Strength & Conditioning

Evidence-based strength coaching at our Richmond clinic, led by strength coach James Ross. Built for people moving on from rehab, wanting to focus on performance, and/or anyone wanting to get stronger, safely.

WHAT IT IS

Where rehab meets performance

Strength and conditioning (S&C) picks up where physiotherapy leaves off. It can help you build the strength, capacity and confidence to keep doing what you love, with less risk of injury and better performance along the way.

Our sessions are coached by James Ross, our S&C coach and an exercise scientist. James brings two Master’s degrees in exercise science and over 20 years of coaching to every session, working with everyone from complete beginners to people returning to elite sport.

OUR APPROACH

Consistency beats intensity

James’s coaching is centred on the key idea that consistency beats intensity, the slow and steady wins the race approach. Training that challenges you just enough, week after week, gives you the best return for your effort and the lowest risk of burnout or injury. Four principles guide how we program your training.

Individualisation

Your physiology and history are unique, so your program is built around how you respond, not how anyone else does.

Specificity

We train for your goals, targeting the qualities that matter most for what you want to achieve.

Progressive overload

We add load and volume gradually, giving your body time to adapt safely.

Reversibility

Staying consistent and avoiding injury protects the fitness you have worked hard to build.

The result is a tailored approach to ensure you get the most out of your time in the gym.

HOW WE CAN HELP

Ways to train with us

Every program is one-on-one and starts with an assessment, so your training is built around your goals, history and current ability.

One-on-one

Personal Training

Strength, conditioning and lifting technique, programmed for you

Train one-on-one with James on a program built around your goals. Strength work develops force production, structural integrity and lifting mechanics, while conditioning builds cardiovascular fitness, work capacity and sustainable output. Sessions can use a mix of free weights such as kettlebells and dumbbells, bodyweight movements, and machines like leg press and bikes. It suits people returning to or preparing for sport, coming back from injury, or starting from scratch.

Getting started: Initial Assessment and Program Evaluation, 60 minutes ($120), then ongoing sessions of 45 minutes ($90). We can also evaluate and build a home or gym program.

SMALL GROUP PROGRAM

Bone Health class

Strength and education for bone density

Our Bone Health class is an evidence-based strength and education program for people living with osteopenia or osteoporosis, or anyone wanting to build a buffer against low bone density. It combines strength training with practical education on how to load your body safely and effectively.

Getting started: Initial Assessment, 45 minutes ($90), followed by a one-hour education session and twice-weekly strength training. Spots are limited.

WHO IT'S FOR

Strength training suits more people than you might think

People finishing physiotherapy who want to keep building strength and capacity
Anyone wanting to get stronger safely, regardless of starting point
People managing bone health, including osteopenia or osteoporosis
Athletes and active people preparing for or returning to sport
Older adults who want to stay strong, mobile and independent
Busy people who want efficient, well-programmed training

MEET YOUR COACH

James Ross

Strength & Conditioning Coach

Exercise scientist

James Ross is a strength and conditioning coach and exercise scientist with over 20 years of coaching behind him. He works with everyone from beginners to professional athletes, and coaches our strength and conditioning sessions at Complete Physio Richmond.

His background bridges sports science and real-world coaching. He holds two Master’s degrees in exercise science, including a research Master’s on the kettlebell snatch. A three-time kettlebell world champion himself, James has also coached athletes to world titles.

James describes his approach as that of a “movement scientist”: meticulous, data-driven, and focused on the smallest change that keeps you progressing each week. He works with every client on an adult, collaborative basis, building training that fits real life and supports long-term health, not just short-term results.

QUALIFICATIONS

Master’s Degree in Strength & Conditioning
Master’s Degree (by Research), Kettlebell Snatch
Bachelor of Health Science
ASCA Level 2 Coach (Australian Strength & Conditioning Association)

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

Three-time world kettlebell champion
Coach to six world kettlebell champions
Over 20 years coaching · 10,000+ classes taught
Published in the scientific literature
Contributor to Men’s Health magazine

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be injured or seeing a physio to join?

No. Our strength and conditioning sessions are open to anyone wanting to get stronger and fitter, from complete beginners to experienced lifters. Many clients come to us through physiotherapy, but plenty join simply to train well.

I have never lifted weights before. Is this suitable for beginners?

Yes. Every program starts from your current ability and builds gradually. James coaches technique first, so you learn to move well before adding load.

What happens at my first session?

Your first visit is an initial assessment. James looks at your goals, history and current ability, then builds a program suited to you. From there you train in ongoing one-on-one sessions, or join the Bone Health class if that is the right fit.

How are the sessions structured?

Training is programmed in blocks, usually around four weeks. Each block builds volume and intensity gradually before progressing, so your body adapts safely while you keep improving.

What is the Bone Health class?

Our Bone Health Class is an evidence-based program for people with osteopenia or osteoporosis, or anyone wanting to improve bone density. It includes an initial assessment, a one-hour education session, and twice-weekly strength training. Spots are limited, so reach out if you are interested.

How do I get started?

Book a session online or get in touch with the team. We will talk through your goals and the best way to begin.

Ready to get started?

Book a strength and conditioning session at our Bridge Road clinic, or get in touch to find the right starting point.

Complete Physio Richmond · 656 Bridge Road, Richmond VIC 3121