Contest prep
Prepping for a bodybuilding competition is more than just dieting and lifting heavier. It’s an all-in commitment to discipline, precision, and strategy. From customized training and nutrition protocols to peak week planning, posing practice, and mindset coaching, every detail matters when you’re aiming to step on stage and shine.
At Iron Lair, Coach Dan leads the charge with decades of experience getting athletes stage-ready across every division. With a proven track record of turning amateurs into pros, his approach is detailed, personal, and effective. Whether it’s your first show or your next, you’ll get elite-level guidance tailored to your physique, goals, and timeline.
thinking about competing but don’t know where to start?
Meet The Coaches:
Dan Hawtin: Head Coach
IFBB Pro & Olympia Coach
Coach Dan Hawtin is a veteran bodybuilding coach with over 20 years of experience in transforming physiques and preparing athletes for the stage. Known for his no-BS approach, Coach Dan has helped turn more than 30 competitors pro across multiple body building divisions and has built his way up to the Olympia stage with IFBB Pro Classic Physique Athlete Justin Badurina.
His expertise goes far beyond just training. He customizes every program from nutrition and posing to peak week protocols, ensuring each athlete is dialed in and confident when they step on stage.
Whether you’re chasing your first show or your pro card, Coach Dan brings the knowledge, intensity, and unwavering support to get you there.
Colin Marco
IFBB Pro, Team Iron Lair Coach
Colin Marco is an IFBB Pro who earned his pro card at Junior Nationals 2025 and specializes in competition prep and lifestyle transformations. A former three-sport athlete and college baseball player, he brings discipline and structure to his coaching, shaped by his own journey of losing 100 pounds in six months before stepping on stage in 2022. While he excels in preparing athletes for competition, Colin’s broader mission is helping clients build sustainable, purpose-driven routines that improve long-term health, longevity, and overall quality of life.
Matt Kanis
Team Iron Lair Coach
Matt Kanis is a lifestyle and bodybuilding coach at Iron Lair with 15+ years of experience across CrossFit, powerlifting, and competitive bodybuilding, during which he qualified for nationals in just over two years. He specializes in helping clients build sustainable habits and reach their goals through realistic, balanced approaches, while also coaching physique athletes and refining his methods under Coach Dan Hawtin. Matt is driven by helping clients transform their physiques, confidence, and overall quality of life.
Brianna Pockette
IFBB Pro & Iron Lair Posing Coach
Brianna Pockette is an IFBB Pro and posing coach specializing in Bikini and Wellness divisions. She began her competitive journey in Bikini in 2018 before transitioning to Wellness in 2023. In 2025, she earned her IFBB Pro card at Junior Nationals. With years of stage experience and a strong eye for detail, Brianna helps athletes refine their presentation, confidence, and stage presence to stand out on show day.
Looking to make a Lifestyle change?
Looking to level up your health without stepping on stage? Coach Dan offers 1:1 lifestyle coaching with 100% customized training, diet, and nutrition plans built around your schedule, preferences, and goals. Whether you’re aiming to lose weight, build muscle, or just feel better in your skin, Dan creates sustainable programs that fit your real life, not the other way around. No cookie-cutter plans, just proven strategies tailored to you.
Mentorship programs
THINKING ABOUT BECOMING A COACH?
This is where you start. Learn from one of the best in the game.
Coach Dan doesn’t just build athletes, he builds coaches. With decades of experience in the industry, he offers mentorship for aspiring trainers and seasoned coaches looking to elevate their skills, systems, and impact.
Whether you’re just starting out or want to refine your approach to client results, programming, or contest prep — Dan provides real world insight on how to step into the fitness industry the right way with integrity, confidence, and lasting success.
ready to get started?
Whether you’re chasing your first competition, ready to transform your lifestyle, or looking to grow as a coach, our Iron Lair coaching team offers expert-level support tailored to your goals. From fully customized training and nutrition plans to elite contest prep and hands-on mentorship, his approach is built on decades of experience and a proven track record of results.
Fill out the form below to book your FREE consultation and see which coaching path is right for you.