He presented the latest research and his interpretations on developing strength and power. Dietmar is Professor of Sports Science at the University of Frankfurt in Germany. He travels the world advising and consulting with many sport organisations.

He was also the original author and researcher on Complex and Contrast training and many more important findings and studies on 'Speed-Strength'.

Fifty fitness coaches attended the workshop from around the country. They showed great commitment coming to the workshop as the weather in November was extremely bad.

The second part of the workshop was presented by James Fennelly, Ireland's strongest man. James presented on Strongman training. Fitness coaches that attended showed great interest in this rejuvenated method of strength training.

The December Fitness Workshop was presented by Martin Zawieja who is an elite weightlifting coach and also an Olympic medallist in the super heavyweight division.

School and club coaches who attended the workshop were given an introduction to weightlifting. Martin was also assisted by Colin Buckley from the Irish Amateur Weightlifting Association and Des Ryan (IRFU Fitness Education Manager).

As the day was an introductory one to weightlifting, it targeted coaches new to weightlifting in sport. The workshop is the first step on the coaching accreditation ladder.

Participants are encouraged to continue with further courses, notably the Resistance Training and Weightlifting for Sport course run by Setanta College and accredited by HETAC in partnership with the IRFU and the IAWLA.

Similar introductory workshops will be run in the coming months on a demand basis. Keep an eye on the IRFU website and Setanta College website for information.

Des Ryan (IRFU Fitness Education Manager)