Powerlifting Training
The sport of powerlifting consists of the Squat, Bench & Deadlift. Although it's a competitive sport it's also a great way too train to build strength & muscle.
I run the powerlifting club @ Elite Bodyworks in Basingstoke. I'm lucky to of taken so many people from being curious about the technique of the squat, bench & deadlift to competing at national level.
Powerlifting training is fun and highly technical.
Why 1-2-1 Powerlifting Coaching?
Accessing Things in Real Time
Ongoing Biomechanical Assessment
Ongoing Biomechanical Assessment
Learning the technique is the primary concern if you are starting out in powerlifting training. Even intermediate and advanced athletes can benefit from eye's on assessment. Any quarries you have about programming, competing or technical issues will be answered then & there.
Ongoing Biomechanical Assessment
Ongoing Biomechanical Assessment
Ongoing Biomechanical Assessment
I try my best to assess how an athlete moves before we start working together. Especially under higher intensities. Most people move well under sub maximal loads. If there is a weakness in the chain this will affect how we move forwards. I can adjust technique and programming quickly.
Individualising Program Design
What Can I expect from 1 to 1 Caoching?
What Can I expect from 1 to 1 Caoching?
Programming is the map to your destination. Over the years I've done 23 different courses and mentorships on how to design program for an athletes need.
It was once described to me as a mix of art and science. I often think about programming as a story board to an epic film.
If you receive coaching at the moment a coach should be able to explain what the objective of each exercise, rep, set and method is trying to achieve short, mid & long term.
A good program design should keep steady momentum of progress. If not it should collect enough data to be able to indicate why it isn't working.
What Can I expect from 1 to 1 Caoching?
What Can I expect from 1 to 1 Caoching?
What Can I expect from 1 to 1 Caoching?
- On site support. I'm lucky to have access to top level comp spec equipment.
- Biomechanical Assessment - looking at how you move through the range of motion of the lift.
- Bespoken Programming - Programs are designed for the specific needs of your experience & weaknesses.
- Ongoing support - my lines of communication are always open.
- Competition Day Handling (Where possible) - I try to support my athletes anywhere they are competing.
FAQ?
Is it safe?
There is injury risk to any sport. There is also injury risk for doing nothing. I do believe as long as you dial in your technique, manage your recovery & intensity through sound programming & solid nutrition base you can reduce the risk of injury significantly.
How strong do you need to be to compete?
'If you wait until you are strong enough, you'll never be strong enough.' Thats an expression I hear very often. I do believe there is an element of truth in just going for it. Pull off the plaster quick and just enter a comp. Everything you lift successfully on the day will be a comp personal best. If you can lift to comp standard you can compete.
Do I need a coach?
Probably not the answer you'll expect from someone on a sight that's selling my coaching service. Ha. NO! There's several benefits to having a coach but joining a local powerlifting club might be a better place to start. Learning and understanding the technical basics might be all you need to know. There are plenty of free programs you can pull from the internet. Might be a free program coming soon.
Someone recently asked me 'will it make me fat?'
No. The sport is open to people of all shapes & sizes. The modern powerlifter at the intermediate to elite level requires quality nutrition practices to enable an athlete to progress & recover.
Powerlifting Testimonials
Alex Hooker
Alex Hooker
Alex Hooker
U57/U63
Dave has been coaching me for 2 years, right from the start of my powerlifting journey. He's given me the encouragement and confidence to train to my best ability and is a huge support when competing. Especially starting out as a female, he's been very understanding and supportive.
He's extremely knowledgeable in every aspect of powerlifting, teaching me things I never knew existed, like understanding that techniques are tailored to different body types, mobility, mindset, right the way through to nutrition and competition prep. His eye for detail is key to tweaking techniques in all lifts and his passion for the sport really shows.
By tracking and analysing my training, Dave looks at improving my personal weaknesses and understands the type of program that my body responds to best, which is essential for any powerlifter who wants to train at their best and to peak at the right times.
Dave is always quick to respond to my messages and analyse videos of my lifs remotely. In person sessions with him always give me a boost. And having him on hand at competitions, helps to keep me calm and focused.
Dave's played a huge part in getting me to where I am today. It's a pleasure to have his advice and support, and I look forward to seeing more improvements, PBs and successful competitions in the future. I couldn't recommend him enough!
Matt Mears
Alex Hooker
Alex Hooker
U93kg
I have been training with Dave for over a year now and in that year Dave has transformed my approach to fitness and nutrition. Dave has an unparalleled knowledge in all things fitness, he doesn't just give you a generic gym plan; Dave took the time to check my lifts, find my weaknesses and tailor a plan that suits me and improves my technique. It didn't take long for me to see an improvement to all my lifts.
At first I was unsure about competing in powerlifting but Dave was able to give me the right motivational push to get me started and was with me for the entire build up to the comp and handled me on the day. I instantly realised it was something I should have done sooner, I signed up for another competition pretty much straight after my first and had Dave to help me with the preparation, motivation and everything between. I highly recommend Dave to anyone seeking any improvements not just in powerlifting but in every aspect of fitness because there is not a single area Dave has not researched/ done himself.
James Gordon
James Gordon
James Gordon
Masters 2 U105/U120
I started with Dave in March 2022. I had done a number of regional powerlifting meets, my totals were gradually declining and I’d suffered a few back injuries. Dave turned this around. I train 4 times a week in four week blocks based around the big three.
I do a few carefully selected accessory exercises and these have more or less fixed my imbalances and as such I could train consistently for several months without injury which allowed my lifts to slowly progress.
My biggest improvement thus far was an easy 140kg bench press at the south East Bench Press championship in September 2023 in the 105 class whereas in February 2022 I did 127.5kg as a heavier lifter in the 120 class .
So I am leaner, stronger and in better shape.
Having Dave as a coach means I am accountable for my time in the gym, and through filming my main lifts he can advise me on technical improvements, as well as I can learn myself.
The training blocks are organised strategically so as to achieve peak performance in competition- when I need it most. Dave is approachable, has shown up at most of my competitions to support or handle on the day and replies to messages fairly quickly at all sorts of times .
Laila Virji
James Gordon
James Gordon
Jnr U76/U84
I began training with Dave in March 2023, recovering from a knee injury at the end of 2022. Dave's guidance not only helped rebuild my strength but also restored my confidence in in my ability to lift weights again. We meticulously refined my technique, and within a few months, I not only regained lost strength but surpassed it.
In September 2023, Dave supported me through my first powerlifting competition, where I achieved personal bests I never thought possible. Since then, Dave has continued to craft a personalised training plan aligning with my 2024 competition goals, including aiming for nationals.
Dave's expertise extends beyond the physical, as he's helped me break through mental barriers. His friendly and supportive demeanour, both in and out of the gym, makes me feel fortunate to have him as my trainer. Together, we're working towards achieving my goals, and I couldn't be happier with the progress and support he provides.