FAQ

How do I get started?

Joining the community is simple:

Go to the Programs page
Choose and purchase the program that fits your goals
Download and log in to the FITR - Client App to access your workouts
- Download for iOS
- Download for Android

Once you're in the App, your program will be waiting for you!

How do I cancel my subscription?

Log onto FITR via a web browser
Head to the drop-down profile menu and select ‘Billing’
Select 'My Purchases’

Use the action menu to the right of each program to see the available options which, depending on the program's current status, will include:

Cancel Subscription
Resume Subscription
Reschedule

How do I update my payment method?

Follow these simple steps:

Log into FITR on your web browser.
Click your profile picture in the top right.
Head to 'Billing'
Head to the payment methods tab

You'll see the options to add new cards and make changes to cards already linked to your account.

What’s your refund policy?

If you are seeking a refund, please contact us and we will be happy to assist you and review possible refund inquiries.

I’m having issues with the app. What do I do?

First, check the FITR Help Guides. If your issue persists, message me through the app or the Contact page and I’ll help get it resolved.

How will I connect with Ziggy for questions or feedback?

You can message me directly through the Coach Chat feature in the FITR App. You can also use the Community section to connect with other members, or reach out through my Contact page.

Will the program include coaches notes and tips?

Absolutely. Every cycle and session is built with purpose—whether it's pacing, heart rate targets, or recovery. You'll also find embedded demo videos and written notes specifying effort levels and the goals of the day.

Can I download a program as a PDF?

Yes—for Competition Programs only. You’ll find the downloadable PDF in the Resources tab of the FITR App. Monthly Programs are only available inside the App and update weekly.

What’s the difference between Competition Programs and Monthly Programs?

Competition Programs are designed for athletes prepping for a race or meet. They include a taper plan, race-day tips, and extras like warm-up protocols. These are time-bound, performance-focused plans.

Monthly Programs are ideal for year-round training—even if you don’t have a race on the calendar. You’ll get structured workouts every week with technique focus, variety, and progression built in. They're perfect for staying consistent between competitions, building a strong foundation, and avoiding burnout.

Whether you're racing or not, Monthly Programs help you train with intent—and be ready when the next opportunity comes.

My race is in less than 16 weeks—can I still use a Competition Program?

Yes. The plans are built in four 4-week phases. If you're short on time, adjust by either shortening the first phase (if you've been training) or evenly trimming all phases. Still unsure? Message me and I’ll help adjust your plan.

I race multiple distances (like the 500 and 1650). Which program should I choose?

Train to your strengths. If you’re a speed-driven athlete, go with the shorter program. If you finish strong and thrive off endurance, choose the longer one. Still not sure? Reach out through the Contact page and I’ll guide you.

Are there prescribed weights for the HYBRID strength training?

Yes. The Hybrid Program was created with athlete development in mind. The program meets you where you’re at using percentages, scaling and modifying to make workouts flexible while setting you up for success. All strength training is based on percentages of your 1 rep max. Percentages are calculated automatically in the FITR App.

Do you offer customized programs?

All programs come with three ability tracks—Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced— so you can train at your level each day. It’s like a custom program without the custom price tag.

Which Track is right for me?

All programs give you access to all three tracks. When choosing your track for the day, don’t choose the track you can just “survive”—choose the one that lets you thrive. Here’s a guide:

Advanced: Main sets follow a 1:30 per 100-yard interval. Athletes should be able to complete 10×100s on a 1:30 interval and hold under 1:20 per 100. This group typically includes former collegiate swimmers.

Intermediate: Main sets follow a 2:00 per 100-yard interval. Athletes should be able to complete 7×100s on a 2:00 interval and hold under 1:50 per 100. This group typically includes former high school swimmers and experienced Masters swimmers or triathletes.

Beginner: Main sets follow a 3:00 per 100-yard interval. Athletes should be able to complete 5×100s on a 3:00 interval and hold under 2:50 per 100. This group is ideal for athletes who began swimming as adults.

Is this good for someone returning after a long break?

Absolutely. Every program includes three ability tracks, so you can start where you are and progress at your own pace—no need to buy a new plan as you improve. Whether you're a beginner or just getting back in the pool, the structure is built to meet you where you’re at and grow with you.

Are you committed?

Choose your program

Why train with Ziggy?

Elite Athlete

2x Olympic Trials Qualifier, 5x NCAA All-American, and 2x ACC Champion—Ziggy knows what it takes to perform at the highest level.

Proven Results

From Team USA selections to Paralympic medals, Ziggy’s athletes don’t just improve—they win.

Experience

30+ years in the sport as both an athlete and coach across club, collegiate, pro, and Masters levels.

Science-Driven

Built on proven principles—specificity, progressive overload, fatigue management—and refined by years of coaching experience.

Testimonials

Heading into the 2024 season, my times had stalled, and I was running out of time to make Team USA for Paris. I knew I needed a change and a coach that could get real results, fast. That coach was Zach. Zach’s Sprint program didn’t just improve my swimming, it completely changed it. He helped me ﬁx the details, build power, and most importantly, believe in myself again. Six months later, I achieved my lifelong dream and stood on the Paralympic podium, not once, but twice. If you’re serious about chasing your potential, train with Zach. I’m deeply grateful for his belief in me, and for the journey we shared.

Abbas Karimi

2x Paralympic Silver Medalist. World Champion. American Record Holder.

"Honored to be able to share the deck with Coach Zach McGinnis for 6 months prior to Paris 2024 during a “Sprint Focused” training program he had written and customized for Paralympian Abbas Karimi. Results of this training surpassed expectations with Karimi being selected to compete in the 2024 Paris Paralympics as a member of Team USA, but also Karimi coming home with his ﬁrst two Silver Paralympic Medals. His knowledge of “Sprinting” coupled with his willingness to adapt to the individual athlete were impressive. There was never a doubt that this whole process was done with passion for the sport, the markings of a fantastic coach."

Marty Hendrick

Head Coach Swim Fort Lauderdale. Assistant Coach Paris 2024 Team USA Paralympic Team. 7X US Master’s Swimming National Champion Coach.

Working with Ziggy was one of the most transformative experiences of my career. His intensity, attention to detail, and relentless work ethic elevated everyone around him. Now, those same principles form the foundation of the program he's built, and I can say with full conﬁdence: it works. Ziggy doesn’t just coach; he cultivates champions. If you're looking to take your performance to the next level, I highly recommend his programs.

Elvis Burrows

Olympian, NCAA All-American & Professional Swimmer

"Coach Zach has been an excellent resource for me and my staff here at St. Bonaventure, as well as my entire coaching career. I have been fortunate to be able to call him a friend as well as a colleague throughout the years and he has consulted with every one of my teams. He is a great resource when I need an extra look at taper plans, or training cycles and new strategies to implement during each workout to keep things fresh and interesting."

Michael Smiechowski

Head Coach - St. Bonaventure University

“I've had the privilege of working and seeing ﬁrsthand how Zach designs training programs that truly make a diﬀerence for swimmers. His deep understanding of technique, skills, and race preparation as an elite athlete himself translates into structured, eﬀective workouts that help swimmers of all levels improve. Whether you're reﬁning your stroke, building endurance, or preparing for competition, his coaching style is clear, supportive, and results-driven. If you're looking for expert guidance tailored to your goals, Zach is the coach you need!”

Ignacio Gayo

Associate Head Coach - The Ohio State University

“I worked with Zach when he was at the top of college swimming and learned so much from him. He always had an outside the box approach to swimming fast, but grounded in hard work and trust with those around him. He is fun to be around and is a real student of the sport. Zach knows how to get people to swim fast and enjoy themselves doing it! Ultimately, Coach McGinnis is a true competitor and knows how to bring out greatness in others.”

Ned Skinner

Head Coach - Virginia Tech University (1998-2018). United States Swimming National Team Coach (2016-17). 2012 and 2014 ACC Coach of the Year.