Derek Wilcox | PhD

Coaching Expertise:

Hypertrophy / Bodybuilding, Combat Sports + Martial Arts, Powerlifting, Olympic Weightlifting, General Sports Performance, Weight Loss, Muscle Gain, Body Composition, Beginners, Intermediate Athletes, Advanced Athletes, General Fitness Enthusiasts, Longevity, Post-Injury Recovery Clients, Biomechanical assessments for performance and injury prevention. 

Coaching Style: 

• Positive and Supportive (Encouraging and affirming throughout the process.)
• Compassionate (Understands and adapts to individual challenges.)
• Goal-oriented (Focused on achieving specific, measurable outcomes.)
• Transformational (Emphasizes personal growth and mindset shifts.)
• Client-centered (Prioritizes the client’s goals, preferences, and feedback.)
• Educational (Focuses on teaching clients the “why” behind strategies.)
• Detail-oriented (Carefully tracks data and progress for optimal adjustments.) 
• Holistic (Considers the client’s overall health, lifestyle, and well-being.)
• Flexible and Adaptive (Adjusts plans frequently to suit changing client needs.) 
• Practical and Realistic (Balances ambition with achievable goals for long-term success.)
• The client is the CEO 

Qualifications: 

• PhD Sport Physiology & Performance
• Masters Sport Kinesiology
• Pro Powerlifting, Olympic Weightlifting, Strongman, Highland Games, Jiu Jitsu, Golf and Disc Golf competitor
• Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) Certified Golf Fitness Instructor

Hobbies and Interests: 

• Jiu jitsu
• Disc golf
• Highland games
• Playing/writing music
• Golf

Why Choose Derek: 

I have been coaching for RP for nearly a decade, combining my education in physiology with my experience breaking world records and a passion for improving the lives of my clients. My work ranges from helping individuals achieve weight loss and body composition goals to preparing some of the best athletes in the world for competition.

I grew up in North Carolina, where I developed a love for athletics and lifting weights at a young age. That passion quickly extended to helping others pursue their own goals. I’ve competed in multiple sports, specializing in powerlifting, where I was ranked 1st in the world for five years in squats, set an all-time world record (935 lbs at 181 lbs), and became the lightest person to ever squat over 1,000 lbs. After retiring from heavy lifting competitions, I now compete in Jiu-Jitsu, Highland Games, and Disc Golf.

As an athlete, I’ve always sought every possible competitive advantage, which led me to pursue an education in physiology and kinesiology. My goal was to discover the most effective and efficient methods for progress while minimizing injury risk. Now, that same knowledge and experience benefit my clients, allowing me to provide science-backed, practical coaching tailored to their goals.