved in sports. I played a variety of them, but my primary focus was on soccer, cross country, and track & field. I excelled in these sports, which even led to a scholarship to play soccer. However, during my senior year of high school, my track and field coach made a comment that stuck with me: I was 220 lbs trying to be a long-distance runner, and he told me to pick up a barbell. That suggestion became the first step in a journey that would ultimately define my career.
Like many people starting out, I had big dreams of being like Arnold Schwarzenegger. I quickly realized, though, that bodybuilding wasn’t for me. I didn’t want to compete on stage or go through extreme dieting. Powerlifting caught my attention instead, particularly squatting and deadlifting. I found I was naturally strong, which fueled my passion for strength training. Around this time, I was also working as a personal trainer, further developing my love for health and fitness and laying the foundation for my future career.
While serving in the Army overseas, I encountered a moment that changed everything. A lieutenant, who weighed maybe 180 lbs, invited me to join him for a CrossFit workout. At the time, I weighed 235 lbs and could squat 500 lbs, so I chuckled at the idea. But I agreed. The workout started with a max snatch. He easily hit 245 lbs, while I struggled to lift 185 lbs. That moment confused and frustrated me—how could someone smaller and weaker than me in raw strength outperform me so significantly?
That challenge sparked an obsession with Olympic weightlifting. The snatch and clean & jerk weren’t just about brute strength; they required finesse, technique, and mental discipline. It wasn’t something I could just muscle through, and that realization captivated me. I dedicated myself to mastering these lifts, and weightlifting became the focal point of my training.
After years of intense training, I suffered a catastrophic back injury while in the Army. It was devastating, as it forced me to step back from training and competing. However, this period of recovery gave me the chance to focus on coaching. While still serving, I worked as a fitness professional and eventually became an instructor and content developer at the Army’s Physical Fitness School on Fort Jackson. It was during this time that I decided to specialize in coaching weightlifting.
Over the years, I’ve earned various professional certifications, but the most transformative experience was participating in a coaching mentorship program led by three coaches of Olympians. That mentorship gave me deeper insights into not just technique, but also the art of coaching—understanding how to guide athletes both physically and mentally toward their goals.
In the fall of 2022, I began coaching weightlifting online and out of my garage. By March of 2024, that small start evolved into launching our own dedicated space in Columbia. Today, our program has grown to over 20 athletes ranging in age from 8 to 44 years old. More than half of them are preparing to compete nationally this year. Seeing the progress and passion in these athletes fuels my commitment to building a thriving community in the sport.
Looking back, my journey has been shaped by challenges, curiosity, and a relentless drive to improve. Whether it was overcoming a humbling workout, adapting through injury, or building a team of athletes, every step has led me to where I am today. Olympic weightlifting isn’t just about the lifts—it’s about the discipline, the community, and the growth it brings. That’s the passion I bring to my coaching and the legacy I’m working to create.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of the most significant obstacles I faced was a catastrophic back injury while serving in the Army. At the time, I was deeply immersed in training and competing in Olympic weightlifting, so the injury was devastating. It forced me to confront the reality that I could no longer pursue the sport as an athlete.
Initially, stepping away from competing felt like a loss of identity, but it also became an opportunity to refocus my energy. That period of recovery and reflection led me to fully embrace coaching. I realized I could channel my passion for weightlifting into helping others achieve their goals. It wasn’t an easy transition—there was a lot of self-doubt and frustration in the beginning—but it ultimately redefined my purpose. Coaching became my way of staying connected to the sport and giving back to the weightlifting community.
Another major challenge came this year when we transitioned into operating as a non-profit organization. It was a bold move, but one driven by a clear mission: to reduce barriers to access in Olympic weightlifting and provide opportunities for athletes to succeed at national and international levels.
The transition came with its own set of hurdles. Navigating the legal and financial aspects of becoming a non-profit was a steep learning curve. Building a sustainable operational model while maintaining our focus on supporting athletes required careful planning and the support of a dedicated Board of Directors. Additionally, balancing our mission with the realities of funding and resource management continues to be a challenge.
Despite these obstacles, the shift has been incredibly rewarding. We’ve seen firsthand how this model allows us to make a real impact—whether it’s through financial support for competitions or creating an inclusive space for athletes of all ages and abilities. It’s not just about lifting weights; it’s about lifting people.
These challenges have taught me the importance of adaptability and perseverance. The injury showed me that setbacks can lead to new opportunities if you’re willing to shift your perspective. Transitioning to a non-profit reinforced the value of teamwork and vision. Both experiences have shaped the way I coach and run the organization, making me more resilient and focused on long-term success.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Powerhouse Functional Fitness is more than just a gym or training facility—it’s a community built on the principles of accessibility, excellence, and growth. We are a non-profit organization based in Columbia, South Carolina, with a mission to reduce barriers to entry in Olympic weightlifting and amateur sports. Our focus is on providing athletes of all ages and skill levels with the resources, coaching, and support they need to excel, whether they’re stepping onto a platform for the first time or competing at the international level.
We specialize in Olympic weightlifting, focusing on the snatch and clean & jerk. We offer comprehensive coaching for athletes of all ages, currently ranging from ages 8 to 44, providing individualized programming, technical feedback, and competition preparation. Our athletes include youth lifters, adults, and masters, with over half of them aiming to compete on the national stage this year.
What truly sets us apart is our dedicated staff who provide holistic care to every athlete. We believe that achieving peak performance involves more than just physical training—it’s about addressing the whole athlete. This includes:
Mental Performance Coaching: Through our partnership with a Mental Performance Coach, we help athletes develop mental resilience, focus, and strategies to manage stress in training and competition.
Injury Prevention and Recovery Guidance: Our coaches are trained to recognize potential movement issues and provide tailored modifications or prehab exercises to keep athletes safe and performing at their best. We are also partnered with a Physical Therapist to provide care when injuries do occur.
Nutritional Support and Education: We offer guidance to help athletes optimize their nutrition for training, recovery, and competition goals, ensuring they’re fueling their bodies properly.
Community and Emotional Support: Our staff fosters a welcoming, inclusive environment where athletes can feel supported not just physically, but emotionally, as they pursue their goals.
This holistic approach ensures that our athletes are not just strong, but also healthy, balanced, and mentally prepared to face the challenges of the sport. We’re dedicated to helping them achieve success both on and off the platform.
What makes us unique is our commitment to accessibility and community impact. As a non-profit organization, we’re not just focused on training athletes; we’re breaking down barriers to make the sport more inclusive. This means:
Financial Support for Athletes: We help cover the costs of competitions, equipment, and travel for athletes who might not otherwise have the means to participate.
Inclusive Environment: We welcome athletes from all walks of life, whether they’re new to weightlifting or seasoned competitors.
Focus on Youth Development: We’re passionate about introducing the next generation to weightlifting, teaching them skills that go beyond the barbell.
Additionally, our coaching is rooted in experience and mentorship. We focus on long-term athlete development, tailoring our approach to each individual’s goals and needs.
One of the things we’re most proud of is the culture we’ve created. Powerhouse Functional Fitness isn’t just a place to train—it’s a space where people feel supported, challenged, and inspired. Watching our athletes grow, both on and off the platform, is incredibly rewarding.
Launching our dedicated training space in 2024 was a huge milestone, and seeing it filled with athletes preparing for national and international competition has been a testament to the hard work and passion we’ve poured into this organization.
If there’s one thing we’d want readers to know, it’s this: Powerhouse Functional Fitness is here to elevate the sport and its athletes. Whether you’re a parent looking to introduce your child to weightlifting, an adult seeking a new challenge, or an experienced lifter aiming for the podium, we’re ready to help you achieve your goals.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
At the time of the COVID-19 crisis, Powerhouse Functional Fitness was not yet in business, so we were not directly impacted. However, the pandemic underscored an important truth that has become central to our mission: the need for everyone to lead a healthier, more holistic lifestyle.
The crisis highlighted the value of physical fitness, mental well-being, and community support in navigating challenges. It reinforced the idea that health isn’t just about looking fit—it’s about building resilience, nurturing mental health, and fostering a lifestyle that supports long-term wellness.
At Powerhouse Functional Fitness, these lessons resonate deeply with our approach. We aim to provide more than just training; we strive to equip our athletes with the tools to live healthier, more balanced lives, whether through physical fitness, mental performance coaching, or fostering a supportive community.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.powerhouseff.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/powerhouseff/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571220494391
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@PowerhouseFunctionalFitness
