Following on from the close links forged by Charlie Shotton-Gale last year whilst coaching the Help for Heroes Powerlifting Team in their lead up to the Invictus Games, the first of three camps took place last weekend with Swindon Barbell coach Mark Townend taking the reins.
Beginning on Friday three groups of mixed ability Help for Heroes athletes underwent technical training for the para-bench (a feet up variation of the bench press, designed to create a more level field of competition for athletes with various disabilities).
Saturday was dedicated to mock competitions with an aim to reinforce the technical training from the previous day and familiarise athletes with platform commands and the nerves associated with performing in front of spectators.
The final training day enabled coaches to work with athletes on any weak points that had become apparent during the mock competition and to explore accessory exercises in order to build strength and promote shoulder / joint health.
This camp at Aldershot is to be followed up with further sessions held at Loughborough and Bath universities in the lead up to the U.K. Games held in Sheffield in July which in turn will be used for selection of competitors for the 2020 Invictus Games which will be held in The Hague.
We at Swindon Barbell cannot wait to see how far these athletes can go and look forward to working with them in the next stage of their new venture.
