Meet Derek | Your Online Strength & Conditioning Coach

CSCS Certified Online Coach Specializing in Golf, Skiing, and Cycling Performance

From Physical Therapy Dreams to Performance Coaching Reality

Growing up, I always planned to become a Physical Therapist. After earning my bachelor's degree in Health & Exercise Science from Colorado State University and spending some time applying to PT programs, I realized what I truly wanted was to help people move better, feel stronger, and perform at their best in a more hands-on, day-to-day way.

That's when I shifted gears and became a certified strength and conditioning coach focused on working with high-performance and endurance athletes. It turned out to be the best decision I ever made.

Since then, I've had the opportunity to work with elite level athletes, help everyday people make lasting improvements in their health and performance, and share my lifelong passion for cycling, skiing, hiking, and outdoor adventure.

NASM Certified Strength & Conditioning Coach | 9 Years of Experience | Colorado-Based | Serving Athletes Worldwide | 100+ Athletes Trained |

NASM Certified Strength & Conditioning Coach | 9 Years of Experience | Colorado-Based | Serving Athletes Worldwide | 100+ Athletes Trained |

My Training Philosophy

3. Sport-Specific Training

Generic strength training has its place, but sport-specific programming directly translates to better performance in your activity. Every program is built around what your sport actually demands.

4. Progressive Overload

Consistent, strategic progression keeps you improving without burning out or getting injured. No random workouts, no guesswork.

5. Sustainability Over Perfection

The best program is one you can actually follow. Every plan is designed around your real life, your real schedule, and your real equipment access.

6. Education and Independence

The goal isn't just results during our time working together. It's building lasting knowledge and training habits that stay with you long after the program ends.

2. Movement Quality First

Before adding weight or intensity, every program starts with moving efficiently and safely. This prevents injury and maximizes long-term performance gains.

1. Individualization Matters

Cookie-cutter programs don't work. Your body, goals, sport, schedule, and limitations are unique and your training should be too.

I've invested in education from the most respected organizations in the fitness industry so my clients can feel confident they're getting evidence-based programming and measurable results.

Education & Certifications

  • Graduated from CSU in Fort Collins, CO in 2018. My undergraduate education provided the foundational knowledge in human physiology, biomechanics, exercise prescription, and sports nutrition that informs every program I create.

  • The gold standard certification for strength and conditioning coaches. I chose the CSCS because it goes far more in-depth into the science of training than many other popular certifications. This knowledge allows me to work with high-performance athletes and create truly effective programs.

  • This certification allows me to identify postural and functional movement imbalances that could be affecting your performance and daily life. I can develop customized corrective programs to address imbalances whether you realize you have them or not.

  • This specialization allows me to analyze a player's swing and identify muscle imbalances that prevent an efficient golf swing. It provides the tools to create programs that address these imbalances while adding power and distance to your game.

  • Currently completing certification to better help clients with nutrition coaching, a crucial component of any fitness program. This adds comprehensive nutrition guidance to complement training programs.

My Journey to Online Strength Coaching

2018

Graduated from Colorado State University

Earned B.S. in Health & Exercise Science and began pursuing physical therapy programs.

2019

Career Pivot to Strength Coaching

Realized my passion was in day-to-day performance training rather than rehabilitation, obtained CSCS certification.

2020

Started Training Athletes

Began working with endurance athletes, cyclists, and skiers in Colorado, honing sport-specific programming skills.

2021

Specialized in Golf & Corrective Exercise

Earned Golf Fitness Specialist and Corrective Exercise Specialist certifications to expand expertise.

2023

Launched Arctic Performance Training

Transitioned to online coaching to help athletes worldwide train smarter for their sports..

2025

Expanded to Full-Time Online Coaching

Now serving 50+ athletes globally with personalized online training programs.

Life Outside of Coaching

I met my wife, Maggie, while I was attending Colorado State University. When we first met, she told me she wasn't looking for a boyfriend.. life's funny like that. We've now been together for almost ten years and finally tied the knot on July 3rd, 2024, back where it all started in Colorado. She's been my biggest supporter through every chapter of this journey, and I couldn't imagine doing any of it without her.

Together, we have a six-year-old boxer mix named Finn, who tags along on almost all of our adventures. He's the best trail buddy (aside from his late-night bathroom wake-ups), and we've loved every moment with him since bringing him home.

My love for the outdoors and sports started early, thanks to my parents. They always encouraged my sister and me to stay active and to find movement we genuinely enjoyed. That stuck with both of us—my younger sister is now a professional ballerina, and she's absolutely crushing it on stage.

When I'm not coaching: You'll find me mountain biking on Colorado trails, skiing in winter, cycling long distances, hiking with Finn, or exploring new outdoor adventures with Maggie. Living and training in the mountains isn't just what I do, it's who I am.