Get to know Zak Palek

Zak is a Physical Therapist and Strength and Conditioning Coach. Zak graduated from the University of Alberta with a Master of Science in Physical Therapy in 2021 and a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology in 2018.

Zak spent much of his life playing football, starting when he was 8 years old. Following high school he was offered numerous CIS and NCAA scholarships before signing with the University of Alberta. Zak was a member of the University of Alberta Golden Bears football team for 3 seasons as a defensive end. During this time he served as a team captain for 2 years and earned 2 Academic All-Canadian titles.

After leaving the team due to injuries and growing frustrated with the disconnect between training standards and sports medicine principles, Zak started Optimal Human Performance (OHP) with the goal of bridging the gap between rehab and performance. Zak maintains a Physical Therapy practice at Back on Track Chiropractic and Sport Injury Clinic while continuing to coach clients at a private training studio in his residence.

Zak works with a wide demographic including professional and amateur athletes, orthopaedic injuries, pre and post surgical populations, and everyday people. While distinct services, Zak uses his joint knowledge of Physical Therapy and strength and conditioning principles to develop a unique and comprehensive solution to rehabilitation and performance programs.

Outside of clinic and coaching, Zak has competed in the sport of powerlifting within the 220 and 242lb weight classes with unofficial best lifts of a 545lb squat, 340lb bench press, 615lb deadlift and 1500lb total.
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- Master of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Alberta
- Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Alberta with Distinction
- Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
- Biomedical Dry Needling
- Functional Range Conditioning Mobility Specialist (FRCms)
- Functional Range Assessment Specialist (FRAs)
- Functional Range Release (FR) Spine Provider
- Kinstretch Instructor
- Certified Functional Strength Coach (CFSC Level 1)
- Westside Barbell Special Strengths Coach
- Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) Exercise I
- Owen's Recovery Science Personalized Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Rehabilitation