Dr. Hayden Pritchard
Qualifications & Experience
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Completed a PhD, thesis on Tapering Strategies to Enhance Maximal Strength
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Lecturer on UCOL’s Bachelor of Exercise & Sport Science from 2014-2020
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New Zealand Representative in Powerlifting from 2012-2014
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Author for Biolayne’s REPS Research Review since 2024
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10+ years experience as a Strength Coach
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Achievements
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Coached International-Level athletes in both Powerlifting and Weightlifting
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Written for Stronger by Science, Reactive Training Systems, and Weightlifting House
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Held IPF Oceania records in the Squat and Total in the Open Men’s 93kg Class
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Founded the Mananwatū-Whanganui Weightlifting Club Inc.
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Host of the Stronger Dads Collective Podcast
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Special Interests​
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Competitive lifters
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Parents
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Hybrid athletes
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Strength & conditioning for sport
My Story
Hayden is a strength coach and sports scientist specialising in Powerlifting and strength development. Hayden has previously competed at two IPF Classic World Championships and held Oceania records in the squat and total. Today, he helps strength athletes unlock their full potential, bringing both personal experience and advanced scientific knowledge to his coaching.
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Dr. Pritchard completed his PhD in Exercise Science at AUT in 2017, with a thesis titled “Tapering Strategies to Enhance Maximal Strength.” His expertise in tapering, strength, and power development underpins his evidence-based approach, blending science with practical applications to support real-world progress.
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Utilising a relational coaching style, Hayden tailors each client’s training to fit their unique goals and lifestyle, creating effective plans that integrate with real-life demands. With a young family himself, he understands the importance of adapting training to daily responsibilities, empowering clients to make sustainable progress while achieving personal bests.
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In addition to coaching, Hayden writes monthly for Biolayne's REPS Research Review,
making complex research accessible and actionable for coaches and athletes looking to optimise their training results. He also hosts the Stronger Dads Collective Podcast, which aims to help fathers become stronger versions of themselves as people, fathers, and in their
athletic pursuits.
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Email: hjpmethod@gmail.com
IG: @hjpmethod
Located in Palmerston North, New Zealand
Testimonials
“Hayden is an incredibly knowledgeable coach, with a no-nonsense approach to programming. He took the time to understand my personal goals and developed a plan to get us there. He’s also just a really good guy to have a yarn with – so that’s an added bonus!”
– Steph, Weightlifter
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“I trusted every piece of Hayden’s advice because his knowledge is backed up by his own experience as a high-level athlete. He was able to identify and fix some long-standing issues, and his enthusiasm for his craft pushed me to make progress.”
– Zac, New Zealand Sprinter
“Hayden was my first Olympic Weightlifting coach who went above and beyond to help me grow from an average Crossfitter to a New Zealand representative weightlifter. I could openly discuss everything relating to training, whether it was nutrition, injury, or mental struggles he provided sound advice. The feedback he delivered was in a timely manner, honest and constructive.”
– Georgia, New Zealand Weightlifter
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“Hayden was the definition of a coach. He not only gave me advice on technique for my Olympic Lifting, he coached me through the whole process. Performance management during training, competition and was always just a message away. He understood I also had a life and helped me produce top quality lifting.”
– Devin, Weightlifter and Gym Owner