Zac Cupples

January 16, 2022 Zac Cupples

How to Forward Lean Split Squat

A split squat variation that targets the hamstrings and glutes The split squat is an excellent exercise, but what if you are someone who loads the back leg WAY TOO MUCH, or you really want to work the hamstrings better than ever before? Enter the forward lean split squat (or as I affectionately call it, the superhero split squat). This variation introduces a hinge component to the split squat, which better works the posterior chain and minimizes back leg loading. But what are the keys to performing this well? Who would benefit from this version the most? I’ll answer that for you! Check out the video and post below for all the details!

January 9, 2022 Zac Cupples

I Got Fired from the NBA – Here’s What I Learned

How to make the most of losing your dream job It was the dream job. A job that almost any physical therapist would want to have. That job was being an NBA physical therapist. It was like being a kid at a rehab candy store. We had time, resources, no visit limits because of silly insurance, and the ability to control so many more variables. I could influence so many different things for the players. In the D-League in particular, I was the PT, strength coach, nutrition coach, and sports scientist. It was an awesome experience. And then I got the call. I walked into the general manager’s office, and he broke the news: “We’ve had to eliminate your position.” Which is a euphemism for: “You’re fired.” I had seen it happen many times in the league as players come and go. And everyone was very cordial and matter of fact when their time came. “Hey, I got traded, I’m out.” “Hey, they let me go. I’ll catch you later.” “Yo, they waived me, man, I’ll see you around.” And now it was my turn to do the same, and I exited in a similar fashion. It sucked and was an immense low. Yet, this experience was life-changing for me on many levels. Although it was a tough time, I ended up turning things around and haven’t looked back since. I returned to educating, which is what I believe my calling is. I’m grateful for that experience, and the lessons

January 2, 2022 Zac Cupples

Top 10 Exercises of 2021

Exercises that’ll improve your movement and get you stronger! If you’ve spent one second on my Youtube channel (and the new exercise channel), you’ll notice there are a boatload of exercises on there, with little guidance as to which are best. Admittedly, some are duds, some work better than others. But instead of relying on my own judgment to tell you what rocks and doesn’t, who better to ask than the fam? Exercises are by far the most popular piece of my weekend goodies, which is why I’ve made a top 10 list of the most popular exercises of 2021 If you want a deep dive into new moves that I’m using on the regular, then you’ll want to sign up for my newsletter. Just about every Friday, you’ll get free goodies that range from exercises, to cool articles and podcasts, and more. ALL FREE!

December 22, 2021 Zac Cupples

Top 10 Goodies of 2021

What stuff on the internet was awesome!?! It can be incredibly challenging to keep up with the information overload that is the internet. This is why every Friday I send my newsletter subscribers (aka the fam) the select few things I found useful. In 2021, the fam liked a variety of things. There was a ton of biomechanical bombs that were dug here, and so much more! What’s crazy is there were a ton of high-ranking goodies that did not make the list. That’s why I encourage you to sign up for these on the newsletter, as you’ll get a ton of exclusive goodies, a free course and exercise workbook, lecture, and more! I won’t even charge you extra, because it’s FREE!

December 19, 2021 Zac Cupples

How to Fix Rounded Shoulders

Having rounded shoulders doesn’t occur for the reason you think it does Rounded shoulders are an often common complaint of folks who perceivably have poor posture. Conventional rehab makes us think that the simple solution to this problem entails stretching the pecs, strengthening the upper back, attaining a good head position, and sitting up straight. But what if conventional treatment for bad posture was all wrong? The problem with typical treatments is that we rarely look at the foundational influence—ribcage dynamics—that likely governs where your shoulders go. That changes today. In this video, we will outline postural factors that contribute to having rounded shoulders. The one’s your standard PTs gloss over.

December 12, 2021 Zac Cupples

Kettlebell Arm Bar for Shoulder Mobility

An underappreciated kettlebell exercise The kettlebell armbar is a vastly underrated move for improving your range of motion, strength, and stability in your upper body. The reason why it’s underrated and underutilized is because it’s quite unclear when to program this activity and how to execute it most effectively. We will change that with today’s post.

December 6, 2021 Zac Cupples

Split Squat Form – A LIVE Coaching Example

Troubleshooting split squat compensations with two cases Split squats are one of the hardest exercises to coach. There are a lot of potential movement compensations that will limit you or your client’s ability to get the most out of this versatile move. Is there an easy way to navigate these issues with these split squats? Can I make coaching this move easier? I think so. In today’s video, you’ll see me navigate two different clients who were having difficulty performing a split squat during my seminar, Human Matrix. If you have someone who: – Can’t descend well in the split squat– Can’t keep the front heel on the ground– Feel too much quad in the back leg– Can’t keep a good torso position during the split squat Then you’ll definitely want to check this out!

November 28, 2021 Zac Cupples

VivAer Procedure Review – Watch this Before You Do it!

Is this surgery helpful for nasal valve dysfunction? Nasal breathing has many positive health effects, but what if you are a chronic mouth breather? Perhaps you have nasal congestion that just won’t let up. There can be many reasons for an inability to nasal breathe, one of them nasal valve dysfunction. If your nose collapses in when you breathe, as opposed to getting bigger, this could indicate an issue with the nasal valve. Sadly, this can’t be improved with exercise. Instead, procedures are often used to improve nasal valve patency. I just tried one of these procedures, called the Vivaer, at The Breathe Institute. Does it work? Watch the video and read the blog below to learn if it does.

November 21, 2021 Zac Cupples

Slouched vs Arched Posture – What’s the Difference?

Is your torso posture limiting your movement? Here’s what to do about it! If you have a tendency to be slouched, arched, or anything between, you might be wondering how you can improve the movements that are often lost with these presentations. The hard part is that the motions limited with these postures, as well as the “fixes” to improve these restrictions, are far from intuitive. Until today. It’ll all be cleaned up in Movement Debrie Episode 165.

November 14, 2021 Zac Cupples

The Best Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Exercises in 2021

If you have carpal tunnel syndrome, you may have to look beyond your wrist! With an increase in computer and remote work, we may see the incidence of carpal tunnel syndrome increase. The problem, however, is that most people only look at the wrist and the neural components in the arm. This approach may be missing some critical pieces that can influence the health of the median nerve, the nerve which is affected by carpal tunnel syndrome. What are those pieces? Don’t worry, fam, I’ll tell you in Movement Debrief 164!

November 8, 2021 Zac Cupples

Author: Zac Cupples