Dr. Alex Rechner, a born and raised Cleveland native, received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Wingate University in Charlotte, NC where she focused on performance based rehab and completed research on heart rate variability in endurance athletes. Prior to her graduate studies, she earned her Bachelors in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences from The Ohio State University with a minor in biology. While there, she had the opportunity to teach strength classes as an ACSM certified fitness instructor and cycling classes as a Schwinn instructor.

Alex has treated high level athletes at the high school, collegiate and professional level. She has worked with NFL athletes and college athletes preparing for the NFL combine and was given the opportunity to treat them in Indianapolis at the 2025 NFL Combine. While in school, she attained Dry Needling 1 & 2 Certifications through AAMT. In addition to working with competitive athletes, Alex has a passion for treating all patients to  allow them to achieve their goals of living a healthy and active lifestyle.

She currently lives in downtown Cleveland with her boyfriend and stays active through running races, CrossFit, hot yoga and pilates. In her free time she enjoys playing pickup soccer/volleyball, reading, hanging out with her dog/family, attending sports games and watching sunsets on the lake.

Dr. Alex Rechner, a born and raised Cleveland native, received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy ... Read More

Phil Weigel began his CrossFit journey in the winter of 2007, seeking a way to build strength and muscle without sacrificing speed, endurance, or agility. CrossFit checked every box, and he was instantly hooked. Just a year later, he earned his Level 1 certification and began coaching at SPC CrossFit. Phil’s dedication to training and competition took him to the 2008 CrossFit Games, the 2013 Central Regional Competition, and numerous local events. His passion for helping others discover their full potential led him to join the leadership team responsible for running the CrossFit Games, where he played a key role in creating an environment for athletes to push beyond their limits. In 2013, Phil brought his expertise to PHYT CLE Athletics, where he’s been inspiring Cleveland’s fitness community ever since. Beyond CrossFit, Phil is an accomplished endurance athlete, with extensive experience in cycling and ultra marathons—bringing a unique perspective on balancing strength, stamina, and recovery. “I coach because I want to help people find that passion to push for change. We all have it in us to do great things, and I love seeing the sense of accomplishment when someone achieves something they once thought was impossible.”

Phil Weigel began his CrossFit journey in the winter of 2007, seeking a way to build strength and... Read More

Cara J Bacher, OTR/L, CIDN is an occupational therapist and owner of PHYT For Function and PHYT CLE as well as a national instructor for Integrative Dry Needling.

She completed her Bachelors in Human Performance and Masters of Occupational Therapy at West Virginia University. Earlier in her career, she specialized in geriatrics with a background working in skilled nursing, home health, and assisted/independent living. After years of working in geriatrics, she knew there had to be a better answer to aging within the current healthcare system.

Cara transitioned into outpatient care with Dr. Sanders in 2019. She has special interests in sports performance and sport specific rehab working closely with local CrossFit gyms, Olympic Weightlifting clubs, and endurance teams/clubs ranging from local weekend warriors to national medal holders as well as professional NBA/NFL players. She further collaborates with many local CrossFit gyms, yoga studios, and community fitness clubs such as cycling and running clubs to bring education and awareness in movement and recovery.

Outside of the clinic, Cara enjoys hiking, horseback riding, and racing gravel and fat tire bikes. She currently resides west of Cleveland with her partner and four dogs.

You can find Cara at the PHYT Cleveland and Fairview Park offices.

Cara J Bacher, OTR/L, CIDN is an occupational therapist and owner of PHYT For Function and PHYT C... Read More