At a certain level, general strength and hard work alone stop producing better throws. Small technical inefficiencies, timing issues, and accumulated fatigue begin to limit progress, even for well-prepared athletes.
Coaching is informed by years of competing at the highest levels of the Highland Games, with direct experience in each event.
With clearer direction and targeted training, improvements become measurable and repeatable. The result is performance that shows up consistently in competition.
Most competitors eventually discover that general strength and hard training alone no longer produce meaningful improvements on the field. Throws begin to plateau, distances fluctuate, and minor technical flaws start to limit otherwise strong and capable athletes. Without precise feedback, it can be difficult to identify whether a missed throw is a strength issue, a timing problem, a positional error, or simply fatigue accumulating in the wrong places.
“I came to John with a seemingly impossible challenge: I wanted to transform myself from a guy with a broken down back into a healthy Highland Games athlete.”
—Chance Whiteley
Many athletes rely on broad strength programs, informal coaching, or pieced-together advice from training partners and competition sidelines. While this approach can work early on, it often falls short as the demands increase. Each event has its own technical nuances, strength requirements, and injury risks, and guessing your way through these variables can lead to inconsistent performance, lingering injuries, and shortened competitive longevity.
The frustration is familiar: putting in the work, showing up prepared, knowing there’s more there, but not having a clear path to unlock it.
Empowered Strength provides Highland Games coaching built on direct competitive experience and proven results at the highest levels of the sport.
John Odden brings decades of competition, national titles, world records, and deep technical understanding to the coaching process. This isn’t theory or secondhand knowledge! It’s practical insight earned through years on the field, under heavy implements, and in real competition environments. Coaching addresses the full picture: event-specific technique, strength that transfers cleanly into throws, intelligent programming, and managing the physical demands of a long season.
“Wow…what an A+ experience! John is so knowledgeable and passionate about helping people move better and get stronger.
If you are working out for the first time or an elite level athlete, you will see improvements in your physical fitness and body image!
Thank you John for helping us bring our workouts to a whole new level. I will be recommending everyone to Empowered Strength.”
—David Lutz
Training is tailored to the realities Highland Games athletes face: balancing heavy loading, technical refinement, recovery, and consistency across events. Whether you’re chasing longer throws, refining efficiency, or extending your competitive career, this approach replaces trial and error with clarity and intention.
The result is smarter training, cleaner execution, and throws that reflect the work you’re putting in. Fewer setbacks, more consistency, and confidence built on guidance from someone who has competed at the highest level and understands what it takes to keep progressing in the Games.
While you may know me as a Scottish Highland Games athlete, stone lifter, or strength coach. I started out as a tall, skinny, awkward kid who always lacked confidence, especially in the gym. After begging my parents to get some home equipment, I got my first set of plastic-covered cement weights from Target when I was 12.
Somehow my fascination with improving my health, fitness, and athleticism turned into a persistent passion. Unfortunately, some misguided enthusiasm resulted in chronic back and shoulder injuries that sidelined my athletic career and limited my quality of life well into my 30s.
So, I dove into my quest to learn as much as possible about the body with the help of mentors, tireless self study, constant personal practice, certifications, and a degree in Exercise Science along the way. Unknowingly, these injuries and setbacks would turn into what fuels me in teaching others to live an empowered, pain-free, active life. I love sharing the strength and movement principles that I have created and honed in my 20+ year career.
If you can relate, we should talk!
Located in the forested hills of Bend, Oregon, The Sanctuary of Strength is a distraction-free private gym designed for real focus and meaningful progress.
Set on open land and surrounded by fresh air and natural light, it removes the noise, crowding, and rushed pace of a typical gym. Here, you can slow down, pay attention to how you move, and build strength with intention. The result is a deeper connection to your body, better quality training, and progress that actually lasts.
Located in the forested hills of Bend, Oregon, The Sanctuary of Strength is a distraction-free private gym designed for real focus and meaningful progress.
Set on open land and surrounded by fresh air and natural light, it removes the noise, crowding, and rushed pace of a typical gym. Here, you can slow down, pay attention to how you move, and build strength with intention. The result is a deeper connection to your body, better quality training, and progress that actually lasts.
You already know how to train hard.
Let’s translate training into victory.
I’m excited to help you take the next step! Whether you’re building strength, learning archery, or refining old skills, we’ll work together to develop the skills, movement, and focus needed to help you proceed with confidence.
My goal is to help you train smart, and build something that lasts. Click below to schedule your appointment and see how we can get started. Or, feel free to contact me by email, text or phone!
EMAIL:
[email protected]
PHONE / TEXT:
541-639-5000
