LIFT
Hey, I'm Connor — aka Coach Oates

Get Stronger. Get Better.

I'm a BWL affiliated Olympic Weightlifting Coach with 15+ years of experience. Whether you're picking up a barbell for the first time or stepping onto a competition platform — I'll coach you to be stronger than you thought possible.

Scroll to explore
15+
Years Coaching
BWL
Affiliated Coach
MRes
Sport & Exercise Science
The Coach

A decade of coaching.
Zero shortcuts.

I've been coaching for over 15 years — and in that time I've worked with everyone from complete beginners who've never touched a barbell, right through to athletes competing nationally and internationally. No two athletes are the same, and I don't coach them like they are.

My background spans competitive weightlifting and swimming, and I've coached athletes worldwide — from Dubai and Japan to the USA and Ireland. I'm also the founder of OPTILIFT — my coaching method that underpins everything I do.

"I became a coach to inspire people to find out exactly how strong they can get — mentally and physically. So what are you waiting for?"
MRes Sport & Exercise — University of Wolverhampton
BSc Sports Coaching — University of Wolverhampton
BWL Level 2 Coaching & Instructing Weightlifting
Level 3 Personal Training | Level 2 Fitness Instructing
Mental Health First Aid Certified
Safeguarding Certified | Kettlebell Instruction
Coaching

How we can
work together

Wherever you are in the world, there's a way to train with me. Pick the pathway that fits where you are right now.

01
Coaching
Whether you're picking up a barbell for the first time or competing at national level, there's a way I can work with you. From beginner foundations (Broomstick to Barbell) to fully personalised 1:1 coaching to the team programme — find the right fit and let's get to work.
Learn to Lift1:1 CoachingTeam Training
?
Not Sure Where to Start?
That's exactly what the free call is for. Tell me where you are and where you want to go — we'll work out the right path together. No pressure, no sales pitch. Just an honest conversation about what's going to move the needle for you.
Real Results

Don't take my word
for it

Real athletes, real results. These are their stories in their own words.

M
Maria
From confused to consistently hitting PBs
R
Rachel
Working with Coach Oates for a number of years
N
Nora
Beginning her journey learning the Olympic lifts
Free Community

Not ready to commit?
Join the community first.

I've built a free Skool community for anyone interested in getting stronger — whether you're brand new to lifting or already training and just want to be around people who take it seriously. No cost. No catch. Just good coaching, shared knowledge, and a community that'll hold you accountable.

Free Coaching Content

Technique breakdowns, training tips and programming advice — straight from the platform.

Community of Like-Minded Athletes

Connect with other lifters, share progress, ask questions and stay motivated.

First Access to New Programmes

Members hear about new sessions, programmes and events before anyone else.

Join the Free Community →
Watch — What's Inside
Connor explains exactly what you get when you join
Community Platform
Free
Always
Open Access
Live
& Active

Join in under 60 seconds. No credit card required.

Training Blog

Knowledge from
the platform

View all posts →
Podcast

Snatch Chat
Podcast

Coaching conversations, technical breakdowns, athlete interviews and no-nonsense advice on getting stronger. New episodes dropping regularly — available wherever you listen.

The OPTILIFT Method

Everything I coach
runs through
OPTILIFT

After 15 years of coaching, I put everything that consistently gets athletes results into a single system — OPTILIFT. Three pillars, one purpose: help you lift better, get stronger, and perform when it counts. It's the foundation behind every programme I write, every athlete I coach, and the community we're building around it.

Explore the OPTILIFT Method ↗
01

Optimise Movement

Build the technical foundation first. Every lift, every rep — executed with precision before load is added. No shortcuts.

02

Build Strength

Progressive overload with purpose. Structured programming that builds resilient, powerful athletes — not just gym numbers.

03

Perform & Compete

Turn training into real results. Peaking protocols, competition prep, and a community that holds you accountable every step.

Get Started

Ready to find out
how strong you can get?

Book a free consultation — no pressure, no sales pitch. Just a conversation about where you are and where you want to go. If I can help, I'll tell you. If I can't, I'll point you in the right direction.

Book a Free Consultation Join Free Community