Dr Paul Winwood

Paul teaches on the Toi Ohomai Sport and Recreation programmes, specialising in biomechanics and exercise prescription. He is passionate about resistance training, sports performance, and research, and is an AUT Research Associate.

As a competitive powerlifter, Paul combines hands-on experience with evidence-based practice, bringing real-world insights into the classroom. His research interests span strength and conditioning, athlete development, and performance optimisation, with a particular focus on the sport of strongman. He is recognised as the world-leading primary author in strongman research and has contributed extensively to the growing body of knowledge in this field.

Paul completed his PhD in 2015, with his thesis titled On Strongman Implement Training and Application. Through both his teaching and research, he is committed to advancing understanding of strength sports and helping students apply scientific principles to improve performance, health, and exercise outcomes.