SFPT Physical Training & Physiotherapy

I trained with SFPT after a meniscus repair surgery as a final push to strengthen my legs before heading back into all of my favorite athletic activities — and I am so happy that I did! Now the muscles in my surgerized leg feel strong and I am more confident to return to regular excercize. Simon was very friendly, approachable and attentive to my injury. He made sure to modify the exercises of the group so that I would not push myself to hard, too early. Also, the other people in class were super friendly, so that was nice. And I now know exactly what excercizes to do at home if I ever feel the need to strengthen. Highly recommend!

This review will cover both the surf fitness program by Simon Fathers Performance Training and surf coaching by João De Macedo. My background is a longtime intermediate surfer with goals of progressing to an advanced level. I also have a prior back injury, and even though I had wanted to get back in the gym for a while, I was worried about aggravating my back.
When I first came to SFPT I spoke with Simon about my goals, injuries, and current level of fitness. He provided a comprehensive 1-​on-​1 evaluation session, and tailored a routine of specific exercises I could do on my own. A few weeks later, I went to my first group training class. The classes are 1 hour and scheduled M-​W-​F, one starting at 7am and another at 8:30am. Each day of the week focuses on a different movement category (ie rotary strength/​rotational movements etc.). The class itself is outstanding and unlike any other workout I’ve done before. It begins with a warm-​up routine to activate trigger points and get the body loose and moving. From there the class continues into a progression of strength training, circuits, body weight exercises, movements, stretch band work, medicine ball and kettle bells, and TRX suspension. Afterwards you feel like you’ve had a total body workout, but you’ll be still be able to surf the same day. For me, the class helped me increase my wave count, surf longer, and build strength for the functional movements of surfing. The people in the class are all really friendly and welcoming, making for an enjoyable gym vibe and encouraging environment.
To improve my surfing in the water I asked Simon about any coaches he knew that could offer advice, and he referred me to João De Macedo, a professional surf coach with extensive experience. I set up a session at OB with João and another student, and met him down at the beach early. We began by discussing the goals for the session, and the three of us surfed for 30 minutes to warm up. João then filmed the two of us for two more 30-​minute blocks, and gave us advice during the break between sessions. Afterwards he broke down our waves during a video analysis session, and gave me the feedback I need to progress toward my goals. I learned a ton about how to approach my improvement efforts. João is stoked and really positive, which kept it both fun and educational. His advice was priceless, and I can truly say the coaching session changed the way I look at my own surfing. Before this session I was working hard to get better but stuck on a plateau, and now I have a framework and plan to improve my surfing. I used the advice later that day during another surf, and immediately noticed the difference when I successfully applied his suggestions to my approach on a wave. Included in the cost of the coaching session is a copy of his book, which outlines in detail the 7-​move method João has developed with his surf students. It’s geared toward young surfers that aspire to become pros, but I found it entertaining and instructive as your average, full-​time working adult surfer. I’ll refer back to it to keep my improvement efforts on track going forward.
In sum, if you want to improve your surfing and fitness, this is the team to get you there. Of course you need to put in a lot of water time to get better, but these programs will ensure that you’re time surfing is high yield in terms of improvements. I give SFPT and João my highest recommendation.

If you are looking to work your body and train hard, then come and work with Simon Fathers. He has a ton of knowledge in many different physical arenas. He works with sports teams, professional athletes and individuals. If you are wanting to get past the plateau of your current training and accelerate your performance– step into the SFPT experience in the Outer Richmond.

I am not a star athlete by any means, but SFPT has really put me into great shape with the training that is provided. Simon does a great job with personalizing the group training sessions. He is very knowledgeable and always take the time to explain the various concepts behind the exercises.

I wish I had found SFPT sooner!
I’m a competitive surfer and have been weeding through personal trainers in SF, looking for someone with Simon’s experience, knowledge and training style.
I don’t normally train in a group setting, but Simon knows how to taper the training to each individual and really makes it feel like 1 on 1 coaching.
I’m would absolutely recommend SFPT to anyone seriously looking to get in shape or take their sport-​specific training to the next level.

I can’t say enough good things about SFPT! I have been suffering recurring injuries, kitesurfing and surfing, from years ago. Since I have been to see Simon, not only are the injuries getting better, but I feel strong than ever!
I own SG Kiteboarding in the Bay Area, and the physical demands of being a kiteboarding instructor have been getting the better of me. Now I’m finally getting my body tuned up so I can handle the physical pressure of work. Also as an aspiring profession kitesurfer I know this is the next step for my career! Simon isn’t only an amazing trainer, but an all around great guy.
I have had a lot help over the years from friends with fitness training, but nothing come close to what I have learned since starting at SFPT!
Thank you for all the help and encouragement!

Before I met Simon I thought I was near incurable as a DIY fitness planner. Within the first session of one of his classes, Simon cured me of that ailment.
Things I like:
I feel the results immediately
Super motivating with a personalized touch
The training is centered around performing as an athlete; for me, surfing.
Incredibly positive personality
Wide range of exercises
It’s clear Simon has a huge amount of experience in getting meaningful results out of clients of all levels of ability. Looking forward to many more sessions with him.

I am a professional dancer and have been an athlete/​dancer my entire life.
Simon is knowledgable, helpful, and an all around rockstar! He also happens to be one of the coolest must fun people to be around.
Myself and the dancers in my company began working with his performance training group almost a year ago.
I have worked through 2 injuries with Simon and both times I have come back stronger and fitter in remarkable time.
His personalized approach to each individual leads to great progress for everyone, no matter where they are starting from with regards their fitness level making SFPT an excellent choice for anyone looking to not only be fit but improve their health & wellbeing.

Been working with Simon Fathers for 5 months now and my body feels the best it has felt in many years.
I have had 3 knee surgeries and a separated AC joint, so I needed someone to keep me safe and help me stay out of pain. Simon worked directly with my physical therapist (DPT) to get a full history of my work in order to keep my program safe and efficient.
I own DIAKADI Fitness Performance Life, so when Simon joined our team, I knew that I needed to have this guy as a mentor.
Simon has worked with pro athletes from around the world, so I wanted him to get me game ready for a week of beach running and boot camps, help me maintain muscle mass and make my knees bionic. We achieved huge success in every way, he kept me completely pain free and my body feels prepared for anything.
His programs are exactly individualized and based on thorough assessments and research. There is a logical progression to keep you safe and improving at an appropriate pace. He consistently re-​assesses your progress to maintain your gains.
Lastly, he is DAMN fun to be around and a guy who loves living life in every way. Athletes and non-​athletes alike are fortunate to learn from this incredible coach and mentor.

I first worked with Simon Fathers on set of an Adidas commercial! Ever since, my fitness and athletic career has taken a huge leap. There, he taught me many highly beneficial skills and tips to help my explosion, speed, and quickness. He also encouraged me to try elite sports competition in not only American football, but also Rugby. Shortly after the commercial I ruptured my Achilles. He encouraged me mentally and emotionally, while giving me tips via to recovering physically. We used Email since I’m resided in the Midwest. It was 13 months after my surgery when I was ready for competition again and told him I wanted to try rugby. Again he gave me step by step advice on how to get involved and how to train for it. I joined a local team in the Midwest. After my first Rugby season ever I’m now considering joining two elite teams! If we can accomplish this much by email, imagine what can be done in person! Big ups to this guy.

I have tried a range of classes and trainers in SF and have found SFPT to be the best! Simon brings his background in professional athletic training to all his workouts and tailors them to what you are looking to achieve. He switches up the workouts with a variety of activities to get you in shape without getting bored. Simon has an awesome client base who are fun to train with and keep you motivated while working out. There is no doubt you will have a great time and improve your overall athletic fitness and strength working out with SFPT.

If you’d like to take a step and improve your fitness or athletic performance with a great trainer, Simon is without doubt the best choice. Simon brings a wealth of experience and is an asset to any serious athlete — he’s a partner in the personal journey with you.
After a serious ankle injury that kept me out of sports for 10 months, it’s been amazing to build up strength, agility, blanace and speed through functional training with SFPT.
Join the team and earn your stripes!!!

Made the cut and earned my Simon Fathers Performance Training (SFPT) stripes!!!
Awesome end to the year. Surfing improving every session thanks to Simons awesome surf specific mobility strength performance program but not only that it has rolled over into everyday life by alleviating pain from «chef posture» correcting posture, injury prevention stability and mobility!
Bloody awesome! Thanks to all the awesome people I train with and all the support! See you all in the New Year! Happy holidays!
PS friends if your over me paddling circles around you in the water get you ass down to Ocean Beach BarraBrothers Jiu Jitsu
In the new year and get training!!! LOL

Simon Fathers is the man. He has trained elite surfers, professional baseball, football and rugby players, and US special forces. You’d think he’d be intimidating. In fact he’s a super nice guy, encouraging, positive and capable of delivering a fantastic workout.
I’ve been attending his surf workout training program at Barra Brothers Jiu Jitsu Academy by Ocean Beach. I am super impressed with Simon’s knowledge about dynamic movement, anatomy and what is needed for specific sports. I practice sports acupuncture and I know my functional anatomy better than most, but Simon is leagues above me in his understanding.
I’ve been an athlete my entire life. I’ve spent thousands of hours training. I can say without hesitation that Simon is someone who’s at the top of his game and can help anyone get to the top of their game.

These guys are amazing. I was in serious pain in my lower back and they fixed me up so I am able to tango again. I have never trained before but they were so good at educating me how and Simon is a very funny guy who knows his stuff and exactly what I needed to do. Their physiotherapy alongside Simons strength training keeps me pain free and improved my pillar strength as he calls it. The training program they created for me personally has helped me dance pain free and I’m so happy again. Thank you SFPT