Coach Zack Zweifel MS, CSCS
Combat Sports, Strength & Conditioning, Athletic Development
Top Rated Sports Performance Coach in Brooklyn, NYC
Train Like A World Champion
Get a free consultation
Get a free consultation
Champions Are Built In The Gym.
Sometimes, the difference between winning and losing is being 1% stronger, faster, or fitter.
A pro keeps you strong and injury-free, so you're primed to perform your best.
As a combat athlete and strength & conditioning specialist, Zack has trained world-class competitors.
Ready to Train Like A World Champion?
Forge Confidence
Embrace Discipline
Build Strength
Develop Power
Increase Speed
Ignite Your Inner Champion.
Many athletes focus solely on their sport, neglecting the strength and power gained from focused training. Without a structured approach, potential stays untapped, leaving them behind stronger, faster competitors.
Coach Zack works with competitive fighters, youth athletes, weekend warriors, and former competitors. Using science-based methods and advanced tools, he treats every client like an athlete—developing strength, speed, and resilience.
A lifelong athlete who started with youth wrestling and served in the U.S. Coast Guard, Zack has guided world champion BJJ fighters and youth talents in track, baseball, and basketball. Armed with a Master’s in Exercise Science and a CSCS, he ensures you’re never unprepared.
M.S. in Exercise Science, Brooklyn College (2021)
Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
Functional Movement Screen (FMS-L1)
USA Weightlifting (USAW-L1)
Russian Kettlebell Instructor (RKC-L1)
What training with me looks like:
- A sport-specific training plan that fits you skill and abilities.
- A coach committed to sharpening your competitive edge.
- Advanced assessments that measure tangible progress.
Training Backed By World-Class Athletes
Coach Zack has dedicated his life to coaching and training competitive athletes at all levels, from rising stars to world champions.
Gregor Gracie BJJ
Runs an exclusive, invite-only combat athlete class twice per week, refining technique, power, and conditioning for top-tier fighters competing at the highest levels.
Equinox
Helped busy professionals and former athletes reclaim their athletic edge, utilizing targeted strength and conditioning strategies to enhance performance and overall vitality.
U.S. Coast Guard
Guided servicemembers to peak performance through a blend of high-intensity and strength-focused workouts, improving operational readiness and ensuring success in challenging fitness assessments.
Train Like A Champion With Coach Zack Zweifel
Coach Zack's Training Is Perfect For...
Competitive Combat Athletes
For elite fighters in BJJ, Muay Thai, wrestling, and other combat disciplines seeking advanced strength, conditioning, and agility training to excel in competition.
Competitive Youth Athletes
For promising young talents in track & field, baseball, basketball, and volleyball looking to boost speed, power, and coordination, laying the foundation for long-term athletic development.
Recreational Adult Athletes
For dedicated adults involved in sports like softball, swimming, marathoning, or boxing who want targeted workouts, improved endurance, and injury-resistant strength to enjoy every game.
Former Competitive Athletes
For those who once competed at elite levels—such as former D1 collegiate athletes—ready to reclaim their athletic edge, rebuild performance capacity, and reignite their competitive spirit.
What Sets Coach Zack Apart
With a commitment to evidence-based methods, real-world competitive experience, and cutting-edge performance technology, Coach Zack delivers athletic training that’s anything but one-size-fits-all.
HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE WITH WORLD-CLASS ATHLETES
From training world-class BJJ champions at Gregor Gracie’s invite-only sessions to working closely with top-level competitors, Zack’s firsthand experience in high-stakes environments informs every aspect of his coaching. His track record with elite athletes guarantees you receive guidance proven to deliver results.
TECH-ENABLED SPORTS PERFORMANCE TRAINING
Zack leverages advanced tools—like jump mats, force decks, and HumanTrak systems—to evaluate movement, explosiveness, and conditioning. Armed with precise data, he refines your workouts to accelerate gains in speed, power, and endurance, setting you apart from the competition.
A TAILORED PATH TO VICTORY
Zack understands that no two athletes are the same. While all his programs draw on time-tested principles and rigorous research, he crafts individualized game plans that capitalize on each athlete’s unique abilities, ensuring they reach peak performance on their own terms.
Let's Make it happen
Zack’s experience bridges the gap between athletic performance and strength training, giving you that extra edge during competition.
Talk to brian
Discuss your athletic background, goals, and upcoming competitions. We’ll use this info to ensure Zack’s program aligns perfectly with your needs.
1-on-1 Assessment
Meet with Zack for a personalized evaluation, including a body composition scan, movement assessment, and—if needed—performance tests using force decks and jump mats. This data ensures a custom, performance-driven plan tailored to your unique goals.
Start your journey
Launch into a sport-specific training regimen that builds athletic resilience, refines technique, and maximizes every ounce of your potential—so you can rise above the competition.
Which Pricing Package Suits You Best?
1-on-1 Assessment ($200)
What You Get
FLEX Coaching
What You Get:
- A dedicated health and performance coach
- Limited open gym access with floor coaching
- Unlimited coach support through our app
- Unlimited remote workout programming
Perfect For:
- Self-starters with prior training experience
- Clients who need flexibility
- Individuals who are already motivated
Recurring Memberships Paid Every 4 Weeks
$280
$400 (or $33/session)
$440 (or $28/session)
$480 (or $24/session)
Focus Coaching
What You Get:
- 1-on-1 private sessions with your coach
- A dedicated health and performance coach
- Unlimited open gym access with floor coaching
- Unlimited coach support through our app
- Unlimited remote workout programming
Perfect For:
- Beginners and special situations (injury rehab, pregnancy/postpartum, competitive athletics, etc.)
- Clients who need accountability and motivation
- Individuals who want to supercharge their progress
1-on-1 Packages Paid In Full
$950 (or $190/session)
$1800 (or $180/session)
$3400 (or $170/session)
$6400 (or $160/session)
Behind the scenes
Coaching
What Clients Say About Zack
“Best trainers in the business – whatever your goals are (e.g. weight loss / training, sports specific strength & conditioning, competitive powerlifting / Olympic lifting) they’ve got you covered and will push and challenge you to reach your full potential but always with good energy and vibes which is very important. Special shout out to Zack who leads the jiu jitsu strength & conditioning program and has been my trainer for over 3 years now, time flies!”
Charles Q.
“Had an overwhelmingly positive experience at Physical Culture with Zack! As a busy gym owner myself it was hard to carve the time out for fitness. Being a lifetime athlete I wanted to learn something new coach Zack showed me the ins and outs of Olympic weightlifting. Highly recommend it!”
Paul L.
“This gym has been great for me after a very sedentary pandemic. My coach, Zack, is knowledgeable, approachable and encouraging, and I attribute most of my progress (and lack of injuries) to his thoughtful and dynamic programming. The others who work there are great, too, and they work to foster an inclusive, non-judgmental environment. It’s also just a solid, well-equipped place to exercise. After over 2 years, I’ve seen steady progress and still look forward to my workouts each week.”
Will D.
“Been a member of physical culture for a little over a year now and have nothing but great things to say. I’ve been weightlifting for many years and there’s no place like this gym. I’ve now found a place that meets my needs for equipment and space as a gym-goer and found an incredible community of coaches like Zack, June and John and the amazing members who create the atmosphere that makes the gym so special. Being here has been one of the best experiences I’ve ever had in the gym.”
Matthew L.
Frequently Asked Questions
I’m dedicated to Monday evenings (3 PM–9 PM) and Wednesday mornings (6 AM–12 PM). Outside these shifts, I’m often training private clients, but feel free to say hello if you see me between sessions. I’m in the gym at least five days a week, so don’t hesitate to reach out when I’m around.
Your weekly program will be published every Sunday. This schedule allows me to review your progress, make adjustments, and ensure everything’s in place for your Monday start.
Yes, I offer one-off private sessions depending on my schedule. After our initial assessment, we’ll decide if it makes sense for your goals. Availability varies, but I’m happy to work something out when it’s truly beneficial.
I review your program weekly, and I’m available in-person during my floor shifts. You can also contact me via phone or CoachRx; I aim to respond within 24 hours. Good communication is key, so never hesitate to reach out—I’m here to support you.
Injuries are part of playing sports, but the goal of effective strength and conditioning is to make you as resilient as possible. I’ve helped clients manage ACL, MCL, and LCL issues, lower back strains, hip and ankle injuries, rotator cuff problems, and golfer’s/tennis elbow.
Rather than hitting pause on all training, I adjust your program so you stay on track, recover well, and come back even stronger.
I’ve trained combat athletes in BJJ, Muay Thai, wrestling, and boxing, as well as competitors in basketball, baseball, track & field, volleyball, and distance running. While each sport has unique demands, the key principles of strength, power, and mobility remain constant. I tailor your program to your sport’s specific needs, helping you excel where it matters most.
Absolutely. I’ll review any notes or recommended exercises from your therapist and integrate them into our training. If needed, I’m happy to connect with them directly to ensure we’re all aligned, giving you a unified path toward full recovery and performance.
I blend science-based methods with timeless practical, sport-focused training. My goal is not to create better weightlifters, but to build stronger, faster, and more powerful athletes. We work hard, train smart, and always keep your performance on the field, mat, or court at the forefront.
Tess is a client managing a spine/disc pathology that has led to severe back pain. Her program focuses on strengthening the kinetic chain, addressing muscular imbalances, and building resilience while minimizing pain. Each session is designed with controlled tempos, gradual progressions, and functional movements to ensure safety and effectiveness. Below is a sample of her weekly programming:
Day 1
Warm-Up (2-3 Sets)
- 15 (Each side) Lateral Banded Walk – above the knee
- 10 (5 Each side) 90/90 Hip Mobility
- 15 Banded Pull-Aparts
Workout
A1) Dual Dumbbell Glute Bridge Floor Press: 4×5
- Tempo: @30×1
- Rest: 60 seconds
A2) Hip Bridge Press Out on Knees with a Band: 4×20
- Equipment: Sling shot band
- Rest: 90 seconds
B1) Incline Bench Press: 4×8
- Tempo: @50×0
- Rest: 60 seconds
B2) Split Squat Dumbbell Press: 4×5 (Each side)
- Tempo: @30×2
- Rest: 90 seconds
- C) Conditioning (3 Rounds @ 80% Conversational Pace)
- 10 Cal Assault Bike
- 15 Hollow Body Rocks
- 10 Ring Rows
- 15-sec Hollow Body Hold
Day 2
Warm-Up (2-3 Sets)
- 3 Squat Primers
- 10 (5 Each side) Quad Thoracic Rotation
- 10 YTW’s
Workout
A1) Squat Press Out: 4×5
- Tempo: @2010
- Rest: 75 seconds
A2) Dumbbell Frog Pump: 4×10
- Controlled pace
- Rest: 90 seconds
- B) Single Arm Bench Press with Banded Row: 4×5 (Each side)
- Tempo: @4010
- Rest: 90 seconds
C1) Push-Up: 4×5
- Tempo: @3010
- Rest: 45 seconds
C2) Wall Sit with Banded Abduction: 4×15
- Equipment: Sling shot band
- Rest: 45 seconds
C3) Clamshell: 4×10 (Each side)
- Equipment: Sling shot band
- Rest: 60 seconds
Day 3
Warm-Up (2-3 Sets)
- 10 (5 Each side) Split Squats
- 10 Cat-Cow
- 10 Banded Scaption
Workout
- A) RNT Goblet Split Squat: 3×6 (Each side)
- Tempo: @3010
- Rest: 75 seconds
- B) Barbell Inverted Row: 3×5
- Tempo: @3010
- Rest: 75 seconds
- C) Half-Kneeling Landmine Press: 3×8 (Each side)
- Tempo: @3010
- Rest: 60 seconds
- D) Conditioning (15 Minutes of Work)
- 15 Cal Row
- 100m Farmer Walk (Break as needed, ask floor coach to monitor KB pick-up)
- 10 (5 Each side) Single Arm Dumbbell Press
- 10 Anchored Sit-Ups
Here’s a recent example designed for two Muay Thai fighters three weeks before their next match. We’d already developed a solid strength base, movement quality, and cardio capacity. In this final stage, I focused on improving force production and taxing their energy systems in a way that mirrors fight conditions—preparing them to perform at peak intensity when it matters most.