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Ian van der Werf

High-Performance Trainer

A smiling man - Ian van der Werf - with short hair, wearing a black polo shirt, looking to the right. Grey background.

I'm Ian (1984), the driving force behind De Werf. My roots lie in elite sport, where I spent years playing in national rugby selections and working in high-performance environments. That world taught me what it takes to perform sustainably: insight, discipline and the will to keep learning. As a strength & conditioning coach, I have guided national teams and helped countless athletes and motivated individuals become stronger, fitter and more resilient. Among other roles, I am head strength coach of the Dutch Women's Cricket Team, where I prepare athletes for international competition. My style is direct, knowledgeable and results-driven, but always with an eye for the person behind the athlete. I also taught at AALO as a Master Trainer for more than ten years, training future coaches. I wrote the Bootcamp Trainer and Weightlifting Level 1 courses, among others, which are still in use today. This combination of elite sport, education and hands-on experience forms the basis of how I work.

Ian's story and approach featured in Men's Health.

What I help you with

As a High-Performance Trainer, I help you move with more strength, freedom and confidence. Sometimes I work with you one-on-one, sometimes you mainly train with a colleague who specialises in what you need. Your training is carefully tailored to whatever is needed to move you forward.

Physical training

Physical training starts with listening: to your body, your limits and your goals.

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Injury recovery

Understanding the root cause is the key to learning to trust your body again.

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Nutrition & lifestyle

We start with your lifestyle. We look at how you eat, exercise, think and recover.

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Behavioural change

Change begins with understanding: your habits, your motivations and your vision for the future.

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Burnout and stress

Recovery starts with space: for your peace of mind, your own rhythm and your recovery.

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Qualifications & certifications

General

Fitvak A
Fitvak B
Fitvak C

Fitvak Personal Training
AALO Level 1
AALO Level 2
AALO Level 3 (Master)
AALO Level 4 (Personal Trainer)
MFA (MEDIC First Aid)
Menno Henselmans Personal Training

High-performance

Bram Schwinnen Performance
CSCS®
EXOS Performance Specialist

Frans Bosch Performance Level 1 & 2
Poliquin PICP Personal Training
Poliquin PICP Periodisation
KILO Strength Training Programing
KILO Program Design
Weight Lifting Level 1
Weight Lifting Level 2
Weight Lifting Level 3
Weight Lifting Level 4
Biomechanical Course

Training methods

AALO Kettlebell Trainer
AALO Pivot Trainer
AALO Bootcamp Instructor

Gladiator Workout® Trainer
Technogym Powerplate Training

What clients say about Ian

Discover how Ian delivers transformative training

Over the past year, I have worked closely with Ian. He tailors every workout to my needs and always takes my shoulder osteoarthritis into account. Thanks to his approach, I am stronger, fitter, and more mobile than ever. At 49, I feel more energetic and younger than I have in years.
Nicole Mitchell Canadian Defence Attaché | The Hague
Working with Ian has helped me get back to fitness after a long injury. In just a few months, I lost weight, gained strength, and can now easily run 5k, working towards my first 10k. His flexible, knowledgeable approach delivers real results, and I'm excited to keep progressing toward my goals.
Marcello Melpignano Insider Risk Manager | The Hague
I had been training for years, but without the results I wanted. That changed quickly with Ian. Within four months I saw clear progress, thanks to well-built training schedules and clear nutrition guidance. Finally the results I had been looking for. A top trainer.
Sheraz Rehman Director Urban Leather | The Hague
Ian gives me warm, expert guidance and makes every session enjoyable and effective. With his help I reached my goals and even got better results than expected. The nutrition plans are easy to stick to and keep me energised all day. I should have started with Ian much sooner.
Esmee Hoogenkamp Legal Director
About nine months ago I turned to Ian after years of doing nothing. I wanted a different weight, more energy and a future that better suits who I am now. With his personal approach he found exactly the right trigger. I have lost over 15 kilos, sleep well again and wake up full of energy every day. Grateful that I took that first step.
Michiel Snijders Rugby Coach | The Hague
Working with Ian has been a game-changer for me. His training is fully tailored to my goals and always challenges me without overwhelming me. In just a few months, I became stronger, fitter, and more confident in my body. I'm grateful for his motivation, expertise, and genuine commitment to my progress.
Edde Morgan Cyber Security Officer | The Hague

My approach

Ian van der Werf
"Reflection, rhythm and results form the core of my approach. First understand what your body needs, then work on lasting progress."
-- Ian van der Werf

Experience counts

With my background in elite sport, coaching and high performance, I help you gain insight faster into what your body needs. You benefit from years of experience, a goal-driven approach and personal guidance.