Empowered Performance -for Life, Fitness & Competition

Empowered Performance -for Life, Fitness & Competition 🥌 Helping curlers move well, get fit & improve performance on & off the ice.

My focus is on Training for Health and Fitness, and Training for Performance-related Fitness

If you are interested, send me a message through this page, or an email at stephthompson.cpt@gmail.com

With my background in coaching, kinesiology, and CSEP I hope we can work together to achieve your health and fitness goals! Note: Available throughout York Region and the Peterborough area

Online and distance training also available

05/29/2026

HIPS FIRST not KNEES
HIPS FIRST not KNEES
HIPS FIRST not KNEES
HIPS FIRST not KNEES

05/29/2026

My impression of if he coached curling.

My yelling could use some work. But I hangout with a toddler

Like/share and I’ll make more simple coaching tips haha 😆

05/13/2026

A focused training program is not about “tricking the muscles” or even doing the same workout for 3 months straight.

An effective and focused training program is PROGRESSIVE. It’s about challenging the systems just enough to allow them to ADAPT.

All of my “a la carte” curling specific workout programs apply this principle of progressive overload -giving the mind and body a chance to adapt & grow stronger, fitter & more confident over time.

We just started phase 1 of the EP lab offseason! DM me LAB for more details

05/10/2026

Is your grip strength holding you back?

If your grip gives out, your strength never gets a chance.

You cut lifts short.

You lose tension.

You leak force.

On the ice, that looks like:
→ Less power out of the hack
→ Weaker brushing
→ Losing posture under pressure

That’s why we test:
Deadlifts + Chin-ups

They don’t just build strength,
they show if your strength actually works.

Benchmarks:
Deadlift → 1.5–2.5x bodyweight
Chin-ups → ~10 clean reps (add weight = elite)

If these are a struggle, it’s not random.
It’s a missing foundation.

We’re building that inside EP Lab right now.
→ Join EP Lab
→ Or start with the workshop replay

DM for detail (or be strong/independent and find links in bio)

05/09/2026

Even if you’re not a sweeper, you need to be sharp for 2+ hour’s multiple times a day in sometimes week long competitions.

If you have limited aerobic capacity you’ll also see:
•poor recovery between games
•inconsistent focus
•lose weight control
•poor recovery between sweeping bouts.

Curlers who start their offseason building their aerobic capacity add more gears to their engine and become unstoppable season long.

We test this using an Estimate V02 Max test. I have 2 I like; one for the runners and one for those who prefer to walk. Your smart watch is also a good measure but doesn’t usually come with a test.

We’re breaking down the VO2 max test and MORE in today’s workshop (2pm ET). Stay tuned got the recording to be shared tomorrow.

If you’re actually ready to improve your strength & fitness this season join the EP Lab today!!

05/08/2026

This test identifies 2 keys to your delivery:
•can you develop POWER
•& can you CONTROL & stick the landing ?

If you struggle with this off the ice there is no way you can do it on the ice (an unstable surface!)

We’re building real strength, power & control inside the EP Lab this summer. We start Monday 😈

05/07/2026

We've been approached by several of our fellow women curlers recently who want to discuss something that doesn’t get talked about enough—how to return to (or stay in) competitive curling while balancing careers, family, and everything else life brings.

The question keeps coming up: How do you stay competitive, have fun, and not feel like you have to commit every single weekend?

That balance became the foundation of why we formed our team—and it’s something we continue to advocate for. If we want to see more women return to the ice (and stay there), the experience has to be flexible, supportive, and enjoyable.

Here’s what’s been working for us:

1. Build your team around people you truly enjoy.
Find a group of women you love spending time with. The friendships matter just as much as the game—and they’re what keep you coming back.

2. Set realistic goals.
Be honest about what you and your team can commit to. Align your goals with your capacity so the experience feels rewarding, not overwhelming.

3. Let go of the fear of losing.
Winning doesn’t have to be the sole purpose. Play in competitions that challenge you, but also ones that are simply fun. Growth and enjoyment can go hand in hand.

4. Redefine value.
Your time and financial investment are worthwhile even if you don’t win. The experiences, memories, and connections you build have real value.

5. Play for the love of the game.
At the end of the day, it’s about being on the ice, sharing the experience, and building lasting friendships.

We believe there’s space in curling for a more balanced, inclusive approach—one that supports women at all stages of life. The goal isn’t just to get back on the ice, but to create an environment where women don’t feel like they have to leave in the first place.

Let’s keep the conversation going—and keep more women in the game. 💙🥌

05/07/2026

If you struggle with upper body strength it’s going to show up in your curling:
•poor brushing posture
•less force on the brush
•early fatigue
•increased chance of injury

Most athletes avoid some of the bigger barbell lifts. But avoiding them limits how strong you can get. Your pushups can only take you so far. Learn how to push closer to or more than bodyweight and you’ll be amazed how much easier it is to get into an effective brushing position, how much more confident you are with the footwork and how much your smart broom improve!

We work on Bench Press in the EP Lab (and a low equipment option as well)
—> join now if you want improved posture & stronger brushing next season?
—> join the free workshop this Saturday where we go over all the assessments, benchmarks and next steps

05/04/2026

Most curlers just try to “brush harder”

But the limiting factor is usually strength + endurance

How many pushups can you do without stopping?

It’s that time of year!!Send me a DM to access FREE Back to Curling resources for you, your team & your club. Newsletter...
10/06/2025

It’s that time of year!!

Send me a DM to access FREE Back to Curling resources for you, your team & your club.

Newsletter subscribers will have already received the links.

From fitness, to warmups, brushing & technique tips to avoid injuries these resources have it all; for everyone from club to elite curlers alike!

Have a safe & happy start to your curling season 💕 🥌

Share with a teammate who needs this 👏

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Markham, ON

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