Strength Training Essentials
Coach With Confidence In Your Clinical Practice.
You know rehabilitation exercises. Now learn when and how to progress to Strength Training.
Melbourne 2026
You Know Strength Training Matters. Now Learn How to Apply It Clinically.
Strength Training is essential for musculoskeletal and sports rehabilitation. You understand the importance and learned the exercises at university. Your challenge now lies in how to integrate strength training into clinical practice with systematic program design, progression frameworks, and confident clinical reasoning. This is the workshop that bridges the gap between knowing strength training exercises and applying them effectively throughout your patient’s recovery journey.
This is the workshop that bridges knowing strength training matters to confidently applying it through the rehabilitation continuum.
What You’ll Learn
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Determine when to progress from rehabilitation exercises to strength training using systematic criteria
Assess patient readiness for strength training using movement quality, tissue capacity, and psychological preparedness
Justify strength training progression with evidence-informed rationale
Identify when patients need continued rehab focus vs when they're ready for progressive loading
Integrate strength training strategically throughout the rehabilitation continuum
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Coach various techniques for fundamental exercises (squat, hinge, push, pull, carry)
Apply progressive overload, specificity, and variation principles within physiotherapy context
Use tissue adaptation timelines to guide progressive loading decisions confidently
Determine evidence-based dosage parameters (sets, reps, intensity) for different training goals
Make informed decisions about when to increase load, volume, or complexity
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Design weekly and monthly progressions that integrate strength with other rehabilitation modalities
Apply periodisation basics for clinical populations
Progress patients based on movement quality, loading capacity, AND psychological readiness
Manage setbacks and regression decisions systematically
Create effective home-based and gym-based strength programs
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Teach evidence-informed technique for compound movements with clear, effective cues
Troubleshoot common movement faults and compensatory patterns
Build patient confidence with loaded exercises and gym environments applying Exercise Prescription Essentials's self-efficacy principles)
Manage gym intimidation and equipment fear specific to strength training
Adapt coaching approach for different populations and presentations
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Recognise and manage load-related fear distinct from general movement fear
Navigate gym intimidation and equipment anxiety
Support the psychological shift from "rehab" to "training" identity
Apply Exercise Prescription Essentials's choice architecture to equipment decisions (dumbbells vs barbells, machines vs free weights)
Integrate technical coaching with psychological support for loaded exercise
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Work within busy practice constraints and realistic time allocations
Make equipment decisions confidently (minimal equipment to full gym access)
Communicate strength training value to patients, referrers, and colleagues
Position strength training strategically throughout rehabilitation, not just "end-stage"
Maintain scope of practice while maximising strength training therapeutic potential
From Knowing Exercises to Coaching Patients
Master evidence-based loading that works with real patients and real constraints. Integrate systematic assessment, progressive overload principles, and strength-specific coaching strategies for confident clinical practice. Bridge the gap between rehab exercises and performance training with frameworks designed for mid-late rehabilitation and return to activity. An essential addition to your exercise therapy toolkit with immediately applicable technical skills.
Builds on Exercise Prescription Essentials' patient engagement foundation to add Strength Training technical expertise.
Move from knowing exercises to confidently coaching patients thought the complete rehabilitation continuum.
Course Content
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When to progress from rehab exercises to strength training
Assessment framework for strength training readiness and progression decisions
Patient selection and clinical decision-making
Integrating strength training into comprehensive rehab programs
Working with a collaborative collaborative approach to strength training
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Systematic strength assessment for clinical populations
Movement quality screening and readiness evaluation
Identifying strength deficits and windows of opportunity
Clinical reasoning for exercise selection priorities
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Essential movement patterns for clinical populations (squat, hinge, push, pull, carry)
Technique essentials for fundamental exercises
Common compensations and corrections
Equipment variations and alternatives
Regression and progression strategies
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Evidence-based dosage parameters (sets, reps, intensity, frequency)
Progressive overload principles systematically applied
Tissue adaptation timelines (muscle, tendon, bone considerations)
Load management and periodisation basics
Applying Exercise Prescription Essentials's coaching principles to strength-specific contexts: gym intimidation, load-related fear, and the "rehab to training" identity shift
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Strength training session structure
Weekly and monthly programming frameworks
Integration with other rehabilitation modalities
Home-based vs gym-based program design
Return to sport and athletic development considerations
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Effective coaching cues for compound movements
Technique correction strategies and common faults
Building confidence with loaded exercises (applying Exercise Prescription Essentials principles)
Managing gym anxiety and equipment fear
Real-world case integration and working under real-life constraints
We highly recommend completing Exercise Prescription Essentials first - it provides the foundational patient engagement and exercise prescription frameworks that this workshop builds upon.
However, if you already have strong exercise prescription foundations, you can take this as a standalone course.
Do These Patient Scenarios Sound Familiar?
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Mark's Achilles Tendinopathy
He's a 30-year-old runner with mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy. You know he needs progressive loading, but you're uncertain about dosage - how many sets? What intensity? How fast should you progress? You've read about heavy slow resistance training, but translating research to his specific presentation feels uncertain. How do you confidently load his tendon for optimal adaptation without under- or over-loading?
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Lisa's Chronic Shoulder Pain
She needs upper limb strength, but she's intimidated by gym equipment and weights. You know strength training would help, but you're uncertain how to coach her through loaded exercises or progress her systematically. She's afraid of making things worse. How do you build her confidence with progressive loading while managing her gym anxiety?
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Rob's Fitness at 72
He's had a fall scare and needs lower limb strength for function and confidence. He's never been to a gym and thinks strength training is "for young people" or "too dangerous at my age." You know he needs progressive loading for fall prevention, but you're unsure how to introduce strength training appropriately while addressing his beliefs about age and strength.
You understand that strength training is essential for rehabilitation. You know the exercises - squats, deadlifts, presses, rows.
But when does someone transition from therapeutic exercise to progressive loading? How do you determine if 3 sets of 8 or 4 sets of 5 is appropriate? What tissue adaptation timelines guide your progression decisions? Those are the technical gaps.
Note: If you struggle with why patients don't follow through with programs, start with Exercise Prescription Essentials. This workshop assumes you have patient engagement foundations and focuses on strength training-specific technical and coaching expertise.
Who Is This Workshop For?
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Physiotherapists who want to integrate strength training into clinical practice confidently
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Exercise Prescription Essentials graduates seeking to expand their exercise therapy toolkit through the rehabilitation continuum.
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Practitioners uncertain when to progress from rehab exercises to strength training.
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Clinicians who want clinical reasoning frameworks and technical loading expertise, not just exercise demonstrations.
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Those who currently refer patients to strength coaches and personal trainers when they “just need to get stronger”
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Practitioners ready to make strength training a strategic clinical tool from mid-rehab through return to activity.
We highly recommend completing Exercise Prescription Essentials first - it provides the foundational patient engagement and exercise prescription frameworks that this workshop builds upon.
Think of it this way:
Exercise Prescription Essentials teaches: How to engage patients who are fearful, skeptical, or anxious (works across ANY exercise modality)
Strength Training Essentials teaches: How to load those engaged patients with strength training effectively
Exercise Prescription Essentials provides the coaching foundations (fear-avoidance, self-efficacy, collaborative approaches) and program design strategies. Strength Training Essentials shows you how to apply those principles specifically to strength training contexts - gym intimidation, load-related fear, the identity shift from "rehab" to "training."
However, if you already have strong exercise prescription and patient engagement foundations from other training, you can take this as a standalone course. You'll learn strength-specific strategies even without Exercise Prescription Essentials.
Your Instructor
John Contreras
APA Sports & Exercise Physiotherapist
B.Physio (Hons) B.Sc M.ExSci (Strength & Conditioning) M.Sports Physio
John created this workshop after seeing too many physiotherapists intimidated by Pilates or overwhelmed by lengthy instructor certifications that focussed on aspects of Pilates not specific to clinical practice.
With 24 years of clinical experience integrating Pilates into physiotherapy practice, John has developed accessible, evidence-informed approaches that bridge traditional Pilates training with clinical reasoning. His workshops focus on practical application and systematic decision-making, helping physiotherapists confidently integrate Pilates as a clinical tool rather than memorising comprehensive repertoire
This workshop combines technical excellence with real-world application, helping early-career Physios, and those looking to refine their practice, develop both Pilates competence and confidence.
What Makes This Workshop Different
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Clinical Reasoning Focused
Learn when to choose Pilates, how to progress systematically, and how to integrate strategically - not just exercise repertoire.
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Essentials, Not Everything
Master the essential mat and reformer exercises that matter for clinical practice - immediately applicable without overwhelming certification requirements.
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Evidence Informed Integration
Every framework backed by research and 24 years of clinical experience integrating Pilates into Physiotherapy practice.
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Physiotherapy Specific
Designed for clinical application, not studio instruction - bridging traditional Pilates training with physiotherapy scope and reasoning.
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Immediately Applicable
Use these frameworks with your very next patient - systematic decision-making tools, progression principles, and program design templates.
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Natural Progession
Builds on Exercise Prescription Essentials foundations to expand your exercise therapy toolkit strategically and confidently.
What You’ll Take Home
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Pilates suitability assessment:
Systematic decision-making tool for determining when Pilates is appropriate vs other interventions, moving you from uncertainty to confident clinical reasoning.
Mat Pilates essential exercise guide:
Core mat exercises for clinical rehabilitation with systematic progressions, modifications for common pathologies, and clinical reasoning for exercise selection.
Reformer Pilates essential exercise guide:
Essential reformer exercises with spring selection principles, progression frameworks, and clinical modifications for different presentations
Focused on rehabilitation, not comprehensive repertoire.
Systematic progression:
Evidence-informed framework for progressing mat / reformer Pilates exercises based on movement quality, load capacity, and patient readiness.
Pilates session template:
Format for individual session design including warm-up principles, main work organisation, and integration strategies
Immediately usable with your next Pilates patient.
Weekly and monthly program design outline:
How to integrate Pilates across weeks and months within broader rehabilitation programs
Includes guidance on frequency, intensity, and transition planning.
Patient scenario clinical reasoning guides:
Complete case studies with clinical reasoning pathways for different patient types
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Complete course workbook:
Digital workbook with access to all course content and resources
Mat and reformer exercise libraries:
Comprehensive visual guides for essential mat and reformer exercises including:
Starting positions and setup
Key coaching cues and common corrections
Systematic progressions and regressions
Clinical modifications for different pathologies
Reformer spring settings and equipment variations
Movement quality assessment tools:
Systematic observation frameworks for assessing Pilates movement quality - what to look for, how to identify compensations, and when movement is clinically adequate.
Evidence summaries:
Key research supporting Pilates for clinical populations, systematic reviews on effectiveness for different conditions, and evidence-informed practice guidelines.
Implementation planning resources:
30-day and 90-day integration guides for incorporating Pilates into your existing practice without overwhelming yourself or requiring immediate equipment investment.
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30-Day implementation email support:
Direct access for questions as you begin integrating Pilates into clinical practice
Troubleshooting support during critical implementation period.
Resource library access:
Ongoing access to updated exercise progressions, evidence summaries, and new clinical application strategies as research evolves.
Professional network connection:
Join practitioners implementing clinical Pilates confidently; peer support, implementation troubleshooting, and shared learning opportunities.
CPD documentation:
Certificate of completion include number of hours completed
This isn't just two days of Pilates training - it's clinical reasoning mastery that transforms Pilates from uncertain territory into a confident clinical tool.
Ready To Make Pilates One Of Your Clinical Tools?
Melbourne 2026
Join the 2026 waitlist for early access and early bird pricing.
Pilates Training Essentials FAQs
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This course is designed for Physiotherapists who want to integrate Pilates into their clinical practice with confidence. It's ideal if you're uncertain when to choose Pilates vs other interventions, how to progress systematically, or how to integrate Pilates into broader rehab programs. This is clinical reasoning training, not traditional Pilates certification.
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We highly recommend it. Exercise Prescription Essentials provides the foundational patient engagement, exercise prescription, and program design frameworks that this workshop builds upon. EPE graduates can focus entirely on Pilates-specific clinical reasoning without re-covering fundamental concepts. However, if you already have strong exercise prescription foundations from other training, you can take this as a standalone course.
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Yes, if you have solid exercise prescription foundations. We'll teach essential Pilates principles and exercises from the ground up, but we won't spend time on basic exercise prescription concepts (that's what EPE covers). You'll learn what you need to integrate Pilates clinically without prior Pilates experience.
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Absolutely. Traditional certifications excel at teaching comprehensive repertoire but often lack clinical reasoning frameworks for Physiotherapy practice. This workshop teaches you when to choose Pilates vs other interventions, how to integrate it into rehab programs, and how to make systematic clinical decisions - skills traditional certifications don't address.
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Traditional certifications are comprehensive, expensive, and time-intensive (often 50+ hours over months). They teach extensive repertoire with minimal clinical reasoning. This workshop is 2 days focused on essential exercises and clinical decision-making frameworks. You'll leave knowing when and how to use Pilates clinically, not just how to teach exercises.
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This workshop qualifies you to integrate Pilates into your Physiotherapy practice with clinical reasoning and essential repertoire. It's not designed to make you a comprehensive Pilates instructor - it's designed to make Pilates a strategic tool in your exercise therapy approach. If you want to offer dedicated Pilates classes, traditional certification may be more appropriate.