Meet Derek - Your Online Strength & Conditioning Coach
CSCS-Certified Coach Specializing in Golf, Skiing, and Cycling Performance
CES Specialist
CSCS Certified
Golf Fitness Specialist
9+ Years of Experience
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.
5
Professional Certifications
100%
Personalized Programs
9+
Years of Coaching Athletes
100+
Athletes Trained
🎯 Why Work With Me?
Whether you're a cyclist training for a race, a skier getting ready for the slopes, a golfer looking to add distance to your drive, or an everyday athlete looking to build strength and endurance — I'm here to help you train smarter and level up.
My approach combines: Evidence-based programming from top certifications (NSCA, NASM) + real-world experience training athletes across multiple sports + a genuine passion for outdoor performance and mountain sports.
My Training Philosophy
After years of working with athletes from beginners to elite competitors, I've learned that the best training programs share these key principles:
1. Individualization Matters
Cookie-cutter programs don't work. Your body, goals, sport, schedule, and limitations are unique—your training should be too.
2. Movement Quality First
Before adding weight or intensity, we ensure you're moving efficiently and safely. This prevents injury and maximizes performance gains.
3. Sport-Specific Training
Generic strength training is fine, but sport-specific programming directly translates to better performance in your activity.
4. Progressive Overload
Consistent, strategic progression keeps you improving without burning out or getting injured.
5. Sustainability Over Perfection
The best program is one you can actually follow. I design training that fits your real life, not an ideal one.
6. Education and Independence
I don't just tell you what to do—I teach you why, so you develop lasting knowledge and training habits.
Education & Certifications
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 real results.
Bachelor's Degree in Health & Exercise Science
Colroado State University (CSU)
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.
Corrective Exercise Specialist (CES)
National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
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.
Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA)
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.
Golf Fitness Specialist (GFS)
National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
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.
Precision Nutrition Level 1 Coach
Precision Nutrition (PN)
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 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
ABOUT MY FAMILY
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 nine 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 five-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.
