Meet the Upward Human Performance team

At Upward Human Performance in Milford, CT, we are dedicated to creating a fitness community where everyone can thrive. Our gym combines expert coaching, cutting-edge facilities, and a supportive environment to help you reach your fitness and sports performance goals. Discover a place where your fitness journey is guided by passion and professionalism.

Our Coaches

Our coaches at Upward Human Performance in Milford, CT, are more than just trainers; they are passionate professionals committed to your success. Each member of our team brings a wealth of experience and a personalized approach to help you achieve your fitness objectives. With diverse specialties ranging from strength training to wellness, our coaches are here to support and inspire you every step of the way.

Derek Ward

Founder/Coach

Derek Ward is a dynamic mentor and faith-driven coach dedicated to empowering the next generation of athletes to align today’s actions with their future goals. As the Founder of Upward Human Performance, he has worked with hundreds of teen athletes who have played collegiate and professional sports. Derek leans on his experience as a high-performing award-winning athlete and his educational background to guide teens to maximize their high school experience to lead a future they’ll never regret. In his virtual coaching program, The Upward Athlete Academy, Derek guides teen athletes through his “3 C model” of building character, confidence, and consistency. Derek has worked with notable athletes such as Will Harris, NFL Football Player for the New Orleans Saints and the Detroit Lions, and Adam Erne, NHL Hockey Player. Derek holds a BA in Psychology from Amherst College, one of the top 15 academic institutions in the country after graduating with Deans List honors from Choate Rosemary Hall, a top 3 ranked private high school. He is a 3x College Football Champion in the NESCAC, part of a top 25 D3 football team in the country, and contributed to breaking the NESCAC record for most games won in a row. Additionally, he was part of the back-to-back top-ranked college defenses in the country (D1 through D3). His accolades include being named All-Area (Eastern Connecticut), and All-Conference (ECC) in football. He is also a New England 4×1 Champion and Record Breaker and received the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame Scholar Athlete Award. His mission is to mentor teen athletes to overcome self-sabotage and self-doubt to thrive on and off the field or court. As a guest, Derek has been featured on multiple globally ranked podcasts where he speaks passionately about developing an unwavering belief in self, forging your own path, staying true to your identity in God, being relentless in the pursuit of excellence, and dreaming as big as you possibly can with no limitations.

Nate Duffy

Coach

Unique Features and Facilities

Upward has been specifically built for athletes and adults who want functional, athletic type of training, boasting a spacious, open layout with dedicated weight training areas, a cardio area, and large turf space our facility is the perfect place for competitors, beginners, and everyone in between.

Top-Notch Fitness Equipment

At Upward we pride ourselves in having a clean, safe, and professional environment with top of the line equipment for all of athletes and adults to crush their goals. Our facility is equipped with Rogue and Elite FTS barbells, Assault AirBikes, Concept2 Row Machine, and aConcept2 SkiErg to enhance your high intensity training experience. We also have a variety of medicine balls, kettlebells, plyometric boxes, Rogue Sleds, and a large turf area for complete sports performance training. We pride ourselves also in being one of the only facilities in the area with competition level vertical jump and laser systems for testing sprint speeds and jump heights for athletes. We have even added an 8 station cable system, leg press, and reverse hyper machine to help athletes recover from injury safely and quickly.

Book Your Free Intro Session Today

Take the first step towards a healthier lifestyle or increased sports performance with a free intro session at Upward Human Performance in Milford, CT! Our team will provide a personalized tour of our facilities, introduce you to our services, and help you start your fitness journey. Schedule your session now and experience firsthand how Upward Human Performance can support your goals.