Hi, I’m Zac Marsden — an Accredited Exercise Physiologist, rock climbing coach, and the founder of Vertical Physiology.

I’ve always been passionate about helping people discover what their bodies are capable of. After spending over a decade coaching climbing and working in exercise, I wanted to bring my two passions together — helping people move better, feel stronger, and achieve things they may not have thought were possible.

Whether your goal is getting back to the activities you love, managing a health condition, recovering from an injury, or reaching a new level of performance, my approach is simple: understand where you are, understand where you want to go, and build a plan that helps you get there.

I believe exercise should be accessible, enjoyable, and tailored to the individual. Everyone has a different starting point, and my role is to help you find the right pathway forward — whether that means rebuilding confidence after an injury, improving your strength and mobility, or pushing your performance to the next level.

Alongside my work as an Exercise Physiologist, I have spent many years coaching rock climbers, including youth athletes and para climbers. This experience has shown me how powerful movement can be when people feel supported and included. I’m passionate about creating spaces where everyone feels welcome, regardless of age, ability, or experience level.

I work with a wide range of clients, including people managing conditions such as osteoporosis, arthritis, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, as well as athletes looking to improve performance, prevent injuries, and keep doing the activities they love.

As an active climber myself, climbing holds a special place in my work. I understand the unique demands of the sport and love helping climbers overcome injuries, improve movement efficiency, and build the strength needed to climb with confidence. Whether you’re trying climbing for the first time or working towards your next project, I’m here to help you climb stronger and stay on the wall for longer.

At Vertical Physiology, my goal is simple — to provide personalised, evidence-based exercise that helps you feel stronger, move better, and take control of your health.

I’m excited to be part of your journey and look forward to helping you achieve your goals.