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Since embarking on my powerlifting journey in 2019, I have had the privilege to handle a great deal of lifters with varying experience levels, at regional and national competitions.
I firmly believe that effective coaching requires more than just knowledge - it requires communication, collaboration, and a deep understanding of each lifter's unique needs. That said, my passion and curiosity about the science behind movement has driven me to adopt a forward-thinking and open-minded attitude towards powerlifting training.
By developing personalised programs tailored to each lifter's specific needs, I am able to help them consistently carry out their training, to achieve their goals. Therefore, I am committed to working closely with my lifters to build a healthy coach-client relationship and optimise squat, bench, and deadlift efficiency in order to maximize performance.
"Ilhan's coaching is excellent, taking me from a beginner lifter to a national champ and international podiums. His ability to break down simple technical errors as well as complex programming changes has been incredibly helpful in my growth as a lifter. His communication is always prompt and I feel comfortable asking questions and suggesting my own ideas, however big or small."
"I started working with Ilhan at the beginning of my powerlifting journey, and he taught me the sport from the ground up—developing my technique, finding the right programming for me, and providing consistent, constructive feedback. Within a year, my competition total increased by over 100 kg in the same weight category, this let me qualify for the British University Champs."
"Ilhan's coaching has been a huge part of my development as an athlete over the past 3 years. He is very personal, adapting training around my life, goals, and schedule while always focusing on the bigger picture. His communication is honest, supportive, and tailored to me as I feel understood and listened to."
I founded Apto Performance back in 2022 with the goal of creating a platform that helps as many driven individuals as possible reach their health and strength goals. Seeing how it's grown into a team of six coaches supporting over 100 clients has been genuinely rewarding, and it's pushed me to keep raising the standard of what we offer.
I value individualised coaching and rehab, and I've seen first-hand how the right plan and the right support can bridge the gap between good and excellent long-term outcomes. As a competitive powerlifter, I understand the demands and pressures that come with performance sport, but I also coach people at every stage, whether they are experienced lifters or completely new to the gym.
My coaching is evidence-informed, drawing on my BSc (Hons) in Applied Sport and Exercise Science alongside practical coaching experience and what works best for each individual. I also hold an MSc in Physiotherapy, with a keen interest in musculoskeletal injuries, which helps me support clients who want to keep progressing while managing pain, setbacks, or recurring niggles.
Alongside coaching athletes year-round, I had the privilege of coaching for Team GB at the 2026 IPF World Classic Powerlifting Championships, supporting lifters on the biggest stage in the sport. As an athlete myself, I also represented Scotland at the 2024 Commonwealth Powerlifting Championships in South Africa, where I won the -105kg Open class and set the heaviest deadlift in Scottish Powerlifting history.
More than anything, I enjoy working with people who are motivated to improve, whether that means building strength, improving body composition, achieving success in competition, or returning to training with confidence after injury.
"The coaching is detailed, structured, and genuinely tailored to me as an athlete. I've received continuous support, clear feedback, and thoughtful adjustments that have helped me improve not just my numbers, but my understanding of training and performance. Jamie doesn't just provide a program—he provides consistent guidance and long-term development."
"Working with Apto Performance has helped me fall back in love with powerlifting and competing. The week-to-week support and feedback are more than I could ask for, and my technique has improved consistently across all three lifts. I feel stronger and more confident week after week."
"After my first call with Jamie, I knew he was the coach to take things to the next level. Three years later, I've got a personalised programme that fits my busy schedule and has delivered real results, improved body composition and helped me add 150kg on my total."
Building on my current studies in physiotherapy, I take a holistic approach to coaching, ensuring each athlete's programme is tailored to their individual needs. Drawing on both my own experience and the evidence base, this approach not only helps maximise performance and progress, but also supports long-term enjoyment and longevity in the sport. Over the past two years, this philosophy has allowed me to successfully coach athletes to strong performances at both regional and national level meets.
Alongside coaching, I have been a competitive powerlifter for the past four years. During this time, I've won multiple Scottish titles and achieved podium finishes at both British Junior and Sub-Junior age-grade competitions. I currently hold the record for the highest male GL points in Scotland. However, alongside the successes, I've also experienced setbacks and losses within the sport. This allows me to empathise with and support my athletes through both the highs and the more challenging periods of their training and competitive journey.
"He explains things clearly and in different ways, making them easy for me to understand. Peter's skill on the platform, and knowledge as a coach is clear, but what stands out is that he genuinely cares for you as an athlete. I've never felt like just another number, and he always does what's best for you and your goals."
"I have been coached by Peter for ten months and I am really impressed by the progress that I have been able to make with him. He listens to what you have to say and tailors your programmes to your goals and needs. I would highly recommend Peter to anyone looking to take their powerlifting to the next level."
"Working with Peter has completely reignited my passion for powerlifting. He's helped me grow stronger not only physically, but mentally, keeping me focused and motivated during times when I struggle to stay locked in. Peter is always open to ideas, values my perspective, and truly listens."
I have been competing in Powerlifting since 2019 and coaching powerlifting since 2021 and since then have had the privilege of coaching a wide range of individuals from complete beginners to international medallists and champions. Alongside this I am a divisional level referee, an active competitor, have served as president and head coach for Stirling University Powerlifting, and have coached internationally for team Scotland.
I value individualised and integrated coaching, rehab with high attention to detail and planning in programming. As someone who has competed internationally, I understand how important the right plan and support is in achieving the best possible outcomes and aim to coach athletes how I would like to be coached. I firmly believe in athlete improvement going beyond the program, and am committed to achieving every client’s goals while also ensuring their continued athletic development.
My educational background in sports science along with my practical sports coaching experience outside of powerlifting has allowed me to develop my broader skillset as a coach and use the appropriate evidence-based tools for the long term development of each individual. I also have a keen interest in musculoskeletal injuries, and my studies in physiotherapy allow me to widen the scope of my coaching to include in depth pain management and rehabilitation.
I feel very fortunate to be in a position to dedicate so much of my time to this sport, and thoroughly enjoy working and developing relationships with every client. I find a great deal of fulfillment in helping people achieve their goals, whether that means competing at a high level, improving body composition, or returning to training post injury.
"Alasdair is a fantastic coach, Not only is the programming super specific for me, he also gives me reasoning behind everything so I can understand things better as an athlete. Feedback from him is also phenomenal, I only receive quality feedback instead of being told that everything is just okay. Before working with him, I have had confidence issues leading up to comp and even during my first competition with him, Alasdair had more confidence in me than I had in myself."
"I've been working with Ali for around 18 months now and I've seen significant increases in all 3 lifts, can't recommend him highly enough. His attention to detail is exceptional, consistently asking the right questions, prompting meaningful reflection, and ensure I understand not just what I’m doing, but why. Every block is thoughtfully constructed with a clear purpose, and those intentions are always explained in a way that helps me give informed feedback and grow as an athlete."
"Three years later, I've got a personalised programme that fits my busy schedule and has delivered real results, improved body composition and helped me add 150kg on my total."
"The coaching gave me so much confidence in my lifting. I've been able to achieve huge goals, including representing GBR at both Worlds and Europeans, and I couldn't be more grateful."
I have been deeply involved in powerlifting since early 2019. Since 2021 I have coached a large range of powerlifters at various levels, from regional to national and international competitions. Alongside this I am a national level referee, an active competitor and had the privilege to coach and compete with team Scotland internationally a number of times.
My experience coaching on the gym floor with a wide range of populations, has improved my soft skills and ability to distill information and strengthened my eye for technique in an online setting.
Care for the lifters who trust me with their training is at the core of my coaching. I pride myself on offering a high-contact, consistent, and professional service so every athlete can be in the best position to succeed. No two people are the same and with attention to detail, clear communication, and a modern programming approach, my coaching is tailored to the lifter in front of me.
"In the 2 years I've been working with Ciar, I've seen a massive improvement in my lifts and technique. Under his coaching, I have become a much more confident and refined lifter. He encourages comp standard training which is highlighted in competitions, with many of his lifters repeatedly going 9/9."
"Ciar has a wealth of powerlifting knowledge and expertise, of which he communicates clearly. I would highly recommend him as a coach to anyone, whether they are first starting out in powerlifting or already a seasoned competitor."
"Ciar is a great coach. I had done 6 powerlifting competitions before him and never gone 9/9. Both competitions so far with Ciar I placed first and went 9/9. Last competition I also lifetime PBd all lifts. Training is going better and more enjoyable than ever before."