Introduction to Powerlifting Coaching

Powerlifting is an impressive discipline that requires not only immense strength but also precision and flawless technique. For those who want to immerse themselves in this world, Trainors offers a comprehensive opportunity to integrate this fascinating training into everyday life. The path to becoming a powerlifting coach often begins with the desire to explore one's own limits and specifically strengthen the body. In urban centers like Zurich or St. Gallen, where the company maintains its partner studios, a healthy, active lifestyle is particularly valued. Here, you meet a clientele willing to invest in their physical well-being. Both young adults and older people are attracted to the flexible offerings – a conscious lifestyle permeates all age groups. This flexibility is precisely one of Trainors' strengths.

The option to choose between online and offline training allows customers to adapt their training to their daily routine – whether in a one-on-one, duo, or group setting. What makes Trainors particularly attractive is the personalized support provided by an experienced powerlifting coach who accompanies trainees every step of the way. Thanks to a strong network of qualified trainers, interested parties can quickly find the ideal companion who will make training not only efficient but also enjoyable. Complementary nutrition coaching rounds out the portfolio and provides holistic support on the path to a healthier and stronger self. Members of the Trainors community report impressive successes and a significant increase in personal motivation. Such success stories not only contribute to the company's reputation but also inspire others to embark on the adventure of powerlifting . Trainors' dedicated commitment to professional and personalized health care is also reflected in the resources provided.

Free initial consultations and information brochures make getting started easier and offer valuable insights into the world of strength training. With an online platform that simplifies contact with trainers and makes training sessions more flexible than ever, Trainors is a pioneer in personalized fitness training. Together with dedicated coaches who are also available digitally, this creates an environment that motivates and inspires – ideal for anyone who wants to start their fitness journey or take it to the next level. Those who are interested in this approach can take advantage of the trial sessions offered to get to know the best trainers for their goals. This makes taking the first step toward a stronger, healthier future not only easier but also an enjoyable experience.

An athlete is assisted by spotters while performing a heavy squat in competition. A powerlifting coach ensures proper technique and safety during such maximum loads.

Why a powerlifting coach is important

In the world of powerlifting, where every repetition is performed with utmost precision and power, the influence of a competent powerlifting coach cannot be overestimated. Such a coach not only provides the necessary technical guidance but also provides valuable inspiration for motivation and mental toughness—crucial factors for achieving personal bests. Adults at different stages of their fitness journey benefit enormously from a personalized approach. Especially in urban centers like Zurich or St. Gallen, where the pace of life is fast and time is at a premium, flexibility and personalized training are highly valued.

The option to train both in-studio and online represents a modern approach that adapts to the clients' lifestyles. A powerlifting coach helps you surpass yourself – whether it's achieving a new personal record or refining your technique to prevent injuries. With its comprehensive services, from individual to group training, Trainors GmbH offers exactly the right spectrum to meet the demands of fitness- and health-conscious clients . Trainors' digital platform allows clients to find exactly the right trainer for their needs. This modern, digital approach appeals to the networked target group and ensures seamless integration into everyday life. The expertise of the Trainors coaches – who cooperate with a qualified network of specialized trainers – ensures that the high expectations of their clients are met. This is reflected in numerous success stories that not only demonstrate efficiency and effectiveness but also serve as motivation and inspiration for many.

Aside from the physical benefits a coach offers, psychological support also plays a huge role. Coaches guide their athletes through highs and lows, help them overcome plateaus, and ensure that their individual journey to peak fitness is based on a sustainable approach. The goal isn't just short-term success, but a lifelong path to a healthier and fitter self-image. Scientific evidence underscores the importance of a coach: A recent study (2025) showed that powerlifters with long-term coaching achieved significantly greater performance improvements—an average 14–15% increase in total weight over around 22 months ( journals.lww.comjournals.lww.com ) . Interestingly, longer athlete-coach relationships were associated with greater strength gains, and athletes with better-trained coaches made significantly greater progress ( journals.lww.comjournals.lww.com ) . Overall, a good powerlifting coach not only creates space for physical improvement, but also for personal development that cultivates strength, stamina, and discipline. Investing in your health is investing in your most valuable asset—and a professional coach is often the key to success in this investment.

What is the difference between powerlifting and general strength training?

Powerlifting and strength training – two terms that at first glance appear related, but they pursue different approaches and goals. The core difference lies in the focus: While powerlifting, with its three disciplines of squat, bench press, and deadlift, is a competitive sport that measures maximum strength in these specific lifts, strength training is broader and aims at improving overall performance, building muscle, and fitness.

A powerlifting coach focuses on optimizing the technique of the three main lifts down to the last detail to maximize both efficiency and safety. At the same time, leverage and strength development are continuously increased. Structured training cycles—characterized by intense work phases and targeted recovery phases—are crucial here. Experienced coaches know that periodized training and precise adaptation to individual strengths and weaknesses are crucial to unlocking the athlete's potential . Powerlifting is about peak performance in clearly defined movements; training and recovery are tailored to this.

In contrast, general strength training pursues more diverse goals. Whether weight loss, muscle definition, or simply increasing overall fitness – a strength training coach typically adapts the programs to the lifestyle and personal preferences of the trainee. Broader movement patterns, various exercises, and equipment are often used to provide a balanced workout for the entire body. Ultimately, the goal is to promote functional balance and comprehensive physical fitness.

Through precise knowledge of these differences and a targeted approach, specialized coaches help athletes achieve the best possible results in both powerlifting and general strength training. A powerlifting coach will guide athletes specifically toward maximum strength in all three lifts, while a general strength coach will more likely create a broad program to improve overall fitness. Both have their place – the key is to determine the individual's goal.

How to find the right powerlifting coach

Choosing a competent powerlifting mentor can be made much easier with a few targeted steps. Experience and specialization are essential selection criteria. A good coach is characterized by in-depth knowledge and successful collaboration with athletes of all levels. Athlete testimonials and references serve as valuable sources of information when assessing a coach's quality.

Trainors has established itself as a reliable partner in Switzerland, with a solid network of powerlifting coach experts who cover a variety of areas. This offers those seeking coaching the opportunity to choose a coach who perfectly matches their individual needs. Collaboration with qualified professionals enables the creation of personalized training plans – tailored to individual goals and any physical limitations. Flexible models for both online and on-site training ensure that personal preferences are taken into account and that coaching fits perfectly into your daily routine.

To find a dedicated powerlifting coach , it's also recommended to get to know each other personally, perhaps through a free trial training session. This allows you to quickly determine whether the chemistry is right and whether the coach meets your expectations in practice. Such trial sessions can be easily arranged via the Trainors platform. This way, interested parties can ensure that they are on the path to their goals with an experienced and suitable powerlifting coach . In addition to professional expertise, you should also pay attention to interpersonal aspects: A good coach can motivate, listen, and tailor their approach to each athlete.

Experiences and references of successful athletes

Olympic-sized barbells, heavy weights, and sheer willpower – powerlifters often impress with exceptional performances. But behind every successful weightlifter is usually a qualified powerlifting coach who not only promotes technical perfection but also helps overcome mental barriers. Athletes' testimonials repeatedly emphasize how crucial the individual support from experienced coaches is to their success.

For example, one athlete recounted how his coach taught him squat technique from scratch using personalized feedback. This "back to basics" approach allowed him to eliminate weaknesses and develop strengths that he might have overlooked on his own. The use of video analysis also contributed to his gradual improvement and the consistent surpassing of personal bests. Such modern methods allow the powerlifting coach to pinpoint even the smallest misalignments or areas for improvement—a difference that pays off on the competition stage.

Another athlete spoke about the importance of mental training—an often underestimated aspect of powerlifting. His coach guided him through visualization techniques and breathing exercises to stay focused and calm during competition, even when the pressure mounted. In fact, psychological techniques like mental imagery have been shown to have positive effects on performance: repeatedly visualizing heavy lifts can boost confidence and prepare the body for the effort (harvestingstrength.com ) . Many top athletes swear that by mentally "walking through" their lifts, they approach the bar with greater confidence.

These testimonials from successful athletes reflect that a powerlifting coach acts not only as a technical advisor, but also as a motivator and mentor. Continuous, comprehensive support helps athletes not only achieve their goals, but often exceed them. This underscores the importance of choosing the right coach in powerlifting. Success stories like these demonstrate that with the right coach at your side, perceived limits are redefined.

Techniques and methods in powerlifting

In powerlifting, well-thought-out techniques and methods are crucial for maximizing strength performance and minimizing the risk of injury. An experienced coach will help you learn the fundamental techniques for the three main exercises—squat, bench press, and deadlift—precisely and continually refine them. A powerlifting coach ensures that body mechanics are individually adapted, which not only enhances performance but also protects joint health. Every body is different; factors such as anatomy or previous injuries influence which variations of an exercise are most suitable. A good coach recognizes these nuances and adapts their technique recommendations accordingly.

Perfecting your breathing is another essential technique in powerlifting. Controlled breathing—particularly the use of the Valsalva maneuver (consciously holding your breath to stabilize your core)—stabilizes the core and improves power transfer during heavy lifts. With the help of a powerlifting specialist, beginners and intermediate lifters alike can gain insight into advanced techniques, such as pause squats (squats with a short pause at the bottom) or tempo lifts (consciously slowing the lift and lower). Such techniques help to target weak points and break through performance plateaus. For example, pausing in the deepest position of a squat can help build tension in the right muscle area and help you emerge stronger from the deepest hole.

In addition, periodized training plays a key role in achieving continuous long-term progress. A qualified powerlifting coach develops customized programs that vary intensity and volume across different training cycles. This structured approach ensures that the body has to adapt again and again and does not stagnate. In practice, this means, for example, alternating phases of higher volume (more repetitions with moderate weight) with phases of high intensity (few repetitions with very heavy weight). This promotes both muscle building and maximum strength without overloading the body. A structured training structure also ensures that recovery phases ( tapering ) are planned in advance of important competitions so that athletes can reach their full potential on day X. Working with a powerlifting expert opens up numerous opportunities to safely learn and successfully apply modern techniques and scientifically based methods.

Nutrition tips from the powerlifting coach

A crucial factor for success in powerlifting is nutrition. An experienced powerlifting coach will pay particular attention to the optimal distribution of macronutrients : carbohydrates as the primary energy source, proteins to support muscle growth, and fats for sustainable energy supply and hormonal function. A coach's recommendations go far beyond general nutritional advice and are tailored to the training plan.

Protein intake, in particular, plays a major role in strength training. Studies show that powerlifters should consume at least 1.6 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day to optimally support strength gains and muscle building (sciencedirect.com ) . A powerlifting coach will often adjust protein intake to the training phases: Before and after intensive sessions, high-quality protein sources—such as lean meat, fish, or plant-based alternatives like legumes—should be on the menu. These provide the necessary amino acids, shorten recovery times, and promote muscle building. During intensive strength training phases, it can also be beneficial to use protein shakes or amino acid supplements to conveniently cover the increased requirements.

Carbohydrates are also essential for powerlifting enthusiasts striving to achieve their best performances. They fuel tough training sessions. A coach will therefore recommend consuming a reasonable portion of easily digestible carbohydrates—such as oatmeal, rice, or fruit—before training to ensure full energy levels before hitting the weights. This pre-workout meal ensures stable blood sugar levels and delays fatigue. After training, carbohydrates combined with protein support glycogen replenishment and recovery.

Not to be forgotten are healthy fats , which are often underestimated in strength training. Powerlifting experts recommend regularly incorporating fat sources such as avocados, nuts, seeds, or olive oil into your diet to support hormonal balance. Fats are essential for the production of testosterone and other anabolic hormones. A balanced ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids also contributes to reducing inflammation, which can promote recovery.

Personal support from a professional coach ensures that your nutrition is tailored to your individual goals and body composition—a crucial aspect for athletic success. A powerlifting coach will also help you integrate realistic nutrition plans into your daily routine, ensuring they're sustainable over the long term and don't end up being a short-term diet.

Common mistakes in powerlifting and how a coach can help

Mistakes in powerlifting can significantly hamper progress and increase the risk of injury. A common mistake is poor technique: Unfavorable weight distribution or incorrect lifting movements can quickly lead to overload and injury. This is where the expertise of a powerlifting coach proves invaluable. An experienced coach recognizes even the smallest imperfections in form and can refine techniques before they become problems. Individual weaknesses—be it a forward-tilting upper body during a squat or a hunched back during a deadlift—are specifically addressed and remedied with adjustments or supplementary exercises.

Another common stumbling block is overtraining . Many ambitious athletes believe that the more they train, the better their results will be. Without adequate recovery phases, however, the opposite quickly occurs: stagnating performance or even regression. An experienced coach therefore plans targeted rest periods and deload weeks and ensures that the training workload is tailored to individual needs and progress. This way, the body is challenged but not overwhelmed. Modern powerlifting coaching concepts are based on the principle that muscles grow during recovery – hard training and regeneration are inextricably linked.

Mentality also plays a role. The famous "no pain, no gain" approach can be dangerous if applied carelessly. Pain is the body's warning signal. A good coach trains athletes to distinguish between the good pain of intense exercise and alarming pain signals. They offer support in developing a healthy training philosophy that enables progress while keeping well-being in mind. In addition, a competent coach constantly adapts training programs to the latest scientific findings. Where laypeople may train for years according to outdated principles, the coach brings evidence-based know-how – from new warm-up techniques to optimized set and rep schemes.

The finer points of proper nutrition and recovery are not uncommonly overlooked. A powerlifting coach ensures that, in addition to training, sleep, stress management and nutrition are also appropriate in order to optimise performance. Such a holistic approach pays off: Studies have shown, for example, that well-structured strength training programs under professional supervision not only improve performance but also reduce the incidence of injuries ( researchgate.net ) . To put this into perspective: powerlifting itself has relatively low injury rates - around 1 to 4 injuries per 1000 hours of training , which is comparable to or lower than in many team sports ( researchgate.net ) . This risk can be further reduced by the coach correcting mistakes. One study showed that the integration of just a simple preventative exercise - such as Nordic hamstring curls - can reduce the rate of muscle injuries (e.g. in the hamstring) by an astonishing 50%. A coach who is aware of such insights and incorporates them into training makes a huge difference. All in all, it becomes clear that a balanced training approach under professional guidance – by a powerlifting expert – is the ideal way to train safely and successfully.

The importance of technique and support is also evident in competitions. Here, a spotter (pictured above) helps with a difficult bench press attempt. A powerlifting coach has prepared his athletes for such challenges in advance with optimal technique preparation and mental encouragement.

Success stories of coaching in powerlifting

Let's take Tim as an example, an enthusiastic strength athlete who reached new heights in powerlifting through targeted coaching. Before working with his powerlifting coach, Tim's performance stagnated for months. With the support of a competent trainer, however, not only his technique but also his attitude towards strength training transformed. The individual attention from an experienced coach - someone who understands the nuances of powerlifting - was the catalyst for Tim's further development. Within a year, thanks to structured training, Tim took his technique to a new level and was able to set several personal bests. Each new PR (personal record) spurred him on, and his coach continually adapted the training program to his increasing performance parameters. Tim himself admits that without the external perspective and encouragement of his coach, his progress would probably have been much slower.

Another inspiring example is Sarah , who tried to get back to the gym after an injury. At first she was unsure whether she would ever be able to reach her old level of performance. Her powerlifting coach helped her through this difficult phase by carefully adapting her training program and incorporating targeted rehabilitation strategies. Instead of immediately confronting Sarah with heavy weights, her coach initially focused on mobility, stabilization, and light weights to strengthen the injured structures. As her recovery progressed, he gradually incorporated more intense exercises. This kind of adaptation and individual support can only be provided by a dedicated coach who recognizes the specific strengths and weaknesses of each athlete and specifically addresses them. After a few months, Sarah was not only able to train pain-free but ultimately even surpassed her previous personal bests. Her coach had managed to turn her injury break into a fresh start, with even more emphasis on fundamentals and clean technique.

Both stories illustrate how important it is to have a competent powerlifting coach at your side – someone who not only brings technical knowledge, but also the right motivation and empathy. With solid guidance, a coach can help even in difficult situations and ensure a confident return to training. Whether it's technique, strategy, or mental strength: sound support can permanently change your attitude toward training. Many athletes report that their coach has not only made them stronger, but also more confident and resilient in other areas of their lives. A success story in powerlifting is therefore almost always also a success story of dedicated coaching.

The right training structure in powerlifting

A structured powerlifting training program requires careful planning and a balanced mix of different training sessions to optimize both strength and technique. Typically, a powerlifting coach divides training into different phases to emphasize different areas. Typically, there are build-up phases , intensity phases , and competition preparation (tapering) . Each phase has a clear purpose and is specifically tailored to the athlete's needs and goals.

During the build-up phase (hypertrophy phase), the focus is often on higher volume – that means more sets and repetitions with moderate weights. This phase aims to build muscle and improve technical endurance. A powerlifting coach will ensure that athletes can perform the exercises cleanly and in high numbers to create a solid foundation. This is usually followed by an intensity phase in which the weight is significantly increased and the number of repetitions reduced. The aim here is to develop maximum strength and train the nervous system to handle heavy loads. Supportive exercises (e.g. block pulls, pause squats, or close-grip bench presses) are often used during this phase to specifically strengthen weak points.

Throughout the entire training cycle, a powerlifting coach regularly monitors progress and adjusts the personalized training plan as needed. This ongoing evaluation ensures that progress remains in line with the set goals and that any potential problems are identified early. If, for example, signs of fatigue or local plateaus appear in one of the three main exercises, the coach responds with adjustments – be it through deload weeks, exercise variations, or changes in the set/repetition scheme.

Shortly before a competition comes the tapering phase: The training volume is drastically reduced, the intensity remains moderate to high in order to maintain fitness but allow the body maximum recovery. During this phase, a qualified coach will ensure that the athlete starts refreshed and injury-free. Each training session should be used effectively to reach their full potential, but also to avoid unnecessary fatigue. The right balance between volume and intensity is crucial to ensuring long-term success in powerlifting. Through this structured planning – often the result of years of experience and studies in sports science – a powerlifting coach creates a common thread throughout their training. This way, athletes always know why they are training something and can rely on their performance on the day they are competing.

The importance of mental strength in powerlifting

Mental strength proves to be a crucial success factor in powerlifting. Anyone who has ever pushed themselves to the absolute limit of their performance knows the moment when the body seems to give up. Often, the real obstacle begins in the mind. This is where the expertise of an experienced coach comes into play: A good powerlifting coach not only understands the physical aspects of the sport but also teaches techniques for specifically addressing and overcoming mental hurdles.

Visualization and mental preparation are crucial. Mental training can begin even before entering the gym. Many successful athletes imagine in detail how they will master a difficult attempt – from grip width to breathing to the completion of the lift. This mental rehearsal of the lift prepares the nervous system and can massively increase self-confidence. An effective coach will often recommend specific techniques to support this process: such as visualizing the competition platform, feeling the weight, or memorizing a personal motto. Research in the field of sports psychology confirms the effectiveness of such methods – mental training can measurably improve performance by activating the brain in a similar way to real training. It allows the athlete to mentally complete countless successful attempts without physical fatigue.

Breathing exercises and concentration routines are also part of the repertoire. A good example: Before stepping under the barbell, taking three deep breaths with your eyes closed can help focus your concentration and shake off nervousness. Many powerlifting coaches teach their athletes how to use breathing techniques to control their heart rate and manage their own arousal curve . While a certain amount of adrenaline and excitement is beneficial for a maximum strength attempt, it shouldn't turn into uncontrolled excitement. Finding the balance here—focused but not tense—is an art, and an experienced coach can help immensely.

Mindfulness techniques also help you concentrate fully on the exercise at hand and block out distractions. Going into a training session with a fixed mental plan allows your body to use it efficiently right up to the last repetition. An experienced coach will encourage their athletes to use mental checklists or mantras to organize their thoughts during the lift (e.g., for a squat: "Stand firm – hold your breath – tense your core – low – explosively high!"). The benefits of this approach can hardly be overestimated. The mental support of a coach leads to consistent success in the long term and has a positive effect on overall training morale. Athletes learn to deal with pressure, accept setbacks as part of the process, and continually motivate themselves. Over time, this not only unlocks their full physical potential, but also builds inner strength that lasts beyond the training session.

Summary and outlook

An outstanding fitness journey in powerlifting inevitably requires the support of a competent coach. The range of services offered by a powerlifting coach extends far beyond what a generic training plan from the internet can offer. These professionals bring expertise aimed at developing personalized strategies—strategies that optimize both the strength level and the physical and mental resilience of the athletes. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced athlete, a qualified coach enables targeted progress and helps achieve measurable progress.

In a time when the fitness market is characterized by a wealth of information and trends, the role of the coach is becoming increasingly important. Sound training, extensive experience, and a deep understanding of biomechanical relationships characterize the ideal powerlifting coach . They are able to realistically assess the athletes' potential and fully utilize it. Especially with Trainors ' services, these elements merge into a holistic approach that offers both flexibility and structure. Working with a powerlifting expert opens up new perspectives and is tailored to individual needs.

Long-standing experience and current research findings flow seamlessly into modern training plans. Targeted nutrition and recovery management complement physical training and result in well-dosed, sustainable progress for every athlete. Modern studies such as those from 2025 confirm that long-term coaching is associated with greater satisfaction and better performance improvements. Such findings underscore the importance of relying on professional guidance rather than training haphazardly.

Trainors' integrated approach—from the digital platform to personal matchmaking between athlete and coach—offers an invaluable advantage. Anyone who feels like they're a good fit shouldn't hesitate to get in touch. Free consultations and trial lessons lower the barrier to entry. The journey toward a stronger you can begin at any time—with the right support, you can unlock your full potential in powerlifting. Trainors and its network of experienced powerlifting coaches are ready to work with their clients to help them realize this potential.

Frequently asked questions about Powerlifting Coach

What does a powerlifting coach do and why is he important?
A powerlifting coach is responsible for providing the best possible support to powerlifting athletes. This includes teaching proper technique in the squat, bench press, and deadlift, creating customized training plans, and continuously monitoring progress. A good coach recognizes mistakes immediately and can intervene and correct them before they become ingrained. They also provide motivation and mental support—for example, by supporting athletes during competitions or guiding them through training challenges. The importance of a coach lies primarily in individualization: Instead of a standardized plan , you get a plan tailored to your body and lifestyle. Studies show that athletes with a coach tend to achieve better results and fewer injuries. At Trainors, we place particular emphasis on personalization and professional support. Training should not only be effective but also safe. A powerlifting coach therefore acts as a mentor, technician, and motivator all in one—a complete package for anyone who wants to maximize their strength training results.

What advantages does personal training offer compared to group or online training?
Personal training – especially with a specialized powerlifting coach – offers several unique advantages. Firstly, the focus is on individual support : Each training session is tailored to the individual. The coach's attention is 100% focused on the individual athlete. This allows for immediate response to execution errors, optimal weight adjustments, and spontaneously adapting the training plan if necessary. Compared to group training, where a trainer has to keep an eye on several people at once, the tolerance for error in personal training is almost zero – you are constantly being corrected and optimized. This generally leads to faster progress. Another advantage is flexibility : training appointments can be arranged individually and adapted to your personal schedule. Online training offers location flexibility, but there is no immediate physical correction. An on-site coach can, for example, provide direct assistance with learning a new technique or take over spotting (belaying the athlete), which is only possible to a limited extent online. Trainors customers also benefit from the fact that our personal trainers are closely connected to nutritionists and physiotherapists – thus you receive a holistic support package. The close coach-client relationship also fosters trust and motivation. Many feel a greater sense of commitment: They're less likely to miss training sessions when they know the coach is waiting for them. Overall, personal training often helps you achieve your goals more efficiently and reliably, as all aspects—technique, planning, motivation—are ideally covered.

How can a powerlifting coach improve my technique?
A powerlifting coach helps you get the most out of every workout through targeted technique optimization. Technique is key, especially in powerlifting, where correct execution determines success or failure (and whether you're healthy or injured). The coach will first analyze your current status—often using detailed video analysis of your lifts. Even small changes in foot position during squats or grip width during bench presses can make a big difference. Using modern tools (slow-motion video analysis, comparison with reference videos, etc.), adjustments can be made immediately. A good powerlifting coach explains not only the "how" but also the "why": You'll learn which muscles should be activated and how to achieve this through body tension and correct movement sequences. This direct feedback not only increases strength but also minimizes the risk of injury. At Trainors, we ensure that every athlete receives a thorough introduction to correct technique. Our coaches are trained to identify individual weaknesses—such as mobility issues or muscular imbalances—and counteract them with targeted exercises. Regular form checks (technique checks) and the inclusion of technique days, where you hone your technique with light weights, ensure clean execution even as the weights increase. This ensures sustainable, injury-free progress. Ultimately, working with a powerlifting coach not only makes you stronger, but also develops a deeper understanding of the lifts—a knowledge base that will benefit you for a lifetime.