Christopher Lyons was recently conferred with a BSc (Hons) in Sport and Exercise Science and has founded his own business, Lyonheart Performance.
A recent graduate of the BSc in Sport and Exercise Science at SETU says the degree gave him an understanding of the science behind performance, inspiring him to pursue a career in coaching.
Christopher Lyons from Kilmeague in Kildare, who has competed as a powerlifter on an international stage, said the programme at SETU was invaluable in terms of real-world application:
“Biomechanics helped me analyse lifting technique and make more informed coaching decisions, while learning about communication helped me explain those decisions clearly to each lifter. The Data and Measurement module also really shaped how I set up my coaching systems to track training data and monitor progress,” he said.
Christopher also availed of a placement opportunity in Australia as part of his degree, an experience he found very rewarding:
“Experiencing a different coaching environment gave me a fresh perspective and helped me develop my own approach, bringing ideas and experiences back to Ireland that I might not otherwise have encountered,” he added.
Biomechanics helped me analyse lifting technique and make more informed coaching decisions, while learning about communication helped me explain those decisions clearly to each lifter. The Data and Measurement module also really shaped how I set up my coaching systems to track training data and monitor progress
Competing internationally
Christopher managed to balance his degree at SETU with building his coaching career while competing internationally, something of which he is very proud:
“Representing SETU and finishing sixth at the University Europeans was a particular highlight. Being able to develop academically, professionally and as an athlete made those achievements especially meaningful,” Christopher said.
Powerlifting business
Christopher founded Lyonheart Performance, an online strength and performance coaching business based in his native Kildare. He hopes to continue building this business and pursue further career goals going forward:
“My hopes are to continue developing as a coach and grow Lyonheart Performance, helping more lifters achieve their goals. I also want to pursue further study towards a career in PE teaching, while continuing to compete and coach for the Irish team as well.”
Christopher says the BSc in Sports Exercise and Science at SETU was extremely worthwhile, and advises other students make the most of it:
“Where you can, connect your assignments to topics you’re interested in. I brought a lot of mine back to powerlifting, which made the work more engaging and useful beyond the classroom. Get involved, build friendships and don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek support from your lecturers,” he said.
