Mathieu Auclert
Last week we met Alex Diaz who has competed in every GGC. That group is almost entirely Americans… with only two exceptions. Mathieu is one of those exceptions. Hailing from France, he has competed every single year. Now, if you know much about home gyms outside of the US, you know that they are no where near as common. Space is much more of a premium, and the amount of equipment manufacturers and suppliers in other countries is drastically lower. So for Mathieu to not only have a garage gym for the past 5+ years, but also be heavily involved in the garage gym community when the vast majority of his counterparts are a solid 8 hours+ behind him, is a statement to who he is on its own.
Add in that he has improved his lifts over the years, has started coaching others, and has found a passion for lifting weights (in all fashions), and you can start to see why he is one of my favorite continued athletes from the GGC. Enough from me, let’s talk to Mathieu.
What is your story? What’s makes you tick?
Hi, my name is Mathieu, and I’m from France and I am 33 years old. I have a master degree in product design but recently got a coaching degree. I wanted to make a living out of my passion: helping others with their fitness goals. I’ve started lifting weights to help with my martial arts practice at first (I’ve done a few things, like judo, jujitsu, kung-fu and MMA) but then I’ve realized that lifting things was what I really enjoyed ! So same thing here, I’ve tried a lot of things, powerlifting, Crossfit and strongman. Now, I just try different styles, different methods to help with my coaching. And also because it’s fun!
Outside of lifting, I’m a comics fan, I love to read and I like to draw when I have a little time. I’m also a father of 2, one is 5 years old and the little one is 2.
How did you get involved in the garage gym community?
When I bought my house with my wife, one of the mandatory criteria was that I wanted a place to workout. Non-negotiable! So I started my garage gym in 2014 and it has evolved A LOT since! Now it is also a coaching studio (just started this year!)
I started with a squat stand and some standard plates and barbells and a set of loadable dumbbells.
Now I have a Foldable rack, several olympic barbells, specialty barbells, dumbells, a rower, an air bike, atlas stones, natural stones, a loadable circus dumbell,… The list goes on and I’m not done yet!
I also have made a lot of DIY equipment and I love that. Lifting platform, barbell and plate storage, a prowler, sled, farmer’s handles, shelf, … I love building things how I want them to be (and usually cheaper).
I mostly train alone and I don’t care but now that I’m a coach, I also train at the Crossfit box where I coach.
How did you get involved in the GGC?
I’ve competed in the GGC since day 1. I love it for several reasons. First, it gives me a goal which really helps with training. And then, you have a chance to win free stuff! Who doesn’t like free stuff? Also it can make you discover people, brands, companies, which is really cool when you’re part of a community.
I’ve competed every single year because I like to see progress every year and see how my training and my experimentations affect my strength. And also did I mention the chance to win free stuff? That being said, I didn’t prepare each year the same. Some year I didn’t even properly peak. But I like to see where I’m at.
I also learned a lot during these times. How to peak, how to prepare for a big lift, how to attack a weight that scares you, how to deload without detraining, … Every year I learned something different and as a coach, this is huge.
What motivates you to lift, day after day, year after year?
I just love to lift and try new things!
What do you think of when you eye down a big lift?
“You have done that in training hundreds of times, just do the same things and it’ll go up”
Favorite personal record song to listen to?
“The Hu – Wolf Totem” !
What’s the most important thing people should know about you?
I’m always happy to help anyone who needs it! Regardless of the topic. And I’m always down for a training session!
How are you preparing for the 2022 Garage Gym Competition?
This year, I don’t have my eyes on Prs for the GGC, as I had a couple injuries (and an operation) so I’ll just rebuild myself back up and taking what will be here on the day! So now, a lot of variations and technique work. I’ll see how it goes and if everything goes well, I’ll try to do a proper peak. If not, not a big deal this year!
Thanks Mathieu!
You can follow along with his lifting antics here: https://www.instagram.com/thedriverkaya/
