Student gym volunteers complete weightlifting course

Posted 25 November 2014

The team behind the gym at Harper Adams University has become the first group of university students in the UK to receive formal training from British Weightlifting (BWL).

On November 19, the student volunteers from Harper Fitness plus student services officer for sports, societies and participation, Andy Jefferies, took part in a BWL course certifying them to lead and supervise weightlifting sessions. 

Andy Jefferies said: “Feedback from GB National Coach, Eddie Halstead was very encouraging. Along with development and education manager Stuart Cummings, Mr Halstead instructed individuals on conducting safety checks, best practice in managing weightlifting sessions and hands-on learning, with each course attendee being personally taught the correct way to perform key lifts as well as the correct method of spotting other individuals.

“Among these lifts were the Olympic lifts, the Snatch and the Clean. All attendees thoroughly enjoyed learning to perform these lifts, finding the technique and thinking process to be much more of a challenge than the physical weight lifted. Some of the Harper Fitness volunteers stayed in the gym well after the course had finished, wanting to perfect their lifts.”

In response to the course, I have worked with the Students’ Union to increase its provision for students wanting to learn to Olympic Lift, including the purchase of highly specialised barbells, one designed for female lifters, along with lighter weight full-sized weight plates for members to safely learn the lifting techniques. 

“As a result of the course, the University and Students’ Union are able to provide a previously unparalleled level of service to its gym members, with qualified supervision available on site throughout the week.”