Coach the big lifts with confidence – safely, clearly and effectively.
Squats, deadlifts and presses look simple – until you have to coach them. Small details like foot position, bracing or bar path change the whole lift. On this practical one-day course with strength coach Sarah Smith you will learn how to teach the big barbell lifts step by step, spot and fix common faults, and build strength programmes that get results safely.
You will also be introduced to the power clean and its progressions – the first step towards Olympic weightlifting – so you can add speed and power training to your clients’ programmes.
One-day practical CPD course · Listed in our CPD & STAFF TRAINING section · Delivered by strength coach Sarah Smith.
Safe set-up: bar, rack, plates, collars and spotting
Back squat and front squat – technique, depth and common faults
Deadlift and Romanian deadlift – hip hinge, bracing and bar path
Bench press and overhead press
Introduction to the power clean and its progressions
Regressions and progressions for beginners and experienced lifters
Planning strength programmes: sets, reps, load and progression
After this course you will be able to:
teach the big barbell lifts with clear, effective cues
identify and correct the most common technique faults
choose safe progressions and loads for different clients
plan simple, effective strength programmes
How our CPD courses work
100% practical: the course day is fully hands-on. The theory part is on our e-learning platform, so you can study it before the course at your own pace.
Lifetime access to the e-learning platform. All future updates of the materials are included in the course price.
Small groups, quality first: maximum 10 participants.
Course length: 7 hours for groups of up to 5 participants, 8 hours for groups of 6 to 10 participants.
Frequently asked questions
Is this an Olympic weightlifting course? The focus is on coaching the big strength lifts. You will also be introduced to the power clean and its progressions as a first step towards Olympic lifting.
Do I need to be able to lift heavy? No. What matters is good technique and coaching. We work with loads that suit each participant.
How much does it cost? €295 for the one-day CPD course.
Requirements
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
Personal trainers and gym instructors
Strength and conditioning coaches looking for CPD
Coaches working with athletes and sports teams
Club owners who want their staff to coach the gym floor confidently
Requirements
Minimum age: 18 years
Required: a basic Gym Instructor qualification (for example the PFS Gym Instructor® course or an equivalent qualification)
Good general fitness and no injuries that prevent lifting
Comfortable training clothes and flat training shoes
Please inform us during registration if you have any injuries, learning difficulties or disabilities so we can accommodate you appropriately.
Duration
PFS Barbell Strength Coach® – Coaching the Big Lifts is a one-day, 100% practical CPD course.
Up to 5 participants: 7 hours (including a break)
6 to 10 participants: 8 hours (including a break)
Exact start and finish times depend on the venue and are shown with each course date. The theory part is completed on our e-learning platform.
Course programme
Welcome and introduction – course aims, equipment and access to the e-learning platform.
Practical theory review – strength principles, safety and equipment
Practice 1: squat patterns – back squat and front squat
Practice 2: hinge patterns – deadlift and Romanian deadlift
Break
Practice 3: pressing – bench press and overhead press
Practice 4: introduction to the power clean and its progressions
Programming: sets, reps, load and progression for different clients
Teaching practice – you coach other participants and receive feedback from the tutor.
Summary and Q&A
Exam
Course assessment
Continuous practical assessment during the day: technique, safe set-up and clear coaching cues.
A short coaching task: you teach one of the key lifts to another participant and receive feedback.
Full attendance and active participation in all practical sessions are required.
Certification
Every participant who attends the full course and actively takes part in the practical sessions receives a PFS Barbell Strength Coach® – Coaching the Big Lifts Certificate of Completion, downloadable from our e-learning platform.
To qualify to teach the course content, participants attend the course at least twice: the second time always as a participant, and from the third time they may join the tutor as co-teachers.
To secure your place, payment should be made upon registration.
We operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Payment must be received in full before the course starts.
Maximum 10 participants.
Payment methods
Bank transfer
PayPal
Staff training for your club or gym? We can deliver this course on site for your team. Contact Michael Doocey, General Manager – office@profi-fitness.ie, +353 86 072 3820.
If you encounter any issues with payment and you have read our FAQ page, please reach out via the Contact section.
