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: benjamincl333@outlook.com
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: aimee.kimberly@gmail.com
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: antonkridle@gmail.com
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: vxdhost@gmail.com
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: gillianhurndell@outlook.com
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.
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