Testimonials

“Sam is an excellent strength and conditioning coach and has helped to transform my running for the better, whilst building my skills and knowledge in the gym over the last year. I’ve really benefitted from Sam’s consultative coaching style; techniques are clearly communicated, my S&C training plans are tailored to my sport and upcoming events - all of which has set me up for success, whilst helping me achieve my ultra running goals. I highly recommend Strata Performance.”

Joe, ultra runner

“Sam is the best S&C coach I’ve ever worked with. There is nothing he doesn’t know about the body. I started training with Sam shortly after ACL reconstruction and he has completely transformed my strength both on and off the bike. I owe my recovery to him and would recommend him to anyone looking to improve their performance in any sphere. I can’t wait for next season when I will no doubt see even more of the tangible gains and benefits of his amazing coaching programme. I’ve literally seen noticeable improvements every week over the last few months. Sam is amazing!!”

Maria, downhill and enduro mountain biker

“I saw Sam in an effort to iron out some niggles and build strength postpartum. Sam was incredibly supportive and adaptive with his approach, which is just what I needed as a new mother. Sam's knowledge is vast and his ability to spot technique adjustments is superb. I would highly recommend Sam to anybody looking to understand their body better or work towards their fitness goals.”

Poppy, climber, runner and cyclist

“As a keen climber of over 10 years, I was sceptical of the benefits of S&C. However, having reached a plateau I started training with Sam. Five months on, I'm amazed by the difference, not only in my climbing but also in the way I structure my climbing sessions. Starting with an evaluation, Sam tailors instruction based on your current level and goals. Not only does he ensure best form, but because of his sport-science background he explains why each exercise is relevant to you and your sport. It made me totally re-evaluate my training. Sam won’t just hurl a load of weight on a bar and exhaust you, but instead focuses on setting you up to go out and train safely and effectively by yourself. He is a down-to-earth, friendly guy who adapts his training and guidance based on your own circumstances.

James, climber

“I’ve been training with Sam for a couple of years now. My training goals are to gain strength and improve my endurance so that I can continue to work in the mountains as an outdoor instructor for many years to come. I’m pleased to say I’ve exceeded my expectations and I’m able to spend long days in the mountains, and keep up with my clients who are often much younger than me. Sam has taught me correct lifting techniques which has been key to avoiding injury and about the importance of incorporating conditioning into my training. I like having a clear program to follow each week (which is progressive, tailored to my goals and helps with my motivation) and it’s reassuring that Sam will adapt my training schedule as needed to fit with time away and when the inevitable niggles occur. I’d recommend Sam. He’s a great coach; very thorough, knowledgeable and approachable.”

Andy, outdoor instructor

“I started with Sam as I was having some postural and back issues and to help mountain biking and climbing strength. I couldn't be happier with the progress to date, I started with a block of 5 sessions and then dropped down to once a month due to being time constrained (I would see him every week if I could). I haven't had a single bit of back pain in the last two months and my mountain biking and climbing have both seen huge gains thanks to my general strength increase. I also now sit up straight for the first time ever, I've lost five kilos and I'm lifting almost double the weight I could when I started with him four months ago. The programme Sam has created for me is really easy to follow and he's always happy to help with anything.”

Sam, mountain biker

“Sam is an absolutely brilliant coach, attention to detail but at the same time keeping everything really simple. Sam will listen to your needs and adapt the training to your goals and your work/life/play balance. He also has a really good client/coach relationship and is easy to talk to. Highly recommended.”

Rob, runner

“I saw Sam for 2 years, he was such a supportive coach and helped me build strength and confidence for which I’ll always be grateful, he also helped me recover from a back injury when physiotherapy didn’t work. I would definitely recommend him to anyone who wants to focus on improving their climbing strength in great company.”

Mel, climber

“From our very first session, I felt supported and motivated to reach my goals. Sam's tailored approach helped me uncover my strengths and tackle challenges head-on. The process has been truly transformational, leading to significant improvements in my physical health, mental well-being, and overall confidence.”

Stephen, runner and road cyclist

“I've been working with Sam for the past couple of years, and he has been an invaluable part of my training. He is approachable, easy to work with, and applies a strong scientific approach to his coaching. His academic background allows him to critically evaluate research and integrate evidence-based strategies into his practice in a thoughtful and effective manner. What sets Sam apart is his ability to offer multiple solutions to any challenge I face, whether it's managing tendinopathies or transitioning from a single sport to multisport ambitions.

Sam’s expertise was instrumental in helping me prepare for the Winter 2025 Spine South Challenger, a key target for my 2024–25 season. Thanks to his guidance, I started the race feeling strong, resilient, and fully prepared to tackle the demanding, knee-deep snow course, free from any niggles.

I would highly recommend Sam to anyone looking to complement their sport-specific training with strength and conditioning work. His approach not only builds a solid foundation but also helps athletes take their performance to the next level.”

Nicola, runner, climber

“Sam has helped me enormously with my strength and conditioning. His workouts are carefully tailored to your goals and he has a great eye for spotting technical issues. Overall, he has made me much stronger on the bike and helped clear up a niggling back injury I had. I can’t wait to get racing again.”

Simon, road cyclist

“Thoroughly enjoyed working with Sam through my cycling off-season. All my power numbers went up and I am in the best shape I have ever been in. Sam analysed my strengths and weaknesses, and gave me a structured training program to help me improve. Even with the Covid pandemic affecting our face-to-face time, the communication was great and easy, and Sam gave frequent feedback on my progress and form. I always felt like Sam had my best interests in mind and would definitely recommend to any athlete.”

James, cross-country mountain biker

“The coaching provided by Sam is excellent and of a very high quality. As soon as I started doing training with him, I experienced immediate gains and improvements in both my physiological performance and my confidence. The sessions focused on both hard efforts and technique based work in order to ensure that you are getting the most out of your time. Sam also always ensures that you know what you can do to improve your performance and why the training you are doing is important and how it works, so that you know that what you are doing is/will help and this enables you to understand more about how to best improve. On top of all of this, Sam is a great coach and easy to get on with, which helps get through the hard efforts.”

Nat, para-swimmer and triathlete