Z-Health

Court Wing's Bio

Court is the co-founder and Head of Training of CrossFit NYC, one of the oldest and largest CrossFit affiliates in the world. He is a Level CrossFit 2 coach, with certifications in barbells, olympic lifting, gymnastics, mobility, kettlebells, nutrition, and exercise science. He is a certified RKC kettlebell instructor, appearing on the "Top 10 Instructor" list for two years running and was personally invited by Pavel to serve as an assistant instructor for the US Navy SEALs at a closed certification. Court is also a third degree black belt in Aikido, served as a personal live-in apprentice to US Chief Instructor Koichi Kashiwaya and won the International Competitors division at the 2000 International Taigi Competion in Japan. He is a professional actor with a BFA in Acting from SUNY Purchase College.

Daniel Omid's Bio

Daniel came to his first Z-Health certification in early 2008 curious about improving his dexterity for grappling, and left excited and enthusiastic about blending sports science and neuroscience along with Z-Health's particular approach to athletic movement development. Having a life long interest in performance and excellence, Daniel's experience and results in applying Z-Health to his own life evolved into a desire to assist and educate others as well. Daniel travels often and is presently located in Portland, OR.

Ed Connors' Bio

For Ed Connors, becoming a Master Trainer with Z-Health culminates his life’s work as a physical education teacher, movement and performance coach. His education includes a MEd. in Physical Education and advanced courses in Corrective and Adaptive Physical Education from Boston University. He was a selected member of the first group of American and Canadian coaches to visit the former Soviet Union and study Physical Education and Sport. After a successful coaching career in ice hockey and soccer at the high school and college level he founded Train Right Athletic Training and Fitness Center in Hingham, MA.

Currently, he conducts sports training and skill development programs for professional and elite amateur players in several sports. He has trained several National Hockey League and US Olympic athletes. He has co-authored a book on the use of elastic tubing for sport training. Ed, thoughtfully, integrates Z-Health concepts into his programs to improve client’s personal health and athletic performance. He is interested in long- term athletic training programs for young athletes and curriculum design for Physical Education.

Freddys Garcia's Bio

Freddys is an extremely dedicated trainer, Z-Health Master Trainer, and student of the human body and its complex systems. He is currently pursuing two graduate level degrees and will complete his Doctorate of Chiropractic in December of 2011 and his MS in Human Nutrition in 2012. His certifications with NASM, RKC, and as a Poliquin strength coach, as well as his advanced education, have propelled him into a place where he has the proven ability and the capacity to help his clients and athletes live their life in a body they love.

He treats his clients like family and loves working with people who have made a decision to be the best they can be. "They may not know how to get there," he says, "but if they have the desire, I can help." Freddys prides himself on his ability to help those people who have struggled to find answers to their health and performance questions, and he offers them an educated approach to fitness that takes into account all aspects of a healthy lifestyle.

Guy Edwards' Bio

Guy is passionate about realistic, long term approaches to optimum health, top class movement and performance. He has turned this into a style of education that helps clients achieve huge benefits from taking a serious look at where you are going with your health and fitness and how you can get there faster, with long term results and less hassle.

He has been involved professionally in the health and fitness industry for over 12 years, firstly in health clubs and now works independently as a health & performance coach and educator, and writer. Using exercise, nutrition, lifestyle modification and functional diagnostic nutrition laboratory work as a foundation for helping the body reach optimal health, Guy combines this with his initial training as a strength and conditioning coach, corrective exercise therapist and injury prevention specialist. He also works as a professional fitness trainer educator for the Movement Performance Academy.

This has led to Guy specialising in bridging the gap between rehab and top athletic performance, understanding how injuries and initial setbacks can impact upon consistency, and therefore results. Clients are constantly amazed at what rapid results can be gained from doing a little of the right thing at the right time.

Jason Garrard's Bio

Jason has the uncanny ability to combine Z-Health and CrossFit… into Z-Fit. He holds certifications as a Certified Personal Trainer and as a Z-Health Master Trainer. Jason has been training CrossFit and semi-pro athletes for three years, but pursued his Z-Health education and Master Trainer certification to become a better coach, walking the journey of lifelong education and self-improvement.

Jason has a desire to help the broken CrossFitters that he comes across, usually those who have been left behind by their original coaches. Also, he seeks to improve performance and safety in CrossFit gyms throughout his area and teach others about the awesome potential of Z-Fit.

Jason Wood's Bio

A former Professional Wrestler, Jason discovered a young “knack” for recognizing the importance of health, fitness, and quality movement. Now, with over a decade in the health and fitness industry, Jason has picked up experience and certifications through American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), Health Fitness Specialist (HFS), Russian Kettlebell Instructor (RKC) Top 10, American Red Cross First Aid and CPR Instructor, Cardiac Rehabilitation Internship at Stamford Hospital, and Z-Health Master Trainer.

Jason uses his high energy and positive attitude to bring results to his clients. Currently living in Denver, CO working as a assistant to the fitness director of the city, Jason can be found training clients, studying, or working on his own athletic skills.

Jennifer Waak's Bio

Jen is a recovering management consultant who realized that helping people was more fun than making money for Bill Gates. She now works as a health and movement coach, working with clients from NFL linemen to stay-at-home-Moms. She tends to work with clients that traditional medicine has left behind, helping them find new options on their journey to wellness.

Jen absolutely loves watch the changes in her clients, see their confidence grown, and watch them try new things – to have them develop a love of movement, and no longer believe that slowing down and developing aches and pains is simply a part of the aging process.

John Mendes' Bio

John Mendes is a Z-Health Master Trainer, Kettlebell Instructor, and Certified Personal Trainer from Connecticut. He is also a student at Central Connecticut State University where he is pursuing a Bachelors degree in Exercise Science and Health Promotion. John trains clients of all ages and abilities and considers every one of them to be an athlete. Through a combination of Kettlebells and Z-Health, John helps his clients reach high levels of performance, improves their body composition, and helps eliminate aches and pains for good. Z-Health has completely changed the way he views health and fitness. His favorite quote from R-Phase is “All progress starts by telling the truth.” He says, “The truth is your nervous system is in charge. Train it and you will begin to change the way you look, feel, and perform.”

Katie Bigelow's Bio

Katie Bigelow is a student and researcher in the Psychology Department at North Carolina State University. Current research includes nutritional effects on cognitive development in aging adults. In addition to her current studies in psychology, Katie holds a Bachelors of Science in Neuroscience & Behavioral Biology from Emory University. Katie is a Z-Health Master Trainer and Russian Kettlebell Certified Level 2 Instructor (RKC 2).

A lifelong athlete, Katie’s athletic career diminished after a debilitating injury that required multiple surgeries, later developed into a chronic pain disorder. Katie first came to Z-Health in search of pain-relief. Z-Health Performance Solutions eliminated her pain, and also improved her athletic performance. Katie combines scientific research with personal experiences to create lifelong health and athleticism for her clients.

Ken Froese's Bio

I am passionate about using movement training to enjoy a better quality of life.

I believe that you can feel much better than you feel right now. If that is your goal, I can help you achieve it. Whether your issue is chronic pain or a desire to improve your athletic performance, you can learn how to help yourself through Z-Health.

The gym is not your only option for movement and exercise; a new sport or activity may be a better fit. It is crucial to take into account the individuality of each client; your needs, your goals and your nervous system.

In addition to being a Z-Health Master Trainer, I have the following certifications: Level II RKC kettlebell instructor with certification from Pavel Tsatsouline; AKC kettlebell instructor with certification from Valery Fedorenko; Functional Movement Specialist with CK-FMS kettlebell specialization from Brett Jones and Gray Cook. I have assisted at numerous RKC certifications, including a private certification for the Marines at Camp Pendleton. I also coach many fellow trainers, seeking a better way to train themselves and their clients. My clients also range from pro fighters to actors to the elderly. I love what I do, and when I'm not doing that, I love to hike and skateboard with my daughter. My goals are to plan a trip to Denali with a group of Z trainers and to take up surfing.

I am happy to work with you in person or through video conferencing.

Kenneth Jay's Bio

With a deep interest in both philosophy and science Kenneth was forced to make a choice about his future. After thinking deep thoughts about unemployment Kenneth chose the scientific route and this brought him to a masters degree in exercise physiology. Kenneth continues to do scientific research when he is not implementing Z-Health movement coaching with people from all walks of life; either in one-on-one settings or at workshops and seminars all over the world. With a strong background as a strength and conditioning coach for several Olympic level athletes Kenneth tends to work with elite athletes from competitive sports and has coached several World and European champions as well as Olympians.

What inspires Kenneth the most is helping his clients being the change that they want and creating a different and better life in a healthy body, mind and spirit with no limits to what can be accomplished.

Kenneth is based in a small country across the big pond next to Sweden and just below Norway but travels to the states so often that Z-Health is considering billing him for use of their storage space as he always orders shoes and protein bars to have them delivered at Z headquarters and to bring back to Denmark.

You can contact Kenneth by emailing him at KJ@KennethJay.dk, friend him on facebook, follow him on twitter and by visiting his website www.KennethJay.dk.

Kent Johnson's Bio

Kent Johnson is a licensed massage therapist with the following certifications: Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), Egoscue, Chek, Active Release Techniques (ART). Kent won six National Powerlifting Championships, as well as a place on the U.S.World Powerlifting Team in 1995. Kent has a B.S. in Health and Physical Education and Pre-Physical Therapy from Virginia Commonwealth University and a Master’s in Applied Anatomy and Physiology from Boston University. Kent applies his immense experience and knowledge to a functional and performance therapy model for all of his clients.

Leah Davison's Bio

A life-long athlete, Leah Davison has participated in competitive gymnastics, swimming, and Olympic-style weightlifting. She began her training career coaching gymnastics and swimming, focusing on adolescent athletes. After being certified in the RKC and AKC kettlebell training methods, she was introduced to Z-Health Performance Solutions. Leah works throughout the United States with a wide array of clients, from desk jockeys to world-class athletes, helping them get back to work and back on the playing field through Z-Health pain relief and performance enhancement techniques.

Leslie Cordova's Bio

Leslie Cordova is an athletic performance coach, specializing in training female youth and young adults. She has trained Heisman Trophy winners, All-Americans, and National Championship teams at Notre Dame and the University of Southern California. She trains in the South Bay of CA. Leslie has worked with hundreds of youth, high school, collegiate, and professional athletes, as well as everyday people committed to their fitness goals. She has a B.A.in Exercise Science, M.A. in Education, and M.A. in Kinesiology: Sports Management. Presently, she is working on her PhD in Sports Psychology and is a professor of Health at LAHC.

Lou McGovern's Bio

Louis McGovern operates Essential Strength, a coaching company with the aim to deliver the highest quality education and training available for athletes of all ages, sizes, and abilities. His passion is to help people enjoy better performance, health, and fitness - no matter what their sport or lifestyle. A Philadelphia native, Louis currently resides in San Diego, California.

Luis Hernandez's Bio

Luis Hernandez is a Z-Health Master Trainer who has helped hundreds of clients increase athletic performance, improve overall movement and manage pain and physical ailments. His athletic training began as a competitive fighter at the age of 6. By age 12, he had earned a black belt in TaeKwonDo and went on to become an accomplished boxer, winning 3 Gold Glove Championships and the Southern New England Championship title. He has also competed in over 50 kickboxing fights.

Luis has been employed as a Functional Health Coach and a movement specialist for over 15 years. By applying the sciences of biomechanics, anatomy, physiology, motor learning and neurology, he performs individual health assessments for his clients and develops entire health programs that integrate personal training and supplementation aimed at the enhancement of movement, function, and athletic performance in the areas of sport, recreation, work and exercise.

mc schraefel's Bio

dr m.c. schraefel, phd, cscs, fbcs
Hi. Thanks for visiting these bios. If you've found this page it may be because you're looking for someone who will be able to help you with a query about your training, pain or practice. Maybe you want to improve your golf swing, target accuracy or deadlift pr's; maybe you've heard Z-Health helps with pain, and you're wondering if that will work for you, but it just feels a little funny reaching out in the dark. What's the next step? Here's a scenario of how this might go if you're considering reaching out to me. You've seen my credentials here (phd, research in human performance, certified strength & conditioning, & nutrition coach, kettlebell coach, Z-Health Master Trainer) and maybe read an interview. From here, you might check out a few pieces on my blog begin2dig about coaching philosophy, movement practice, vision, managing training fatigue, getting out of chronic pain. Based on this, you decide you would like to see how we can work together: you send an email telling me a little about your concern with your swing, your knee, your lift, et cetera. You ask about rates.

I reply along with some ideas of what we can do, like a movement assessment, whether in person or via webcam (you've seen some of my client reviews so you know folks i've worked with this way are happy with the results). With my reply, you also get some forms where you can tell me more about yourself so your session can be as effective as possible. And that's how we begin.

My goal is to help you find an active path for you t perform better today, from our first session, and in a way you can test for yourself immediately. Please email if you have questions. Look forward to hearing from you.

Mike Nelson's Bio

Mike T. Nelson is a PhD Candidate at the University of Minnesota in Kinesiology (Exercise Science). He received his MS in Mechanical Engineering, specializing in Biomechanics, from Michigan Technological University and a BA in Natural Science from St. Scholastica. He is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) by the NSCA, Z-Health Master Trainer, and a RKC (Russian Kettlebell Certification). Mike does fitness consulting in White Bear Lake Minnesota, where he combines the latest research with practical experience in order to help his clients achieve amazing results in record time. He is also available for guest lectures and seminars.

Paul Ciske's Bio

Paul assists his clients in accessing a state of Well-Being which gives them the capacity to excel at the life, recreational, and sport activities of their choosing. He accomplishes this through: techniques for re-balancing the neurologic and muscular systems; movement training; and the work of Conscious Embodiment. His passion for looking at essential truths has led him on a path that has created a wealth of experience from which to draw upon in providing his services. These accomplishments include: a Ph.D. in Physiology from the University of Michigan, Master level Muscle Activation Techniques® Specialist, Master level Resistance Training Specialist®, Master Trainer level Z-Health Performance Solutions Professional Trainer, certified Conscious Embodiment Facilitator, accredited T’ai Chi Chih instructor, and long term student of meditation. He is also the inventor of the CISKE™ Comfort Cushion, an adjustable head, neck, and back cushion which configures into innumerable shapes to support the body. Paul’s intention is for all of us to fully enjoy our lives by ‘moving well and living well’.

Sara Cheatham's Bio

Sara has a Master's degree in Health Sciences, is a dedicated wife to a career Air Force Security Forces Officer and proud mother of one (so far). This former Senior RKC and founder and owner of Red Star Athletics trains hard, heavy, and with precision – and expects the same of those she works with. One client commented, “Sara is so knowledgeable it is scary, yet she puts you at ease and makes you work. Her dedication to always improving herself makes you believe you can do that as well.”

She is known for being passionate about educating her clients not only about training, but how to make and sustain life-long healthy decisions. Clients have said that “her knowledge about health and willingness to share makes working with her a pleasure” and said they know they are “getting a real workout that is efficient and educational” with her. They also comment that she provides “details, explanations, and enthusiasm” and is “loads of fun, plenty challenging and very knowledgeable.” When asked what words best describe her, the recurring words are: “attentive, detailed, kind, articulate, fun, knowledgeable, passionate, personable, supportive, gracious, motivational, encouraging, an expert and a professional.” Her books and DVDs get the same rave reviews.

She's trained and worked with stay-at-home military spouses that have up to five children, Army Airborne specialists, Heavy Construction guys, Air Force guys that “can’t tell [her] what they do,” Explosive Ordinance Disposal folks, the Marine’s “Fighting 5th”, military computer geeks, nurses, dental hygienists...just about everyone across the board.  Her clients say: “You provided me with knowledge that I've incorporated in my daily life (not just exercising) that has increased my flexibility, decreased my pain, increased my strength, and has increased my energy…” “You make me surpass my own expectations and made my life healthier.”

Scott Marion's Bio

Scott Marion is an experienced Health and Movement Coach who has been helping clients transition from pain to performance for well over a decade. In addition to being a Z-Health Master Trainer, he is certified by both the National Strength and Conditioning Association (CSCS®) and the American College of Sports Medicine (HFS). His interests include: neuroscience, pain relief, motor control, biomechanics, and movement assessment.

Scott Peery's Bio

Scott Peery has been a personal trainer since 1990. He earned multiple certifications before becoming the fitness director at clubs in San Francisco, Sacramento, and Naples, FL. Advanced studies include the completion of the Muscle Activation Techniques (MAT) internship and Resistance Training Specialist (RTS) courses. A Physical Education graduate from the University of Oregon, Scott played #1 singles and doubles on the college tennis team. He taught tennis from 1981 to 1990, attaining a USPTA Professional 1 and USPTR Professional status.

Shamsul Emrich's Bio

Shamsul is known for his curiosity about how the human body is meant to function and his outright refusal to settle for the status quo. He has been training clients for over ten years and has competed in multiple strong man competitions himself. He loves the potential that people have to change and loves working with clients who are competitive or are training for a competition – even if it’s an upcoming wedding, birthday or vacation. Shamsul shares his passion for competition, intensity and the potential for change with all his clients and doesn’t take “No” for an answer.

He pushes his clients with new challenges and helps them set new goals. Ultimately, he wants them to see and believe that anyone can do anything, if they want it and are willing to put in the work.

Shannon Mauck's Bio

Shannon Mauck (or 003 as he calls himself), has been with Z since early on and watched it grow and evolve. Shannon predominantly works in the office and is part of the Z Health traveling team (affectionately referred to as 'ZHAT - Z Health Adventure Team) that goes to various Expos and Conferences promoting and educating. Athletically, Shannon has done various sports his entire life, most recently completing in various triathlons and endurance events, including 3 Ironman races. He was fortunate enough to do the Hawaii Ironman as well, which was a lifelong dream that wouldn't have happened without Z, but that's a story for another day! Shannon is passionate about Z-Health and is 100% on board with the company stance that Z isn't just useful information, it's necessary and is dedicated to helping it grow at the speed that integrity will allow!

Shannon Oitker's Bio

Shannon is a Registered Nurse (BSN) who chose to study Z-Health because it allowed her to win a 2 year battle with pain that traditional and alternative therapies hadn't touched. The pain had nearly robbed her of her abilities to enjoy cycling and hiking in her beloved mountains of Colorado. The neurological principles that Z-Health teaches gave her the choice and ability to change her life and ultimately have the HOPE to maintain an active, pain-free life.

After achieving level 4 training, she began volunteering with the Wounded Warriors out of Ft. Carson, CO where she gained experience working with chronic pain and sensory integration mismatch clients. She is now based out of Tempe, AZ where she continues training, coaching and mentoring. Her passion is to help others claim the hope that the latest research in neuroscience has to offer.

Zachariah Salazar's Bio

Zachariah Salazar offers more than accomplished competence to his athletes and clients. He has devoted over 20 years to the human experience. He is not just a coach, but also a reliable mentor. After decades of research, study, and certification that even when applied with the utmost precision only worked for most of his clients, he decided that those exceptional results were not enough. That is what brought him to Z-Health. He often says, "If there were something better, I’d be doing that". His other certifications include CES, RKC, AKC, FSF, IFS, EDU-K For Kids.