Coaching & Training
We offer a variety of coaching services, led by our team of highly qualified coaches—all tailored to put you in the best position to succeed on your journey to a stronger and healthier you.
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Check out our coaches and training options below!
Meet the Team
Personal Trainer & Head Coach
Laura Perry
Laura Perry is the Head Coach at East Coast Barbell, where she leads with a passion for building strength, confidence, and community.
A Personal Trainer Specialist since 2017, Laura has been powerlifting since 2016 and holds a national deadlift record with the WRPF, as well as provincial records in squat and deadlift. Her coaching experience spans a wide range of individuals—from first-time lifters to competitive athletes, police recruits, and paddleboarders—helping each one achieve their personal best.
Known for her welcoming and empowering approach, Laura specializes in creating an environment where people feel comfortable, supported, and capable from the moment they walk in. She believes the gym should be a space where everyone can grow stronger both physically and mentally. Under her leadership, East Coast Barbell has become a hub for inclusive, results-driven training that brings out the best in every member.
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Laura offers:​
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1 to 1 Personal Training
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Small Group/Couples Training​​
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Nutrition Coaching
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Group Coaching
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Online Coaching
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Personal Trainer & Olympic Lifting Coach
Rob Hooper
Rob is a high-performance strength and conditioning coach with over a decade of experience developing elite athletes across Canada and internationally. His career includes leadership roles with national programs such as Volleyball Canada and Field Hockey Canada, where he helped guide athletes to record-breaking performances on the world stage.
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Now based in Halifax, Rob brings that same expertise to East Coast Barbell, offering athletes and lifters access to the methods, structure, and coaching typically reserved for high-performance sport. He has worked with athletes across multiple disciplines — including volleyball, rugby, and soccer — and continues to support performance initiatives throughout Atlantic Canada.
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Rob holds a Master’s in Exercise Science (Strength & Conditioning) and is among a select group of coaches in Atlantic Canada to hold the Registered Strength and Conditioning Coach (RSCC) designation from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). He also maintains CSCS and Sport Scientist Canada’s High Performance Certification (HPC) credentials.
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Rob’s coaching philosophy blends science-based programming with an athlete-centered approach, creating an environment where anyone — from new lifters to competitive athletes — can train with the precision, structure, and intent of a high-performance program.
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Rob offers:​
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1 to 1 Personal Training
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Small Group/Couples Training​​
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Olympic Weightlifting Coaching
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Online Coaching
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Coaching Options
One-on-One Personal Training
One-on-one training offers dedicated time with a coach who builds a program around your specific goals. This is a good option if you’re not comfortable working out on your own or if you want someone to keep you accountable along the way.
$60 / Session
Small Group / Couples Training
Train alongside a partner or small group while still getting a personalized approach. Your coach will tailor the program to meet each person’s goals, with the added benefit of shared motivation and accountability. A good fit for those who prefer not to train alone but still want focused support.
$45 /Person / Session
Group Coaching
Group coaching is designed for those comfortable in the gym but looking for structure and guidance. This membership add-on provides access to three non- personalized programmed workouts each week, focused on building overall strength. Members can also join drop-in coaching sessions twice a week to train alongside others, ask questions, and get feedback from a coach.
$25 / Month + ECB Membership
Online Coaching
Online coaching is a good option for those confident in the gym but looking for a personalized plan. Your workouts are tailored to your goals and delivered through the ECB coaching app. You’ll receive feedback through video check-ins and can pair this with our drop-in coaching sessions for added support and accountability.
$100 / Month
Drop-In Coaching
Available twice a week, drop-in coaching is open to all ECB members. It’s a chance to get support, ask questions about form, make workout modifications, or just connect with other members. Whether you’re following a program or doing your own thing, coaches are there to help.
Free with ECB Membership
