Coach Eli

 
 

Eli Phillips: Associate Director of Operations and Coaching

Hi! My name is Eli, and I’ve been a coach at Hardshell since August, 2021.

I’ve done some type of strength training on and off for about 12 years. During the early part of the COVID-19 pandemic, I pivoted from working with barbells and dumbbells in a gym to calisthenics and resistance band workouts in my bedroom.

Developing this movement practice was huge for me and my mental health during that time. This was also the time that I began exploring the possibility of becoming a trainer, wanting to use what I learned to help others find the same type of groundedness that strength training provides for me.

I discovered the Frost Iron Training gym sometime in the late winter of 2020-21 and then connected with Ben in April 2021. I immediately felt deep alignment with him and the values behind how he runs Hardshell. I knew right away that I wanted to be involved, but it felt like the best possible scenario when he invited me to work here. I’m so grateful to be learning from him, to hone my skills as a coach, and grow as a lifter in such a supportive environment.

Over the past few years, I’ve trained for, pursued, and successfully certified in:

  • National Academy of Sports Medicine: Certified Personal Trainer (CPT): September 2021

  • Dragon Door Publications: Russian Kettlebell Certified Instructor (RKC): May 2022

In addition to these certifications, I’ve attended Liftapalooza, a fantastic weekend-long seminar in Nashville, TN in both 2023 and 2024. Across these certifications and seminars I’ve been lucky enough to work and learn from incredible strength coaches including Dan John, Zack Henderson, Tracy Cook, Jordan Syatt, and Michael Krivka. 

I’m passionate about continuing education so I can’t wait for future opportunities to deepen and broaden my knowledge so I can share what I learn with all of you. 

I enjoy working with people who are new to training, as well as helping guide those with more experience as they expand their skills and explore their capabilities. My coaching style is centered in empathy and toes the line between structure and intuition. It’s important to me that training fits into your life and doesn’t beat you up, but lifts you up instead. I’m here to give you the tools and accompaniment to challenge yourself and push your boundaries. Structure is important in a training plan, but being in the moment and meeting you where you’re at works much better over the long haul.

In my time as a coach I’ve worked with people:

  • Getting back into exercise after years away

  • Preparing for a long hiking adventure

  • Seeking strength and technique for a physically demanding job

  • Wanting to improve mobility and balance

  • With goals to compete in powerlifting

  • Wanting to generally get stronger and feel better

  • And much more!

Feel free to reach out to me directly at eli.hardshell@gmail.com and follow me on Instagram @eli.phil.lifts and YouTube @eliphillifts