Dan Omcirk, PhD
Personal Trainer
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Personal Trainer and Sport Scientist specializing in strength and conditioning
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Ph.D. in force and velocity assessment in punching movements
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Experienced in elite athlete performance evaluation in ice hockey, soccer, and boxing
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Combines scientific research with practical coaching to tailor individualized training programs
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Active member of Advance Training coaching staff, collaborating to optimize athlete development
Experience & Philosophy
Dan Omcirk, PhD is a personal trainer and sport scientist with a passion for athletics dating back to childhood. Initially a soccer player, Dan later transitioned to rowing and amateur boxing, fueling his interest in sport science and physical performance. He pursued physical education and sport at Charles University, focusing on health-promoting activities, and has completed a Ph.D. in sport science.
Dan gained valuable experience during his time with the Biomedical Laboratory at Charles University, where he evaluated physical performance in elite ice hockey and soccer athletes. This research perspective deepened his understanding of human movement and inspired his doctoral dissertation on methods to assess force and velocity in punching movements.
Currently, Dan works as a scientist at the Department of Physiology and Biochemistry in the Laboratory of Training Adaptation, where he studies strength and conditioning, velocity-based training, and sports performance across athlete and general populations. Alongside his academic role, Dan is a dedicated member of the Advance Training coaching staff, where he applies his research knowledge and practical training experience to provide high-level coaching.
Dan’s approach centers on scientifically informed, individualized training plans that optimize performance and adaptation. He continues to contribute to the field through international conferences and collaborative research projects.
Education
Conferences
2021 National Strength and Conditioning Association Annual Conference (Orlando, Florida, USA) – Contributing article: Increased squat jump height is associated with faster landmine punch throw peak velocity 2021 National Strength and Conditioning Association Annual Conference (Orlando, Florida, USA) – Contributing article: Internal training responses to different set configurations of loaded jumps 2020 National Strength and Conditioning Association Annual Conference (Las Vegas, Nevada, USA) – Contributing article: Can commercial punch trackers actually recognize different punch types correctly? 2020 National Strength and Conditioning Association Annual Conference (Las Vegas, Nevada, USA) – Contributing article: Validating force and velocity measures from commercial punch trackers 2019 The British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences Conference (Leicester, UK) – Contributing article: The effects of lifting straps on the maximal load and mean velocity of deadlift 1RM 2019 The British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences Conference (Leicester, UK) – Contributing article: Lifting straps do not affect mean velocity during deadlifts performed with submaximal loads 2019 European College of Sport Science Annual Congress (Prague, Czech Republic) – Contributing article: Tensiomyography indicates different levels of post-exercise contractile fatigue between traditional sets and rest redistribution sets at different velocities
Degrees & Certifications
2018-2022 Ph.D., Sport Science at the Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Charles University. Dissertation topic: Evaluating Methods of Assessing Force and Velocity during Punching Specific Movements 2015–2018 Master’s degree, field Physical Education and Sport with a specialization in Health-Promoting Activities at the Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Charles University. 2012–2015 Bachelor’s degree, field Physical Education and Sport with a specialization in Health-Promoting Activities at the Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Charles University. 2018 Certified Strength and Conditioning Fitness Coach (Charles University) 2017 Swimming teacher III. category (Charles University) 2015 Swimming coach III. category (Charles University) 2014 Masseur for sports and reconditioning massages outside the field of healthcare (Charles University) .
Publications
Omcirk D, Vetrovsky T, Padecky J, Malecek, J, Tufano JJ. Some commercially available punch trackers can be used to monitor punch force and velocity, but some cannot. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 2022. (under review) Omcirk D, Vetrovsky T, Padecky J, Vanbelle S, Malecek J, Tufano JJ. Punch trackers: correct recognition depends on punch type and training experience. Sensors, 2021. doi: 10.3390/s21092968 Hojka V, Stastny P, Tufano JJ, Omcirk D, Janikov MT, Komarc M, Jebavy R. Does a linear position transducer placed on a stick and belt provide sufficient validity and reliability of countermovement jump performance outcomes? Biology of Sport, 2021. doi: doi.org/10.5114/biolsport.2022.104918 Steffl M, Kinkorova I, Talar K, Jandova T, Moulisova K, Omcirk D, Stastny P, Malecek J, Wilk Michal, Chrudimsky J, Petr M. Alkaline water consumed over three consecutive days on reaction time following anaerobic – a randomized placebo-controlled crossover pilot study. Journal of Human Kinetics, 2021. doi: 10.2478/hukin-2021-0046 Vetrovsky T, Omcirk D, Malecek J, Stastny P, Steffl M, Tufano JJ. Morning fatigue and structured exercise interact to affect non-exercise physical activity of fit and healthy older adults. BMC Geriatrics, 2021. doi: 10.1186/s12877-021-02131-y Jukic I, Garcia-Ramos A, Balas J, Malecek J, Omcirk D, Tufano JJ. Ergogenic effects of lifting straps on movement velocity, grip strength, perceived exertion and grip security during the deadlift exercise. Physiology & Behavior, 2021. doi: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2020.113283 Jukic I, Garcia-Ramos A, Malecek J, Omcirk D, Tufano JJ. The use of lifting straps alters the entire load-velocity profile during the deadlift exercise. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 2020. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000003850 Vetrovsky T, Omcirk D, Malecek J, Stastny P, Steffl M, Tufano JJ. Overspeed stimulus provided by assisted jumping encourages rapid increases in strength and power performance of older adults. Clinical Biomechanics, 2020. doi.org/10.1123/japa.2020-0012 Merrigan JJ, Jones MT, Padecky J, Malecek J, Omcirk D, Scott BR, Tufano JJ. Impact of rest-redistribution on fatigue during maximal eccentric knee extensions. Journal of Applied Physiology Nutrition and Metabolism, 2020. doi: 10.2478/hukin-2020-0028 Tufano JJ, Vetrovsky T, Stastny P, Steffl M, Malecek J, Omcirk D. Assisted jumping in older adults: optimizing high-velocity training prescription. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 2020. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000003661 Merrigan JJ, Jones MT, Malecek J, Padecky J, Omcirk D, Xu N, Penailillo L, Tufano JJ. Comparison of traditional and rest-redistribution sets on indirect markers of muscle damage following eccentric exercise. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 2020. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000003740 Jukic I, Garcia-Ramos A, Malecek J, Omcirk D, Tufano JJ. Magnitude and reliability of velocity and power variables during deadlifts performed with and without lifting straps. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 2020. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000003608 Jukic I, Garcia-Ramos A, Malecek J, Omcirk D, Tufano JJ. Validity of load-velocity relationship to predict 1RM during deadlifts performed with and without lifting straps: the accuracy of six prediction models. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 2020. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000003596 Tufano JJ, Omcirk D, Malecek J, Pisz A, Halaj M, Scott BR. Traditional sets vs rest-redistribution: a laboratory-controlled study of a specific cluster set configuration at fast and slow velocities. Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism, 2019. https://doi.org/10.1139/apnm-2019-0584 . .
From Machines to Mastery
Martin has been training at Advance Training for three years. Before joining, he spent a long time searching for a gym where he could truly learn proper technique — not just pass time on machines, but understand how to train correctly and with purpose. After walking past the gym on his way to work every day, he finally decided to step inside — a decision he considers one of the best of his life.
At Advance Training, Martin didn’t just learn how to exercise properly; he adopted an entirely new philosophy of sport and movement. Training now has deeper meaning for him. Regular exercise brings him more energy, improved physical condition, and significant psychological well-being.
He credits much of this progress to the coaching team, whom he now considers more like friends. He respects their expertise, professionalism, and highly individual approach.
For Martin, Advance Training is a family gym — clean, functional, welcoming, and built around a strong community. Today, it is a natural and valued part of his life.
Confidence Restored
Michaela Malířová, an HR director, coach, and mentor, has been training at Advance Training for more than ten years. She first came when returning from maternity leave and re-entering a demanding professional environment after having two children. Her goal was clear: to feel good again, rebuild her strength, and regain her physical condition.
Along the way, she also needed to address physical discomfort and restore confidence in her body. What she values most is that the trainers at Advance Training are not only focused on performance, but are deeply educated in physical therapy principles, biomechanics, and rehabilitation through movement. Their expertise allowed her to return to training safely, rebuild trust in her body, and overcome pain with a structured, professional approach.
For Michaela, Advance Training is not just about exercise. It is about working with true movement professionals who understand the body in context. Beyond the high level of expertise, she appreciates the warm, open atmosphere and the strong sense of teamwork.
She describes showing up at Advance Training as being part of something meaningful — not simply attending a workout, but belonging to a community. And for her, that makes all the difference.