Canada's Conjugate Certification

PROGRAM.
PROGRESS.
RESULTS.

Walk out with a complete strength system you can implement immediately — one that adapts, evolves, and keeps clients progressing for the long term. The same methodology behind hundreds of world records and thousands of professional athletes — brought to Canadian coaches and gym owners for the first time.

Craig Bongelli coaching deadlift technique
Mentored by Louie Simmons
Director of Education — Westside Barbell
Westside Barbell Education & Certification Development
Craig coaching at Westside Barbell Craig with Louie Simmons Craig running seminar at Westside Barbell

THE METHODOLOGY.
FROM THE SOURCE.

Craig Bongelli was mentored directly by Louie Simmons — a relationship built on trust deep enough that Louie referred Craig his first elite athlete client. As Director of Education for Westside Barbell, Craig was deeply involved in the development of their certification and education programs, including programming built for use within the Westside community, and delivered seminars attended by coaches and trainers from across North America and Europe.

The Conjugate methodology didn't just shape Craig's understanding of strength — it shaped his entire coaching practice. The system's ability to produce consistent, measurable results across every type of athlete is what made Craig successful as a coach. Conjugate Canada exists to give Canadian coaches and gym owners access to that same framework — so they can build programs that actually work, hold up over time, and keep clients progressing.

01
Mentored by Louie Simmons A direct mentorship relationship — Louie referred Craig his first elite athlete client and the two worked closely throughout Craig's development as a coach
02
Director of Education — Westside Barbell Responsible for all educational programming, certification, and seminar delivery
03
Westside Barbell Certification & Education Development Deeply involved in developing Westside's certification and education programs, including programming built for the Westside community
04
Competitive Pro Strongman & Coach Elite athlete background spanning strongman, strength sport, and combat sports performance
05
Competitive Pro Strongman, Coach & Athlete Developer Online and in-person coaching across general population and elite competitors, with a track record of measurable results in both strength and physique

WHAT YOU LEARN.

A comprehensive, exam-based certification that gives you a complete, implementable system — not just theory. Walk out knowing how to build structured, long-term programs that keep athletes and clients progressing indefinitely. The same framework Craig has used throughout his coaching career, taught from the ground up.

50 Page Manual
25 Exam Questions
80% Required to Pass
01
Origins of the Conjugate Method
The Soviet research that birthed the system, Louie Simmons' discovery, and why linear periodization fails advanced athletes.
02
Science Fundamentals
Essential terminology, RFD, the strength curve, types of strength, accommodating resistance, and the Law of Accommodation.
03
The Conjugate Method
The weekly template, exercise selection principles, workout structure for upper and lower, and time between sessions.
04
The Maximal Effort Method
Building absolute strength, the Mini Max, ME techniques, isometrics, and the science of maximal strength development.
05
The Dynamic Effort Method
Explosive strength, compensatory acceleration, overspeed eccentrics, three-week waves, and in-season application.
06
The Repetition Effort Method
Hypertrophy, strength endurance, restoration and recovery — and how to integrate all three methods into complete programs.

Exam-Based Certification

80% required to pass. Includes true/false, multiple choice, short answer, and essay questions. Certifications are submitted to certification@conjugatecanada.com and reviewed by Craig directly.

Register Now

CERTIFY YOUR TEAM.

Craig presenting at seminar

Independent Gyms

Give your coaching staff a methodology that works — and that they can explain. Conjugate-certified trainers walk out with a complete, structured system for building long-term athlete development plans. No more guessing. No more plateaus. Programs that evolve by design and keep clients coming back.

  • Elevates your coaching staff's programming ability
  • Gives trainers a clear, science-backed system to follow
  • Listed on the Conjugate Canada Coach Directory
  • Hands-on technique component included

Fitness Chains & Commercial Gyms

Your trainers need CEUs. Make them count. Conjugate certification gives your staff canfitpro-eligible continuing education credits and something more valuable — a structured, long-term programming system they can use with every client immediately. Better trainers. Better retention. Better results.

  • canfitpro CEU-eligible continuing education
  • Flat-rate pricing for full staff certification
  • Gives trainers a roadmap to show clients
  • Reduces client churn — programs evolve by design

Pricing Based on Your Situation

Every gym is different. Whether you're a small independent gym looking to certify two coaches or a multi-location chain certifying an entire staff, pricing is structured around what makes sense for you. Reach out and we'll put together the right package.

Inquire About Pricing

What Coaches Are Saying

RESULTS THAT SPEAK.

"Craig is, without a doubt, one of the best. Not only because of his knowledge, but because of his ability to articulate, coach, and demonstrate effectively to people of all ages and abilities. I don't just respect him as an elite coach — I respect him as a genuinely good human being too."

Richard Stunt Head Coach, RDS Fitness — UK

"It was obvious to me that he was educated in what he was teaching while also having the ability to explain things to us in a way we could understand and then apply it to the lift. I have used a number of his cues and coaching points with my high school student-athletes."

Scott Worl Head Strength Coach, Tri-West High School — Lizton, IN

"I went to Westside Barbell for a seminar to see the building and feel its power. What I didn't know was that Craig Bongelli would be coaching the deadlift that day. Craig's knowledge and ability to explain concepts not only made the day a great time, but pushed my lifting to a new level. Taking Craig's advice, I switched back to conventional and have now set several USPA masters division state records in the deadlift."

Boe Dennett USPA Masters Division State Record Holder — NV

"It's incredible how much I learned in just one hour. He did a great job at including the whole class when he was giving cues and explaining why. 10/10 recommend to people at all training ages and other coaches especially."

Brooklin Gaspard Coach, Onnit Seminar Attendee

FIND A
CERTIFIED
COACH.

Every coach who completes the Conjugate Canada certification is listed here. Find a certified Conjugate coach near you, or certify your own coaching staff and get listed.

Get Certified & Get Listed

Directory Launching Soon

Certified coaches will be listed here by city and province as certifications are completed.

Get Started

REGISTER OR
GET IN TOUCH.

Get in Touch

Whether you're an individual coach looking to get certified, a gym owner interested in certifying your staff, or you just want to know more — fill out the form and Craig will get back to you directly with everything you need.

certification@conjugatecanada.ca