Without my mentors, I would be nothing
Studying my craft never came easy to me.
I had to work incredibly hard to learn many scientific concepts in college, with varied successes and failures. Despite continual review, much of the information didn’t stick.
Although I had a knack for orthopedic physical therapy, I wasn’t seeing the results I had hoped for during my clinical rotations. I felt inept, out of place, and lost.
That all changed in Indianapolis.
There I met one of my greatest mentors, Bill Hartman. He helped build my confidence as a clinician, taught me the basic sciences and rehabilitation in an easy-to-learn manner, and gave me outside-the-box solutions to help my patients.
What was most admirable was his discipline and continual desire to learn. These were the most important things I left with.
It is people like Bill and the people we work with that continue driving me to get better. That drove me to attend over 70 continuing education courses my first five years out of school. Inspired me to better my understanding through writing, speaking, and teaching. To put myself in uncomfortable situations so I can grow.
That pushes me to becoming the best me.
This website is a product of that goal. As a physical therapist and strength coach, I have many clinicians and coaches who reach out to me, yearning for a mentor. Someone to hold them accountable. Someone that they can learn from. Someone that has made the mistakes already.
It is my hope to be that for you. Regardless of if you are a clinician, coach, or enthusiast, I’m here to help you reach your goals. I want you to learn through my failures and successes so the journey is accelerated.
The journey to becoming the best you.
My Credentials
Sure, I have a story that drives me, but who the hell am I right?
I graduated from St. Ambrose University Doctor of Physical therapy program in 2011, completed an orthopedic residency in 2013 to attain my OCS, became a certified strength and conditioning coach that same year (CSCS), and have spent a bulk of my career studying and becoming certified in various lines of thought (Postural Restoration, FMS, SFMA, Dry Needling, Precision Nutrition, Certified Speed and Agility Coach, and many more).
It is my obsession to find as many different methods as possible to help the people who I work with, and that is where my education for the future shall focus on.
Helping You Become the Best You
Here is what I can do to help you reach your goals.
Blog Posts
Drawing from my eclectic experiences—an NBA Therapist, a D League Strength Coach, a traveling PT, a clinic director, a continuing education reviewer—I write about all things that help our clients meet their health and performance goals: rehab, training, nutrition, sports science, sleep, stress management, and the learning process.
Online Services
I have yet to write what you are looking for? No problem. Reach out to me about personal mentoring and I can better explain concepts you may have trouble understanding.
Or maybe you are here because you are in pain, having trouble moving, or simply want to get in better shape. Talk to me about a movement consultation or online training. I’ll help you achieve your performance goals.
Or if you are a trainer in need of a PT, we can work together to help get your clients moving the way they so desire.
Videos
I have several videos demonstrating various techniques, exercises, and concepts to help enhance your learning.
Notes
I’ve taken a lot of continuing education and read many books over the years. Maybe you are diving into those subjects as well. Check out my course notes and book notes to help get the most out of what you are learning. They’re like Sparknotes, only nerdier.
See what others are saying
At IFAST, we’re serious about blending therapy and performance.
Our entire model revolves around taking athletes that are potentially broken, and restoring them not only to their sport, but bringing them back better than ever.
Zac Cupples has spent time in the trenches, both at IFAST as well as at the NBA level. This is a guy that understands the training continuum, and how to help athletes restore their athleticism and perform at the highest levels.
If you’re serious about taking your skills as a trainer or coach to the next level, then definitely spend more time with my guy ZCupps.
You won’t be disappointed!
– Mike Robertson, co-owner of Indianapolis Fitness and Sports Training
Zac is somebody to whom I frequently turn to audit my understanding of acute injury mechanisms, high performance, and everything in between.
His grasp of both research and clinical application distinguishes him as a global thinker and unbiased expert in his field. Zac’s written and practical content is unique for its simultaneous depth and clarity.
-Doug Kechijian, PT, DPT, Co-Founder Resilient Performance Physical Therapy
Talk to me
Fill out the form below. if you have any questions, comments, concerns, or complaints.
Because of the overwhelming amount of emails I’ve received. I may not be able to respond to your email in a timely manner, or at all. If you want the best chance of a response, please keep your question brief enough that I have time to read it. My general rule of thumb is if I can answer it in 90s or less, I will answer on the spot. If it’s more in depth, I’ll add it to my list of blog posts or debrief questions.
I’m also fairly active on social media, so please check me out there.
Look forward to learning with you.
Disclaimer: This blog is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Thoughts are my own.
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Photo courtesy of Lance Goyke