About
Established in 2015, based out of Atlas Gymnasium in Christchurch NZ, and coaching worldwide, Atlas Powerlifting has prepared and guided athletes to the platform over 400 times. Atlas quickly rose to the top of the powerlifting game – from producing its first National champions & representatives in 2016 to now seeing its’ lifters reach National & International podium finishes over 100 times. Atlas Powerlifting prides ourselves on developing the novice into elite, and the elite into world champions – a proven guidance system on your journey through powerlifting.
Meet Your Coaches
James Schroder
Head Coach
- BPhEd (Hons), University of Otago, 2006-2009
- Head Coach – Atlas Powerlifting 2015-
- Owner/Director – Atlas Gymnasium 2014-
- NZ Powerlifting Head Coach, 2018, 2019 & 2022
- Sport Canterbury Coach of the Year 2020 – Powerlifting
- Over 15 years of experience in the fitness industry
- Coach of 63 National and IPF International Champions
James (35), a full-time powerlifting coach, has an enormous passion for sport & competition. He spent his early years competing nationally in 5 different sports, whilst achieving his degree in exercise science/prescription (with honours in low back pain & paraspinal fatigue). After coaching with the NZ Academy of Sport & professional sports teams, James opened Atlas Gymnasium and began specialising in the art of powerlifting coaching & programming.
A rapid rise to the top saw James awarded the NZ Head Coaching role in 2018 after coaching the largest team of powerlifters to 3 consecutive NZPF Nationals. Since then his personal athletes have accounted for over 40% of New Zealand’s IPF World Championship Medals, as well as leading the two largest ever medal returns in NZ history.
Full of energy, James is known for his care, support & ability to connect with clients, and particularly his commitment, passion & statistical prowess in the competition arena. He’s a coach with proven success at every level ready to guide you towards your goals.
Megan-Li Smith
- BBiomedSc, Anatomy and Physiology, University of Otago, 2018
- BSPC, Strength and Conditioning with Nutrition, University of Canterbury, 2022
- University of Otago Physiotherapy School 2016-2019
- IPF 47kg Junior World Champion, 2019
- University of Otago Sportswoman of the Year, 2019
- Sport Canterbury Sportswoman of the Year 2020 – Powerlifting
- University of Otago Blues Award 2019 - Powerlifting
Megan’s 4.5 years in the Atlas System, her multiple degrees in Anatomy and Physiology, Sport & Exercise Science, and her background in Physio provide her with a strong foundation for coaching. As an IPF World Champion & 4x National Champion she has the experience of competing at the highest level and knowing what it takes as an athlete to reach the top.
Through Megan’s 8 years of study in the industry she specialises in injury rehabilitation and management, having already helped numerous athletes overcome (and prevent) injuries within their chosen sport.
At this time Megan will be taking online clients only.
James Schroder
Head Coach
- BPhEd (Hons), University of Otago, 2006-2009
- Head Coach – Atlas Powerlifting 2015-
- Owner/Director – Atlas Gymnasium 2014-
- NZ Powerlifting Head Coach, 2018, 2019 & 2022
- Sport Canterbury Coach of the Year 2020 – Powerlifting
- Over 15 years of experience in the fitness industry
- Coach of 63 National and IPF International Champions
James (35), a full-time powerlifting coach, has an enormous passion for sport & competition. He spent his early years competing nationally in 5 different sports, whilst achieving his degree in exercise science/prescription (with honours in low back pain & paraspinal fatigue). After coaching with the NZ Academy of Sport & professional sports teams, James opened Atlas Gymnasium and began specialising in the art of powerlifting coaching & programming.
A rapid rise to the top saw James awarded the NZ Head Coaching role in 2018 after coaching the largest team of powerlifters to 3 consecutive NZPF Nationals. Since then his personal athletes have accounted for over 40% of New Zealand’s IPF World Championship Medals, as well as leading the two largest ever medal returns in NZ history.
Full of energy, James is known for his care, support & ability to connect with clients, and particularly his commitment, passion & statistical prowess in the competition arena. He’s a coach with proven success at every level ready to guide you towards your goals.
Megan-Li Smith
- BBiomedSc, Anatomy and Physiology, University of Otago, 2018
- BSPC, Strength and Conditioning with Nutrition, University of Canterbury, 2022
- University of Otago Physiotherapy School 2016-2019
- IPF 47kg Junior World Champion, 2019
- University of Otago Sportswoman of the Year, 2019
- Sport Canterbury Sportswoman of the Year 2020 – Powerlifting
- University of Otago Blues Award 2019 - Powerlifting
Megan’s 4.5 years in the Atlas System, her multiple degrees in Anatomy and Physiology, Sport & Exercise Science, and her background in Physio provide her with a strong foundation for coaching. As an IPF World Champion & 4x National Champion she has the experience of competing at the highest level and knowing what it takes as an athlete to reach the top.
Through Megan’s 8 years of study in the industry she specialises in injury rehabilitation and management, having already helped numerous athletes overcome (and prevent) injuries within their chosen sport.
At this time Megan will be taking online clients only.
Developed by Head Coach, James Schroder, the system entails a scientific and evidence based process of coaching – One which has set over 700 combined NZPF/IPF Regional, National, Oceania, Commonwealth & World Records with it’s athletes.
Communication & mutual trust is key – We are trusted to provide the tools to succeed, and we trust the athlete to train to the best of their ability – a two way street of respect. We also teach the “why” behind what we do to empower the lifter to become more autonomous and self sufficient – smarter lifters make stronger lifters. All this leads to a trust in a system that encourages purpose driven training in pursuit of goals. #trustthesystem
Value
Passion for strength & success. Champion level standards. Trust & Respect within a proven & evidence based system.
Purpose
To open ones eyes to how strong they really can get – a realisation of potential. Guidance to human empowerment through strength training – to become not only stronger physically but in all holistic facets that make an athlete.
Goals
To become the world leader in Powerlifting & strength training – setting the standard for coaching delivery & performance execution.
