From A Stopped Heart to Weightlifting Rebirth (Jon North)

Today I’m talking to weightlifter, coach, and former bodybuilder Jon North, who has been a prominent figure in American Strength Sports for nearly a decade. Jon’s story is one with a number of twists and turns: From overcoming addiction to earn his way among the top ranks of American weightlifters, Jon was one of the first virtual weightlifting coaches to build a large following online, and he also competed in bodybuilding. He’s also caused a stir in weightlifting, and at one point created his own competition federation separate from USA Weightlifting. Jon is reflective and thoughtful when it comes to his career in strength. In our conversation, Jon talks about some fundamental changes in his life after he suffered a heart attack and was diagnosed with a hereditary heart condition. He also details his evolution as a coach and why he’s happier coaching far fewer athletes than he did years ago.