2025 Three Day Functional Training Summit in Chicago, IL

$289.00
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2025 Three Day Functional Training Summit in Chicago, IL

We are extremely excited to catch up with all of you this coming summer as we welcome new topics from experts around the world!

WHEN:    Thursday, June 12, 2025    Optional Check-In and Registration    1:00PM - 5:30PM    Kick-Off Sessions with Brendan Stapleton, Billy Hofacker, & John Farkus    2:00PM - 6:15PM    Friday, June 13, 2025    8:15…

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Product Details

WHEN:    

Thursday, June 12, 2025    
Optional Check-In and Registration    
1:00PM - 5:30PM    
Kick-Off Sessions with Brendan Stapleton, Billy Hofacker, & John Farkus    
2:00PM - 6:15PM    

Friday, June 13, 2025    
8:15AM - 6:00PM    

Saturday, June 14, 2025    
8:00AM - 4:15PM   

 

WHERE:    

Donald E. Stephens Convention Center    
5555 North River Road    
Rosemont, IL 60018    
Rooms: North & South Ballroom

 

HOTEL RECOMMENDATION:    

Hyatt Regency O'Hare Chicago   
9300 Bryn Mawr Avenue 
Rosemont, IL 60018    
(847) 696-1234      

*$199 Standard Single/Double Discounted Rate. $219 Premier Single/Double Discounted Rate. Please used the booking link above or mention group code G-MBRW or "Perform Better" when reserving your room. Must reserve by 5/21/25.    

*Room blocks are limited availability. No guarantees. Hotel may become SOLD OUT at any time.  

 

SUMMIT PRICE:   

Early Bird Special - $289 (When registering prior to May 1, 2025)
Pre-Registration Price - $359 (When registering prior to May 29, 2025)
Registration Price - $389 (Up until the event)
 


DAILY SCHEDULE:


2025ChicagoSummitSchedule.pdf 

 


PRESENTER & TOPICS:




 

NICOLE AUCOIN, MS, RD, LD/N, CF-L2


Nicole Aucoin

 
• Founder of Healthy Steps Nutrition: Home of CrossFit HSN & HSN Mentoring)
• Registered Dietitian with 20 years of experience coaching clients
• Author of Best Selling Books
• International Keynote Speaker On Nutrition & Building Nutrition Coaching Programs In Gyms
• Podcast Host: Nutrition Made Simple & Grow Your Nutrition Business
 
From Basics to Breakthrough: Creating a Professional Nutrition & Health Coaching Program In Your Gym

 
With over a decade of experience empowering gym owners to successfully build, launch, and grow habit-based coaching programs, Nicole Aucoin brings unparalleled expertise to this session. She’ll reveal best practices for integrating the most common missing piece when helping your members reach their health and weight loss goals: nutrition. Discover how top-performing gyms have boosted revenue by over 25% through nutrition coaching, learn how to identify and hire the perfect nutrition coach, and gain insights into the critical role of owner support in driving program success. Don’t miss this opportunity to transform your affiliate with proven strategies for sustainable growth! (Lecture Only)




 

TRAVIS BARNES


Travis Barnes

 
• Co-founder with Todd Durkin of IMPACT-X Performance Franchise
• Co-founder with Todd Durkin of the IMPACT Speakers Course
• Best Selling Author
• International Presenter
 
Tomorrow’s Fitness Trends, Today’s Simple Solutions

 

Are you ready to secure your fitness business for the future while maximizing success today? In this talk, we’ll explore the biggest trends shaping the future of fitness and show you how to align your business with these shifts to stay ahead of the curve. You’ll also walk away with proven strategies to easily add $100,000 to your business—without spending a single additional dollar on marketing. Join us to learn how to future-proof your fitness business, embrace innovation, and ensure lasting success in a competitive industry. (Lecture Only)

 

“WTF” – Where’s The Fun?

 
Program design and exercise science are vital, but they’re not what make your business thrive. The real secret to exercise adherence and business growth? FUN. In this high-energy, hands-on workout session, we’ll explore how to inject the “fun” into functional fitness to create an unforgettable experience for your clients.Learn how to go beyond sets and reps to design sessions that leave people smiling, energized, and eager to return. Discover the key to building deeper connections, fostering a sense of community, and creating an environment where clients don’t just train—they thrive. Whether you're a coach, trainer, or gym owner, this session will arm you with practical, ready-to-use strategies to elevate your programming, enhance client experiences, and grow your business by making fitness something people truly enjoy. Let’s redefine WTF together—because where there’s fun, there’s success! (Hands-On Only)




 

LEE BURTON, PhD, ATC, CSCS


Lee Burton

 
• Co-Founder of the Functional Movement Screen
• Former Program Director for Athletic Training at Averett University
• Lectures nationally and internationally in the fields of sports medicine and performance enhancement
• Doctorate Degree from Virginia Tech with an emphasis in Health Promotion and Wellness
 
3-Step Process for Prescribing Corrective and Functional Exercise

 
Identifying and prescribing the best and most effective corrective and functional exercises can be extremely overwhelming. During this lecture Dr. Lee Burton will describe a simple 3 step process that will make it much easier to do. This presentation will show a simple process to identify the areas of dysfunction and pain. Dr. Burton will then describe how using corrective and functional exercise to target the dysfunctional patterns can actually improve the areas of pain. Data from several population groups will be shared in order highlight the typical areas of dysfunction and pain. Specific exercises to address these common problems will be offered as well during this session.




 

GRAY COOK, MSPT, OCS, CSCS


Gray Cook

 
• Co-Founder of the Functional Movement Screen
• Author of The Business of Movement, Movement, and Athletic Body in Balance.
• Pushes professionals and enthusiasts to creatively re-think movement behavior
• Known for mapping and deconstructing movement patterns, and rebuilding movement following natural developmental paths
 
Simplifying Low Back and Neck Pain: A Strategy of Calibration vs. Correction

 
Low back pain is not a diagnosis (even though it is billed as one.) LBP is a symptom of epidemic proportions. Current management of the condition focuses on the many different methods of treating the pain. What is overlooked is each individual’s list of highly-associated problems that accompany neck and low back pain. A system or strategy is required to organize and prioritize these associated dysfunctions – and that’s the secret to my success with spine pain. Gray’s lecture will cover his checklist and techniques for his rehabilitation strategy. The hands-on lab will demonstrate those techniques.




 

ERIC CRESSEY, MA, CSCS


Eric Cressey

 
• President and Co-Founder of Cressey Sports Performance, with facilities in MA and FL
• Director of Player Health and Performance, New York Yankees
• Writer, presenter, consultant and podcast host
 
How We "Batch:" Strategies for Efficient Evaluating and Programming

 
In this presentation, Eric will discuss top-tier assessment strategies that help create better pathways for streamlined programming.




 

TODD DURKIN, MA, CSCS


Todd Durkin

 
• CEO & Co-Founder, IMPACT-X Performance Fitness, Recovery, & Coaching Franchise
• Founder, Fitness Quest 10 (San Diego, CA) & IMPACT-X Fitness, Recovery, & Coaching
• Founder & Leader of the Todd Durkin Mastermind for Fitness Pros & Entrepreneurs
• Best-selling author of 5 books, including his latest book, TRUE STRENGTH
• Host of the Todd Durkin IMPACT SHOW podcast
 
Coaching Greatness—Top “10” Traits of the Greats

 

Greatness. We all strive for it and it’s in ALL of us. After 25-years in the fitness & sports training industry, Todd Durkin shares his analysis of what it takes to maximize your passion, purpose, results, and IMPACT with your clients and members. It will specifically look at ways you can grow and scale your team, business, and brand. It will offer ways to generate more revenue by looking at what the top fitness entrepreneurs are doing to create both active and passive revenue. And it will certainly look “inside the trenches” at what one can do to maximize the results for their clients & members. This includes what services, products, and offerings to consider to scale your growth and impact. (Lecture Only)

 

Coaching Greatness

 
This will be one heckuva workout session infusing all of Todd’s “IMPACT” systems to leave you feeling euphoric and ready to run through a wall. After 25-years of working with the top athletes and executives in the world, along with Mom’s & Dads of all levels, Todd will bring you through a hands-on workout experience that infuses all senses, systems, and protocols to get the best out of you. It will undoubtedly leave you with a great sweat and will have your soul-singing. Be “in-the-huddle” and experience an energy and feeling that you have never experienced before…and get ready to bring it ALL back to your studio/gym and IGNITE your clients & members! (Hands-On Only)




 

JOHN FARKUS


John Farkus

 
• Founder and owner of Blue Ocean Fitness
• Owner of 3 Alloy Personal Training studios
• Oversees a team of coaches serving 600+ clients and over 50,000 personal training sessions a year
• Over 22 years of fitness industry experience
 
Building a Referral Machine: Create a Customer Experience So Good You Can’t Be Ignored

 
Most personal trainers start with a passion for helping others—only to find themselves constantly chasing clients and struggling to fill their schedule. But what if you never had to "sell" again? In this session, John will break down the exact strategies that built Blue Ocean Fitness to over 200 clients—without a single dollar spent on marketing—while maintaining an industry leading 97% retention rate. Learn how to create an unforgettable customer experience that turns clients into your best salespeople. (Lecture Only)




 

SARAH FISCHER-REYNOLDS


Sarah Fischer-Reynolds

 
• CEO & Co-Founder of Functional Effect Fitness & Rehabilitation, an integrative wellness center in the suburbs of Chicago
• 23 years experience as a strength/nutrition/health coach, 15 as a gym owner
• Creator of Balance 2 Breakthrough, an 8-week program designed to help clients redefine their relationship with stress, restore balance to their body and create a breakthrough in their results.
• Health Consultant for investment banking firms like BMO Capital Markets
 
Deep Health: The “Secrets” to Battling Client Burnout & Managing Chronic Stress

 
Sarah offers attendees a glimpse into the science of stress, an explanation of Polyvagal Theory and the “rainbarrel effect” as well as the profound effects chronic stress can have on all aspects of our health. From an explanation of the different types of stress, the effect these stressors can have on our health, to the practical tips to start moving the needle in the right direction, she will share the information that has helped countless Functional Effect clients get off the hamster wheel of chronic stress and start restoring balance to their health and life. She will leave attendees with actionable steps toward better serving their clientele.




 

ALI GILBERT, CSCS*D, TPI Level 3, FMS 2, CFSC


Ali Gilbert

 
• 2-Time Golf Digest Top 50 Golf Fitness Professional
• Founder of Ali Gilbert Coaching specializing in men’s health + hormone optimization
• Founder of the Silverback Summit, the industry’s premier educational event for Mens Health
• Creator of Testosterone School, the only online educational course about hormone, fitness + nutrition optimization for men
• Featured in Muscle & Fitness, T- Nation, as well as various other publications and podcasts on the topic of testosterone, fitness and nutrition
 
Redefining Men's Health Beyond TRT

 
As coaches, our influence often focuses on external factors like training and nutrition. While we can assess movement patterns and track dietary habits, our insight into a client’s internal health has traditionally been limited. However, the integration of bloodwork and wearable tech is revolutionizing the coaching process, providing actionable data to optimize results like never before. In this talk, Ali will explore the current state of men’s health and the critical role coaches play in educating male clients about proactive health strategies. She will break down testosterone replacement therapy, explain how to navigate the evolving world of bloodwork, and discuss the legalities of incorporating internal health metrics into coaching programs. Discover how to elevate your clients’ outcomes by bridging the gap between training, nutrition, and hormonal health insights.




 

JASON GLASS, BHK, CSCS, TPI


Jason Glass

 
• One of the world’s top Rotational Strength & Conditioning Specialists
• Coaches and consults for PGA, LPGA, NFL, NHL, MLB and Extreme Sport Athletes
• Owns and operates Kinetica Performance LTD in Vancouver, BC
• Head of the Titleist Performance Institute Fitness Advisory Board
• Host of the Coach Glass Podcast and Coach Glass Mentorship helping coaches DreamBIG
 
Explosive Rotational Training- Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Training Rotational Athletes

 
Rotational athletes are unique, but the science behind training them is based on proven foundational concepts Coach Glass shares his science of rotational training from the ground up. Neuromuscular training, ground reaction force techniques, rotational plyometrics, and sling training will ignite your athletes to load and explode. This session is full of new rotational exercises, coaching cues, and assessments mixed with Coach Glass' unique style of presenting. Edumatainment! Get inspired, laugh and learn a ton while having a ton of fun.




 

JOHN GRAHAM, MS, ACSM EP-C, CSCS*D, RSCC*E, FNSCA


John Graham

 
• Senior Network Administrator, Fitness & Sports Performance, St. Luke's University Health Network, Pennsylvania & New Jersey
• Co-Author of Metabolic Training (Human Kinetics) – The Ultimate Guide to the Ultimate Workout
• National Strength & Conditioning Association Nominations Board Committee – Member
• Associate Editor, National Strength & Conditioning Association, Strength & Conditioning Journal
 
Empower Your Clients To Live Their Best Life

 
Energize your clients from youth to seniors with programs that enable them to achieve their fitness, performance and health objectives. Along with fitness and performance, nutrition, stress management, rest and recovery, and life balance approaches will be discussed. Uncover evaluation methods and programming systems to support a diverse population while maintaining a tailored approach. This lecture and hands-on session will provide resources and techniques to maximize health, fitness and performance.




 

JOSH HENKIN, CSCS


Josh Henkin

 
• CEO, Ultimate Sandbag Training and Creator of the Ultimate Sandbag and the Dynamic Variable Resistance Training System
• Teaching continuing education programs in the fields of corrective exercise, functional training, and performance programming in over 13 countries for the past 16 years.
• His work has been published in over 20 publications including the Wall Street Journal, Men’s/Women’s Health, Shape, Muscle & Fitness, T-Nation, as well as the Journal Of Bodywork & Movement Therapies and much more.
 
Why Corrective Exercise Doesn’t Work: Practical Pain Solutions

 
Shoulder, back, and knee pain are some of the most common challenges people face, often derailing fitness goals and making progress feel impossible. These issues don’t just cause discomfort—they stop people from moving forward, leaving them frustrated and stuck.Why does this happen? Corrective exercise often misses the mark. While many programs focus on mobility, stability, core strength, and even breath work, clients frequently struggle to see real improvements. If exercise is supposed to help with pain, why does it persist? The truth is, exercise alone can’t completely solve pain. Research shows that while it can help pain, the real solution lies in teaching clients how to manage and control their pain. By shifting the focus to smarter strategies, we can help clients train more effectively, reduce setbacks, and regain control of their lives.




 

BILLY HOFACKER, CSCS


Billy Hofacker

 
• Author of Fitness Profits
• Financial coach, helping fitness professionals achieve financial success
• Owner of Total Body Personal Training, based on Long Island, NY
• Host of the Your Fitness Money Coach Podcast, guiding fitness business owners to financial success
• Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM), recognized by Toastmasters International
 
Beyond the Balance Sheet: Master Financial Strategies for Your Fitness Business and Life

 
Taking control of your finances isn’t just about numbers—it’s about mastering financial strategies that lead to fitness business success and peace of mind. In this session, you’ll discover how to identify and plug profit leaks, implement simple systems for managing cash flow, and set financial goals that align with your business and personal priorities. With insights tailored to today’s fitness business challenges and interactive exercises, you’ll walk away with actionable strategies to increase profitability, reduce stress, and build a foundation for lasting success. (Lecture Only)




 

JUSTIN KEGLEY, CSCS, CFSC


Justin Kegley

 
• Performance Coach, Speaker and Author.
• Founder and Co-Owner of Movement Fitness, a Personal Training and Sports Performance Facility in Rockford, IL.
• Spent the last decade focusing on Coaching Female Athletes to Maximize Performance, Reducing ACL Injuries and Building Unshakeable Confidence
 
The Art & Science of Training The Complete Female Athlete

 
With the rapid growth of women’s sports, female athletes have more opportunities than ever. However, many still lack proper training, programming, and support to reach their full potential. Too many are not strength training, following structured programs, or receiving proper guidance on nutrition, recovery, and mindset. As coaches, we must do more. Beyond improving performance and reducing injury risk, we must help female athletes develop confidence, navigate hormones, address body image concerns, and build habits to succeed on the field or court and off. In this talk, Justin will break down how to coach with empathy without lowering standards, ensuring female athletes are challenged, supported, and fully prepared to compete at their highest level.




 

MARC LEBERT, NLP


Marc Lebert

 
• CFO of Lebert Fitness, a global leader in the development of training tools
• Certified NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) Practitioner
• Fitness Club Owner
 
Kickboxing & Bodyweight HIIT Mash-Up

 
Get ready to sweat, punch, and power up in this dynamic 75-minute mash-up class! Combining the high-energy kickboxing techniques of 9-Round with the functional bodyweight exercises of Lebert Fitness, this workout will challenge your strength, endurance, and coordination. (Hands-On Only)




 

ARIANNE MISSIMER, DPT, RD, IFMCP, CSCS


Arianne Missimer

 
• Founder & CEO of The Movement Paradigm
• Author of Rise Up and featured writer for STRONG Fitness Magazine
• National and International Presenter
 
The Missing Link: Airway Function and Its Impact on Core Stability, Recovery, and Performance

 
Explore the critical link between airway function and total body integration, where diaphragmatic function, intra-abdominal pressure, and reflexive core stabilization form the foundation of efficient movement and peak performance. Learn how optimal airway mechanics promote resilient movement patterns and how dysfunctions, such as poor tongue posture, nasal obstruction, or mouth breathing, disrupt nervous system regulation, recovery, and overall performance. Gain actionable tools, including airway screens, breathing and core assessments, and a structured progression from breathwork to dynamic movement, designed to optimize both performance and recovery.




 

FRANK NASH


Frank Nash

 
• Owner of STRONGER, Worcester MA
• Partner at DotFIT and Consultant for numerous fitness brands (Spartan Race, Freemotion, Retro Fitness, MYZONE, UFC Gyms, dotFIT and many more)
• Lectures nationally and internationally on numerous fitness topics (coaching, marketing, business, Team Building)
 
25 Lessons in 25 Years: Secrets from STRONGER’s Owner

 

Get ready to laugh, learn, and be inspired! Join Frank Nash, owner of STRONGER and a 25-year veteran of the fitness industry, as he shares his top 25 lessons learned from running one of the most successful training gyms in the world. This isn’t your typical lecture—it’s a behind-the-scenes, no-holds-barred journey through the highs, the lows, and the downright hilarious moments that shaped STRONGER into what it is today. From wild client stories to lessons in leadership, innovation, and personal growth, Frank will deliver a presentation packed with valuable insights and that you can apply today. Whether you're a fitness enthusiast, a budding entrepreneur, or just someone who loves a great story, this is a session you don’t want to miss. Walk away with actionable advice, and fresh entertaining perspective. (Lecture Only)

 

Simple Strength – Lift, Laugh, and Level Up!

 
Whether your goal is to shed body fat, build muscle, or keep those inevitable aging woes at bay, one thing is certain—we need to lift, and we need to be STRONG (inside and out)! Join Frank Nash, owner of STRONGER and fitness extraordinaire, for a hands-on journey into the world of Simple Strength. This isn't just about lifting weights; it's about lifting lives—yours, your members’, and your business’s success. (Hands-On Only)




 

BRIAN NGUYEN, ATC, CSCS, CPT, SFMA


Brian Nguyen

 
• Athletic Performance Trainer: ATC, CSCS, FMS, SFMA, NASM-CPT/PES/CES, SFDN
• Specializing in whole hearted approach training creating long term client success
• 20+ years performance training from NFL to Hollywood to his local community
• Former owner of Brik Fitness
 
Radiant Renewal: Using Life’s Challenges to Ignite Authentic Fitness Transformation

 

This lecture explores how fitness coaching fosters deep transformation for clients and ourselves by integrating vulnerability and self-reflection. Our personal stories, along with pain, discomfort, and obstacles, act as beacons, guiding us toward greater awareness and choice—the foundations of authentic change. Recognizing fitness as a form of self-care rather than mere work empowers growth rooted in integrity. As coaches, we are entrusted to create a safe, nonjudgmental space that embraces life’s messiness without aiming to “fix” it. By prioritizing curiosity and openness, we cultivate genuine relationships that support vulnerability, authenticity, and the real possibility in coaching of meaningful lasting transformation. (Lecture Only)

 

Bend, Bounce, Breathe, and Balance: The Playful Path to Authentic Transformation

 
This hands-on underscores that the best coaches master the fundamentals while embracing a playful approach. Coaches who cultivate a curious and compassionate environment nurture relationships that inspire lasting change. Participants will revisit the “B’s” of movement—bending, bouncing, breathing, and balancing—learning to identify asymmetries, pain, or limited range of motion as invaluable indicators for improvement. By focusing on awareness instead of judgment, we unlock each individual’s potential for becoming their strongest, most authentic self. Integrating insights from “Radiant Renewal,” this session emphasizes how transformation arises through self-reflection, curiosity, and genuine connection, establishing a solid foundation for meaningful, lifelong growth in both fitness and personal development. (Hands-On Only)




 

BILL PARISI, BBA, CSCS


Bill Parisi

 
• Founder and CEO of the Parisi Speed Schools, with 0ver 130 affiliate locations Worldwide
• Author of; Fascia Training: A Whole System Approach, 2019, Anatomy of Speed, Human Kinetics 2021, Fascia Training in Athletic Performance, Handspring 2023
• Recognized as one of the most successful personal training entrepreneurs in the world.
 
Learn to Grow Your Network & Grow Your Net Worth

 

Discover key networking skills, behaviors, and habits, to grow yourself and your business while expanding your training knowledge. Bill takes you on his 33-year journey on how he started out $50,000 in debt and networked his way to building a worldwide performance training brand with over 130 affiliate locations and 650 full-time performance coaches. This presentation provides attendees with immediate and practical takeaways on leadership, entrepreneurship, and how the never-ending pursuit of cutting edge training strategies can enhance these skills. (Lecture Only)

 

Anatomy of Speed - High Level Speed Training Made Simple

 
Discover how different systems of the human body relate to speed and how to effectively train them, including the fascia system. Identify the many forms of speed, through a teaching progression, that has been proven successful for 30+ years. (Hands-On Only)




 

JESS RACZ, CSCS


Jess Racz

 
• Owner of JR Performance, LLC
• Performance Coach at Complex PT & Performance in Miami & the new Unrivaled women’s basketball league
• Trains athletes from all levels of the game, including NBA/WNBA, NBA G-League, NCAA Division I, II, and III, and the next generation of up and coming talent
• Highly regarded for her expertise in helping athletes unleash their athleticism, movement efficiency, and confidence on and off the court all while mitigating their risk for injury
 
How You Move Is How You Prove: Unlocking Elite Movement in Sport

 
Learn how to expose, progress, and challenge your athletes within the “buckets of movement” they both live in and miss on from their current training to ultimately upgrade their movement bandwidth, coordination, strength and movement efficiency on the court. She will teach you her purpose, means & methods & applications to the “Athlete Development Maximization Pyramid” & the “Basketball Movement Matrix”




 

GREG ROSE, DC


Greg Rose

 
• Doctor of Chiropractic
• Engineering degree from the University of Maryland.
• Co-Founder of the Titleist Performance Institute (TPI)
• Co-Founder of the Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA)
• Co-owner of FMS (Functional Movement Systems)
• Founder OnBase University (Baseball – Softball)
• Founder of RacquetFit (Tennis)
 
The 5 Keys to Training Athletes

 
In this lecture, Dr. Rose will cover the five most important principles in training athletes: 1) Speak their language, 2) Identify the Body-Sport connection, 3) Follow the Power, 4) Measure their Efficiency, and 5) Focus on their Superpower.




 

DON SALADINO, TPI-3, SFB, RKC, FRC, NASM


Don Saladino

 
• CEO of Dino Brands, LLC/font>
• One of the most sought after coaches in the world, with a high-profile clientele roster ranging from professional athletes to celebrities and business moguls
• Men’s Health Advisory Board member as well as launched multiple digital platforms and is the founding partner in half a dozen brands
• Equity shareholder in over a dozen health products
• Coach to the biggest names in Hollywood
 
Improving Fat Loss and Body Composition

 
Don Saladino is considered to be one of the most sought-after coaches in the category of body composition. He has prepared hundreds of celebrities for a category he calls “performance physique“ or how to get someone screen-ready while moving like an athlete. This presentation will go into his process and the most important principles of this method. It will cover training, nutrition, recovery, supplementation, and when to make adjustments to these areas, giving you practical advice to becoming cover-ready.




 

CARLOS SANTANA, Med, CSCS, *D, USAW, USATF


Carlos Santana

 
• Director of IHP in Boca Raton, Fl for 23 years
• At 64 still doing 20+ hours of personal training and ST coach for 15-20 UFC fighters each week
• Competed for 30 years in 4 combat arts and Olympic weightlifting
• Produced over 70 videos, written 17 books, and published over 300 articles in the area of strength and conditioning
• Fellow of the NSCA
 
The Personal in Personal Training: Modern Day Coaching Strategies for Personal Trainers

 

This lecture explores how the foundational principles of training—such as courage, prioritization, discipline, resilience, and persistence—extend beyond physical fitness to enrich all aspects of life. By integrating the DIKW framework (Data, Information, Knowledge, and Wisdom) into program design, trainers can optimize performance through structured routines and effective periodization strategies. Attendees will learn how to enhance their coaching practices to deliver not only physical but also psychological and spiritual growth for their clients. This presentation offers actionable insights and a step-by-step guide to implementing these holistic strategies, empowering trainers to elevate their impact and client outcomes. (Lecture Only)

 

Single Leg Training for Two-Legged Performance

 
This workshop highlights the critical role of single-leg training in enhancing performance for activities that rely on unilateral stability, such as locomotion, directional changes, and swinging implements. While traditional bilateral exercises build strength, single-leg training provides the foundation for balance, stability, and functional power transfer. Attendees will learn a variety of effective, accessible exercises that deliver significant improvements in single-leg performance and translate directly to athletic and everyday movements. This hands-on session is essential for trainers looking to optimize their clients’ performance across a wide range of activities. (Hands-On Only)




 

BRENDAN STAPLETON, B.S., AHFS, CPT, CES, CETI


Brendan Stapleton

 
• Over 20 years in the industry as an owner, coach, consultant and brand manager
• 3 years as National Director of Operations for over 150 franchises
• Owner and founder of the Stapleton Consulting Group
 
Why Good Owners Run Bad Businesses

 
Even the most passionate gym owners and personal trainers can struggle to turn their fitness expertise into a thriving business. In "Why Good Owners Run Bad Businesses," we’ll uncover the common pitfalls that hold well-meaning owners back, from ineffective marketing and weak client retention strategies to operational inefficiencies and lack of staff development. In it, find out how to attract and retain clients, create a killer team, and run your operations for sustainable success. With practical insights developed specifically for the fitness professional, this session closes the gap between passion and business excellence. Change your gym today for a better tomorrow! (Lecture Only)




 

LANCE WALKER, MS, PT, CNDS, CSCS


Lance Walker

 
• Executive Director, Oklahoma State University Human Performance and Nutrition Research Institute
• Former Global Performance Director, Michael Johnson Performance
• 30 Years of Combining Coaching, Physical Therapy, and Sports Science at All Competitive Levels
• Terrible Fisherman, Enjoy Failing Forward, Biggest Compliment Ever: Being Called "Coach"
 
The Power Rebound: Why Plyometrics Are Jumping Back Into the Spotlight

 
Plyometrics are making a comeback, but this isn’t the same old box jump routine—modern training is smarter, more precise, and influenced by innovative technology. From microdosing explosive movements to integrating wearable tech and force plate analysis, athletes and coaches are rediscovering the power of jumping, landing, and reactive strength. Whether you're training youth athletes, tactical professionals, or fitness enthusiasts, this session will break down some recent innovations in plyometric training and give you some ideas on how they are being implemented for both health and performance. Get ready to jumpstart your training approach!




 

CHARLIE WEINGROFF, DPT, ATC, CSCS


Charlie Weingroff

 
• World Renowned Physical Therapist and Performance Coach
• Director of Physical Performance, Men's Canadian National Basketball Team
• Former Strength & Conditioning Coach, Philadelphia 76ers, NBA
• Creator of Training = Rehab continuing education and mentorship model
• Solopreneur Business Consultant
 
Cracking the Code of Lower Back Function: Enhancing Performance and Managing Pain with Targeted Strategies

 
The area of the lower back contributes to countless pain patterns and performance opportunities. As the link between the upper and lower body, this joint system has a role in nearly all mechanical solutions. This presentation will distill consistent language, common situations, and non-painful exercises strategies targeting this lower back area.




 

NICK WINKELMAN, PhD, XPS, CSCS*D


Nick Winkelman

 
• Head of Athletic Performance & Science at the Irish Rugby Football Union
• Author of The Language of Coaching: The Art & Science of Teaching Movement
• Former Director of Training Systems & Education at EXOS
 
“Pump-Up” Your Coaching: An Exploration of Cueing For Building Muscle

 
When it comes to muscle hypertrophy and bodybuilding there is a longstanding interest on the mind-muscle connection: what should we focus on to maximise muscle recruitment and thus muscular growth? In this presentation we’ll review the evidence and discuss a number of novel protocols you can use to get more out of every rep.

  

 

 


THE CONCEPT 

Perform Better's Functional Training Summit is designed to provide trainers, coaches, and therapists with a combination of lectures and hands-on learning experience with many of the top professionals in the industry.

THE STAFF

The presenters will include many of the most respected names in training, conditioning, and rehabilitation.

THE FORMAT

Attendees will have a choice of two lectures, two hands-on sessions, or a Q&A session every 90 minutes. Sign up for each presentation is not required; however, space may be limited for select hands-on sessions. Friday night complimentary social with the opportunity to network and exchange ideas. Feature presentation, question and answer session. Centrally located in beautiful Chicago, IL.


WHO ATTENDS?

Personal Trainers, Physical Therapists, Athletic Trainers, Coaches & anyone interested in learning more about the latest concepts in Functional Training and Rehabilitation.

 

AVAILABLE CEUS:

NSCA - TBD

NASM - TBD

ACE- TBD


*CANCELLATION POLICY

A full refund can be issued if cancelled 21 days prior to the event.

2025 Three Day Functional Training Summit in Chicago, IL

$289.00

2025 Three Day Functional Training Summit in Chicago, IL

$289.00