Asylum Strength

Weightlifting, Powerlifting & Strength and Conditioning in Newtownards

Specialist coaching, structured training and a fully equipped strength and performance facility for beginners, competitive lifters, athletes and teams.

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Welcome to Asylum

Strength Training Built Around You

From your first session to competitive sport, Asylum provides qualified coaching, specialist equipment and structured training to help you develop strength, skill and performance.

Training at Asylum

What We Do

Olympic Weightlifting

Technical coaching, structured programming and competition preparation for beginners through to experienced lifters.

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Powerlifting

Develop the squat, bench press and deadlift with structured coaching for recreational and competitive lifters.

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Youth Training

Age-appropriate coached sessions developing strength, movement skills, lifting technique and confidence.

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Strength & Conditioning

Professional S&C support for individual athletes, teams and clubs based around the demands of their sport.

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Performance Testing

Practical testing to help athletes and coaches understand physical strengths and development priorities.

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Online Programming

Structured programming, session delivery and athlete support through WeightliftingOnline.com.

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Our Coaches

Meet the Team

Our coaching team combines practical experience with recognised qualifications across Olympic Weightlifting, Powerlifting, Strength & Conditioning and athlete development.

Neil Dougan

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Neil Dougan

Neil is the head coach over all sports in Asylum. He ensures the highest standards of coaching and athletic...

Claire McLarnon

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Claire McLarnon

Claire leads the fundamentals and development of our youngest participants at Asylum. Join her for learning...

Elena Brewer

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Elena Brewer

Elena first joined Asylum through the Beginner’s Olympic Weightlifting programme in 2019 and has since...

Josh Bell

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Josh Bell

Josh is an integral part of our youth development, and powerlifting team. He carries out integral roles...

Adam Johnson

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Adam Johnson

Adam is an outstanding powerlifter and head powerlifting coach, who’s previously been involved...

Full Coaching Team

From Our Coaches

Latest Training & Coaching Articles

Explore articles covering training, technique, athlete development and performance from the Asylum coaching team.

Skill Training
Blog, Uncategorized
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Skill Training
Skills Based Training: Skill training is relatively simple, as long as the motor patterns, stimulus etc....
Technique happens in the training room, not the competition platform
Blog, Uncategorized
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Technique happens in the training room, not the competition platform
Original Post by : EliteWL Today’s topic is a quick insight to the perils of studying weightlifting...
Why I’m proud to lift like a girl
Blog, Inspiration
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Why I’m proud to lift like a girl
This week has been a good one, I’ve really enjoyed the numbers of women that have showed a sincere...
Youth Training: Why weights are your friend!
Blog, Uncategorized
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Youth Training: Why weights are your friend!
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Join Asylum

Membership That Fits Your Training

Members can access the facility 24 hours a day after induction, with specialist Weightlifting, Powerlifting and Strength & Conditioning equipment available throughout the gym.

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Our Members

What Our Members Say

This is a friendly neighborhood gym
Alex O'Brien, Powerlifter

Warm welcome, good equipment and a great atmosphere!
Great atmosphere and coaching!
Rebecca Gilbert, Competition Junior Squad

Have been to many gyms and asylum is by far the best! Good equipment and amazing atmosphere every time I am in! And not to forget, top class coaching!!!!!
Best around
Wojciech Motyka, 2nd Dan, Taekwondo

The best weightlifting gym in NI
Welcoming, supportive and great value
Suzi McElwayne, Masters lifter and parent

Friendly, welcoming environment. Huge, growing youth section for all ages and abilities. Well attended, friendly senior sessions. Challenging training with supportive, knowledgeable coaches. Very reasonably priced.
Perfect for Athletes
Peter Glass, Commonwealth Games Athlete

Perfect for all athletes, i would highly recommend this gym!
Can’t wait to come back
Aaron Savage, Powerlifter

Great gym for Powerlifting and Weightlifting, whatever your needs are. As someone who was scared of powerlifting and weightlifting, I choose to give this gym a go to help me. The members and the staff gives you a real warm welcome and assurance which has given me confidence in my first night in there. Great atmosphere in there too. Looking forward to the next session.

Based in Newtownards

Strength & Performance Training in Ards and North Down

Asylum Strength is based in Newtownards and supports lifters, athletes, teams and clubs from across Ards and North Down. Our facility provides specialist Olympic Weightlifting, Powerlifting and Strength & Conditioning training in a dedicated performance environment.

Visit Asylum

Tours and inductions are available Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 6pm.

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Connected to the Sport