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Learn about the Fit for Practice Functional Fitness Gym at APTA CSM.
Fit for Practice Functional Fitness Gym Returns to APTA CSM
Back for another exciting year, the APTA Fit for Practice Functional Fitness Gym brings hands-on, movement-focused learning to APTA CSM.
As part of APTA's Fit for Practice initiative, the gym offers PTs, PTAs, and students an immersive environment to grow, connect, and elevate their practice.
Take advantage of gym benefits, including open gym hours, practical skill-building sessions (including foundational lifts such as the squat, deadlift, and farmer carry), and programming focused on entrepreneurship and innovative models of care. Whether you're looking to level up your technique or expand your professional horizons, there's something for every learner.
All sessions are open to APTA CSM attendees, but space is limited — reserve your spot early. Find the full schedule, session details, presenter information, and sign-up links below.
Gym equipment is provided by Rogue Fitness.
Schedule At-A-Glance
Note: All times are in PST.
|
Time |
Thursday, Feb. 12 |
Friday, Feb. 13 |
Saturday, Feb. 14 |
|
6-7 a.m. |
Open Gym |
Open Gym |
Open Gym |
|
7-8 a.m. |
Open Gym |
Open Gym |
Open Gym |
|
8-8:45 a.m. |
APTA and National Strength and Conditioning Association Event |
Speed Training: Warm-Ups, Sprinting and Agility Performance |
Adaptive & Inclusive Trainer (AIT) Intro Workshop |
|
9-9:45 a.m. |
APTA and National Strength and Conditioning Association Event |
Explosive Movements: Weightlifting and Jump Progressions for Athletic Performance |
Wheelchair & Seated Sport Workshop |
|
10-10:45 a.m. |
"All You Need is Space" with Megan Brown, PT, DPT |
Kettlebell Essentials: Progressions from Basic to Advanced |
"All You Need is Space" with Megan Brown, PT, DPT |
|
11-11:45 a.m. |
Building Your PT Business Inside a Gym: A Blueprint for Launching and Scaling Your Practice with Danny Matta, PT, DPT and Yves Gege, PT |
Loaded Carries 101: Effective Core Training On-the-Go |
|
|
noon-12:45 p.m. |
Para Sport Athlete Training: Standing Series |
Open Gym |
|
|
1-1:45 p.m. |
Experience Wireless Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Training |
"All You Need is Space" with Megan Brown, PT, DPT |
Open Gym |
|
2-2:45 p.m. |
Squat Smarts: From Fundamentals and Progressions for All Levels |
Building Your PT Business Inside a Gym: A Blueprint for Launching and Scaling Your Practice with Danny Matta, PT, DPT & Yves Gege, PT |
Closes at 2 p.m. |
|
3-3:45 p.m. |
Deadlift 101: Technique, Drills, and Instruction for Safety |
Tactical Mindset: Adaptive Fitness Session |
Closed |
|
4-4:45 p.m. |
Open Gym |
Open Gym |
Closed |
|
4:45-5:30 p.m. |
Open Gym |
Open Gym |
Closed |
Session Descriptions
Thursday, Feb. 12
Open Gym
Start or end your day moving! Reserve a 45-minute to one-hour slot to train, explore equipment, and connect with fellow attendees.
Equipment includes:
- Rig
- 8 Rogue squat stands
- 5 Echo Bikes
- 5 Rogue Rowers
- Kettlebells and dumbbells
To ensure access for all attendees, time is limited per session.
"All You Need Is Space" With Megan Brown, PT, DPT
Reimagine how physical therapy can scale beyond one-on-one care. Using Pilates-based therapeutic exercise approaches as examples of space-efficient movement, participants will explore how to build a purpose-driven venture that supports population health and wellness. Whether you're launching a business or looking to innovate within your practice, come ready to move, think, and build your future in physical therapy.
Building Your PT Business Inside a Gym: A Blueprint for Launching and Scaling Your Practice With Danny Matta, PT, DPT and Yves Gege, PT
Learn how to successfully operate your physical therapy practice in a gym environment with industry experts Danny Matta and Yves Gege of PT Biz. This session breaks down the fundamentals — logistics, subleasing, and marketing — then shifts into an interactive workshop where attendees can ask questions and walk away with clear, personalized action steps.
After the session, grab a complimentary signed copy of Danny Matta's book, "The Cash Practice Field Manual: The Clinician's Guide to a Successful Cash Practice and Never Having to Deal With Insurance Companies Again" (limited copies available).
Matta will be at APTA's Pavilion (Booth #1437) from 12:30-1:30 p.m. for an additional book-signing session, while supplies last.
Experience Wireless Blood Flow Restriction Training
Join this interactive workout featuring a wireless blood flow restriction system. This hands-on session will include pre- and post-workout strength assessments using force decks, giving you real-time insight into performance changes. The session will be led by Mike MacPherson, PhD, certified strength and conditioning specialist, a recognized BFR specialist.
Squat Smarts: From Fundamentals and Progressions for All Levels
Explore squat variations from body weight to loaded barbell. This session covers movement screening, mobility prep, and progressions you can adapt for any client or rehab setting. The instructor will be Ryan Metzger, MS, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, with the National Strength and Conditioning Association.
Deadlift 101: Technique, Drills, and Instruction for Safety
Master the fundamentals of one of the most effective total-body lifts. Learn evidence-based setup cues, corrective drills, and coaching strategies to help patients and athletes pull safely and efficiently. The instructor will be Jose Vazquez, PT, MPT, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist with the National Strength and Conditioning Association.
Friday, Feb. 13
Open Gym
Start or end your day moving! Reserve a 45-minute to one-hour slot to train, explore equipment, and connect with fellow attendees.
Equipment includes:
- Rig
- 8 Rogue squat stands
- 5 Echo Bikes
- 5 Rogue Rowers
- Kettlebells and dumbbells
To ensure access for all attendees, time is limited per session.
Speed Training: Warm-Ups, Sprinting and Agility Performance
This session will cover dynamic warm-ups, acceleration drills, and cutting mechanics. Leave with evidence-based strategies to enhance sprinting and multidirectional agility in both rehab and performance settings. The instructor will be Blake Brightwell, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, with the National Strength and Conditioning Association.
Explosive Movements: Weightlifting and Jump Progressions for Athletic Performance
Break down the fundamentals of Olympic-style lifts and plyometrics. Practice teaching progressions that safely develop power, coordination, and speed for athletes of all levels. The instructor will be Ryan Metzger, MS, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist with the National Strength and Conditioning Association.
Kettlebell Essentials: Progressions from Basic to Advanced
From swings to Turkish get-ups, discover step-by-step progressions for strength, power, and endurance. Gain practical tips for cueing and integrating kettlebells into rehabilitation and performance programs. The instructor will be Jose Vazquez, PT, MPT, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, with the National Strength and Conditioning Association.
Loaded Carries 101: Effective Core Training On-the-Go
Walk, carry, and stabilize — simple moves with big impact. Learn how farmer's carries and their variations challenge the core, improve gait, and build functional strength. The instructor will be Blake Brightwell, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist with the National Strength and Conditioning Association.
Para Sport Athlete Training: Standing Series
Demonstration and workout session with instructor Anna Stern from Angel City Sports.
"All You Need Is Space" With Megan Brown, PT, DPT
This energizing session invites early-career PTs, PTAs, and bold thinkers to reimagine how physical therapy can scale beyond one-on-one care. Using Pilates-based therapeutic exercise approaches as examples of space-efficient movement, participants will explore how to build a purpose-driven venture that supports population health and wellness. Whether you're launching a business or looking to innovate within your practice, come ready to move, think, and build your future in physical therapy.
Building Your PT Business Inside a Gym: A Blueprint for Launching and Scaling Your Practice with Danny Matta, PT, DPT & Yves Gege, PT
Learn how to successfully operate your PT practice in a gym environment with industry experts Danny Matta and Yves Gege of PT Biz. This session breaks down the fundamentals — logistics, subleasing, and marketing — then shifts into an interactive workshop where attendees can ask questions and walk away with clear, personalized action steps.
Tactical Mindset: Adaptive Fitness Session
Demonstration and workout session. Instructor: Alec Zirkenbach from the Adaptive Training Academy.
Saturday, Feb. 14
Open Gym
Start or end your day moving! Reserve a 45-minute to one-hour slot to train, explore equipment, and connect with fellow attendees.
Equipment includes:
- Rig
- 8 Rogue squat stands
- 5 Echo Bikes
- 5 Rogue Rowers
- Kettlebells and dumbbells
To ensure access for all attendees, time is limited per session.
Adaptive and Inclusive Trainer Intro Workshop
Demonstration and workout session. Instructor: Alec Zirkenbach from the Adaptive Training Academy.
Wheelchair and Seated Sport Workshop
Demonstration and workout session, hosted by the American Academy of Sports Physical Therapy Adaptive Sports Special Interest Group and Challenged Athletes Foundation.
"All You Need Is Space" With Megan Brown, PT, DPT
This energizing session invites early-career PTs, PTAs, and bold thinkers to reimagine how physical therapy can scale beyond one-on-one care. Using Pilates-based therapeutic exercise approaches as examples of space-efficient movement, participants will explore how to build a purpose-driven venture that supports population health and wellness. Whether you're launching a business or looking to innovate within your practice, come ready to move, think, and build your future in physical therapy.