Coaching Bio

Dr. Natasha Barnes is a renowned rehab and strength coach with over 25 years of experience as a climber and a deep specialization in treating and training climbers. A former National Bouldering Champion and Teva Games gold medalist, Natasha has climbed up to V11 and 5.14a, and is also an elite-level powerlifter with multiple state records and a national title. She holds a doctorate from Palmer West Chiropractic School with a focus in rehabilitation and orthopedic sports medicine, and runs a private practice in San Francisco. As one of the few healthcare professionals who both climbs and works almost exclusively with climbers, Natasha brings a rare and valuable perspective to injury rehab, strength programming, and performance coaching. Her philosophy centers on building resilience through education, smart training, and empowering climbers to confidently navigate setbacks and plateaus while continuing to progres

What is your coaching philosophy?

Natasha’s coaching philosophy is rooted in helping people feel strong, confident, and competent in the weight room (and on the wall) without the fluff, intimidation, or pseudoscience. She believes strength training should be practical, empowering, and tailored to the athlete’s life and sport. Whether someone is training to climb harder, reduce injury risk, or simply feel more capable, Natasha’s approach emphasizes education, autonomy, and real-world carryover.

What can clients expect?

Clients can expect hands-on, personalized coaching that meets them where they’re at. Natasha’s strength training intensive is all about making strength training accessible and effective, no prior experience required. Each session is packed with value, focusing on lifting technique, programming concepts, and building confidence. Clients walk away knowing how to lift safely and effectively in a way that supports climbing, how to navigate the gym, and how to follow a program with support every step of the way.

Location

Natasha is offering her strength training services at Benchmark Berkeley. Group classes and clinics will periodically be offered at our SF location, so keep an eye on our socials for those announcements!

Service Menu

Strength Training Intensive

Strength coaching for injury risk reduction, building resilience, and boosting performance. These full-value sessions are designed to help climbers and athletes get strong and stay strong, with full guidance and support.

What’s included:

• 3 in-person 90-minute sessions with Natasha

• Coaching in the squat, bench press, overhead press, and deadlift (or any other lifts the client wants to learn)

• Guidance on lifting technique, gym etiquette, and programming basics

• Education on how to use auto-regulation to guide intensity and how to fit strength training in with climbing

Results:

• Improved strength and performance in climbing and other sports

• Reduced risk of injury or bridging the gap between rehab and performance

• Confidence and competence in the weight room

• A clear, sustainable training plan

• Feeling strong AF

Pricing Options:

• $800 – 3 in-person 90-minute intensive sessions*

• $1,050 – 3 in-person 90-minute sessions + 8 weeks of online coaching and programming*

*Please note that non-Benchmark members must also purchase a $15 discounted day pass to access the facility. Day passes can be purchased at the front desk the day of your session.