Lisburn, Northern Ireland · Est. 2016
Built to Win.
Coached to Compete.
Elite online coaching for competitive bodybuilders — from first-timers to professionals. Guided by two of Ireland's most accomplished coaches.
Who We Are
Coaching Champions.
Building Legacies.
Team Compound Prep Coaching is an elite online coaching service for competitive bodybuilders at every level — from complete beginners stepping on stage for the first time, to seasoned professionals chasing titles. Our coaches are active competitors, gym owners, and educators who live and breathe the sport every single day.
Competing & Coaching Across
The Team
Meet the Coaches
Two coaches. One goal. Getting you on stage at your absolute best.
PCA Pro · WNBF Pro · Judge · Educator
James Melville
PCA Pro · WNBF Pro · Judge · Educator
James Melville
Head Coach · PCA/WNBF Pro
A highly qualified coach with 23 years in the fitness industry, James has prepped competitive bodybuilders for over 13 years with an exceptional track record. He was the first PCA Pro from Ireland and the first natural bodybuilding pro from Northern Ireland — and in 2024 became the first Irish natural pro to win a pro title. Beyond competing, James is an active PCA judge and delivers hypertrophy and nutrition seminars across Ireland. He's known by clients as a brilliant communicator who makes complex ideas simple.
- ▸12 competition wins including 3 British titles & 1 Irish overall title
- ▸First PCA Pro & WNBF Pro from Ireland
- ▸First Irish natural bodybuilder to win a pro title (2024)
- ▸PCA judging table regular since 2017
- ▸Hypertrophy & nutrition seminar educator across Ireland
BNBF N.Ireland Champion · Gym Owner
Edel Burns
BNBF N.Ireland Champion · Gym Owner
Edel Burns
Coach · Posing Specialist
A former architect turned full-time coach and gym owner, Edel joined The Compound Room as a business partner in 2016. An active figure competitor with multiple accolades including BNBF N.Ireland Champion, she has guided multiple clients to Irish, British and World titles. Edel's posing expertise for female athletes is second to none — she gives her clients everything they need to shine on any stage. The lengths she goes to for her athletes is, quite simply, unmatched.
- ▸BNBF N.Ireland Champion — active figure competitor
- ▸Clients crowned Irish, British & World champions
- ▸Elite posing specialist for female competitors
- ▸Co-owner of The Compound Room since 2016
- ▸Bespoke online coaching programmes tailored to every athlete
Our Base
The Compound Room
Based in Lisburn, Northern Ireland — a serious gym built by serious athletes, for serious athletes. Our coaches are here every day, on the floor, in the sport.
“Once you get to the top raise the bar higher so it is harder for everyone else to reach.
— The Compound Room
The Compound Room
Lisburn, Northern Ireland
Start Your Journey
Ready to Step
on Stage?
Whether you're a first-timer or chasing a pro card — reach out via Instagram and let's build the plan that gets you on stage at your very best.