Gary Pepperell

Gary Pepperell

Head of Strength & Conditioning g.pepperell@plymouthcollege.com

Gary is our strength and conditioning coach and comes to PL with a first class degree in sports strength and conditioning and a masters in science of research, sport and exercise science. He is Head of Strength and Conditioning for both Plymouth Leander and Plymouth College. As well as PL athletes, Gary coaches members of Team GB's modern pentathlon academy. He has previously coached, among others, the Cornish Pirates rugby team.

"From starting out as a lifeguard and watching my local club train, I always admired how hard swimmers train. Providing S&C to swimmers is unique as the sport is obviously water based and improving swimming qualities on dry land has its challenges. I believe the area where we can have the biggest impact is in starts and turns - both powerful movements that require a range of training techniques to improve."

qualification

I am a member of the United Kingdom Strength and Conditioning Association (UKSCA) and am a UKSCA Accredited Strength & Conditioning Coach (ASCC).

experience

My early sporting experiences surround football and I played for my local club Ludgvan FC. Moving on to rugby in my teens I played for both Penzance and Newlyn RFC and Truro and Penwith College and learnt a lot about being involved in a tight and cohesive squad. Throughout university, my passion extended to weightlifting and I enjoy a round golf! I like to try new sports when i can. I have the same mantra for youth athletes; there is no better way to develop athleticism than to be a multi-sport athlete.

Personal Interests

Though I haven't done enough of it; travelling! Visiting the deep corners of the world is high on my to-do list. I enjoy exploring different cultures and ways of life.  Though I haven't done enough of it; travelling! Visiting the deep corners of the world is high on my to-do list. I enjoy exploring different cultures and ways of life.