High Performance Training Centre

Altitude / hypoxic training is widely used by athletes to improve performance. The reduction in partial pressure of oxygen at altitude increases the demands on the body during exercise. Over time, physiological adaptations may occur which can lead to a higher level of performance compared to training at sea level alone. Bond University has a purpose built altitude chamber which allows athletes to train at 3,000m above sea level. This can be used as an additional training stimulus for athletes or may be used prior to an altitude excursion to prepare for the altitude environment. Group sessions and packages are available at discount rates.

Heat training is commonly used by athletes in preparation for competition in a hot environment. Under hot conditions performance may be compromised due to an increase in thermal load. By exercising in a hot environment on a regular basis, the body acclimatises to the heat by increasing skin blood flow, increasing sweat rates, which reduces body core temperature and the overall cardiovascular strain. Consequently, the negative effects on performance are reduced. The heat chamber and sauna at Bond University can be used by athletes to gain physiological adaptations associated with heat acclimation. Group sessions and packages are available at discount rates.

Recovery is an important part of athlete preparation. Several strategies are used by athletes to enhance the recovery from training. Hydrotherapy techniques such as cold water immersion and contrast water therapy protocols are reported to reduce inflammation and reduce muscle soreness post training, allowing athletes to recover faster. The recovery facilities available at Bond University include hot and cold plunge pools, a sauna and a steam room to allow athletes to maximise their recovery from training. Group sessions and packages are available at discount rates.

The Bond University High Performance Training Centre is an NSCA ‘Strength of America’ certified athlete training facility. The Centre is staffed by two full time ASCA Level 3 Master Strength and Conditioning Coaches, both with professional National and International training experience across a wide variety of sports. All equipment and training aids on site meet the highest international standards with height power cages and lifting platforms forming the nucleus of the weight training area. 

Our main lifting area boasts air-conditioning, non-slip, high density, rubber flooring, 9m ceilings with both natural sky-lighting, and high quality down lighting. The High Performance Training Centre has successfully hosted international rugby, baseball and golf athletes and national rugby, AFL, NRL, A-league and rugby union teams in training camps.

The Bond University High-Performance Training Centre has been accredited as a High-Performance Training Centre by NSCA (USA) IUSCA (UK) AND ASCA (Australia). The Centre is staffed by IUSCA and ASCA Mater Coach qualified Instructors.

Rick previously worked as Head of Performance for The Philippine Olympic Committee based in Manila, WCBA/CBA Professional Basketball in China, AIS and QAS Sprint Kayak Squads, Gold Coast Blaze/Gold Coast Rollers NBL, Viking Athletics, The Southport School and has presented for the ASCA Nationally/Internationally. His qualifications include Diploma of Fitness, ASCA ML3, IUSCA mISCP, ASADA Level 2 Anti-Doping/Ethics Compliant. Rick is currently working full time at The Bond Institute of Health and Sport High Performance Training Centre as Strength and Conditioning Coordinator. 

Rick was ASCA Professional Coach of The Year in 2020 and Mentor Coach of The Year in 2022 and was awarded Life Member of The Australian Strength and Conditioning Association in 2025.

If you don’t have your own strength and conditioning staff, our team can provide that additional service. 

HPTC staff qualifications include:

• Australian Strength and Conditioning Association Master L 3 S&C Accreditation X 1
• International Universities Strength & Conditioning Association Master S&C Practitioner Accreditation (IUSCA – mIUSCP) x 1
• Diploma of Fitness
• Level 1 Altitude Instructor (ATSINSTL1)
• Senior first aid trainer x 2
• ASADA Certifications: Level 2 Anti-Doping and 10 additional plus ASADA e-learning modules x 2
• ASCA Professional Coach of the Year x 1
• ASCA Mentor Coach of the Year

The Bond University Nutrition and Dietetic team, located at the Bond Institute of Health and Sport are available as a support option for team meetings, program supplementation and recovery strategies, administration, research, technology trials and newsletters

Bond University's High Performance Training Centre (HPTC) is accredited by the Australian Strength & Conditioning Association (ASCA). The ASCA provides strength and conditioning (S&C) coach accreditation programs for all levels. These programs ae registered with the National Coaching Accreditation Scheme, administered by Sport Australia. ASCA accreditation identifies individuals who possess the knowledge and skill to design, implement and review safe and effective S&C programs. In addition, the ASCA provides professional support, development and research opportunities while continuing to enhance education for coaches.

The Bond University High Performance Training Centre (HPTC) has been awarded a 2020 - 2023 Strength of America Award for its world class strength and conditioning standards. Bond’s HPTC was the only Centre in Australia to receive this prestigious accolade, which is jointly awarded by the US National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA) and the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition.

The award - which represents the gold standard in strength and conditioning programs – measured the HTPC on four key criteria: Supervision, Education, Program, and Facilities.

Bond University's High Performance Training Centre (HPTC) is accredited by the International Universities Strength & Conditioning Association (IUSCA) as an Endorsed Training Facility. This makes the HPTC unique internationally in holding 3 International accreditations: IUSCA, National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and Australian Strength and Conditioning Association (ASCA).