Available Coaches:

We have a couple of requests from beginners who want to start powerlifting but don't know of any coaches. We have reached out to the CPA community to ask if anyone is a coach, and would be keen to help beginners. If you are a coach and would like to be on this list, please check here.


Benjamin Calder-Lee

Instagram: Ben.liftz

Email: [email protected]

Qualifications: Bachelor’s of Sport Coaching Degree from the University of Canterbury, First Aid Certificate.

Ben is a competitive powerlifter and coach based in Canterbury. He has competed and coached athletes at the highest level of the sport, participating in Commonwealth and Junior Worlds Championships. Ben is a results-driven and passionate coach and athlete. His theoretical base of learning and experience continually allows him to apply valuable and systematic insights into our training to push you to be your best

Ben is available for online coaching and will offer in-person services starting mid-March. Reach out to his Instagram @ben.liftz for more information.

Aimee Christensen

Email Address: [email protected]

Phone Contact: 0226198730

Qualifications: Certificate in Personal Training, Crossfit Level One Certificate

How long have you been coaching for: 1 year in powerlifting coaching, 4 years all together as a Personal Trainer

Gym or location you work: Mostly provide online coaching but can do one on one in person coaching

Blurb: I have been competing in powerlifting for 3 years and have been working as a personal trainer on and off for 4 years. I am passionate about getting new people involved in powerlifting. To see someone’s goals and motivations slowly change over time to performance rather than just going to the gym for aesthetics is exciting to see. I’m newer than some coaches at programming for powerlifting specific training but I try to use a lot of my own experience in the sport and working as a personal trainer to help my clients succeed.

Anton Kridle

Email Address: [email protected]

Phone Contact: 0278585672

Qualifications: Advanced Diploma in Exercise Prescription

Gym or location you work: Current coaching done at my home gym setup

Blurb: Interested in helping get more kiwis into equipped lifting. I've been learning equipped since the start of 2018 and I think if more people knew about it/had someone to help them they would be willing to give it a try. Currently there are very limited resources for learning equipped, there are few kiwis who are able to teach equipped lifting and know about the current gear. There are limited resources online in english so starting out can be scary for someone who does not have guidance. I would be keen to help anyone interested; learn more about equipped and try it out.

Craig Smith

Email Address: [email protected]

Phone Contact: 0210304036

How long have you been coaching for: 6 months

Top coaching achievement: Increased initial clients lifts by over 20% within 3 months

Gym or location you work: Private gym

Blurb: Started lifting as rehab for badly injured knees, fell in love with the sport and am hoping to help it grow.


Gillian Hurndell (Blenheim based)

Email: [email protected]

Qualifications: Fitlink Certificate in Fitness L4 and ISSA Certified Fitness Trainer & Specialist in Strength and Conditioning

Gillian is a personal trainer and powerlifting strength coach based out of Snap Fitness in Blenheim.  She has been powerlifting for 6 years and coaching for 18 months.

Gillian is available for in-person or online coaching

Blurb: Gillian recently coached her first athlete at the Canterbury Raw Cup in 2021 to first place in her category.  Gillian is currently training to qualify for the 2023 World Championships and tell's us Deadlits are her favourite lift.

'Lifting friendly' Physiotherapist

Jenny Dewar

is a competitive powerlifter herself. Knowledgeable in powerlifting specific treatment and is also able to do basic programming. She works out of PhysioSouth (Cityfitness Moorhouse Ave and Linwood Medical Centre). You can make an appointment with her online at www.physiosouth.co.nz or by phoning 033326487