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When Jake first walked into ZOOZ Fitness, it didn’t feel like a new place.

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In many ways, it felt like coming home.

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“I love it,” Jake said. “It’s like a family here. Everybody is just so nice.”

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For Jake — a ZOOZ athlete who has autism — that sense of connection changed everything.

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A full-circle moment

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Long before ZOOZ, Jake’s story with its founders had already begun.

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Years earlier, Jake met Jake and Shahar at Camp Ramah, where they were his counselors.

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“I was in a younger program, and Jake was my counselor,” he shared. “Then in the older program, Shahar was my counselor. That’s when I found out they were dating.”

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Years later, they were married — and running ZOOZ Fitness.

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So when Jake discovered the gym and realized who the owners were, the connection felt immediate.

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“It was a small world,” his dad Barry said.

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That history added something deeper to Jake’s experience — a sense of familiarity, trust, and belonging that carried into his journey at ZOOZ.

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Finding the right fit

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Before ZOOZ, Jake had tried other gyms.

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But something was missing.

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“I didn’t really connect there,” he explained. “Here, there’s more of a connection… people are smiling more, they’re patient, and they take time to help you.”

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That difference is what made ZOOZ feel like home — not just a gym, but a place where he could build relationships, confidence, and consistency.

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“Jake has had a transformation — both mind and body — since coming here,” Barry said. “It’s a very special place for both of us.”

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The journey begins

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Jake started training at ZOOZ a few years ago, and what followed was nothing short of remarkable.

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“Ever since last February, I’ve lost about 65 pounds,” Jake shared. “I’ve been eating right, working out a lot… and I feel completely different. I feel more confident than ever.”

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That transformation didn’t happen overnight.

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It came from consistent effort — working with coaches, showing up day after day, and pushing through challenges.

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Jerry, Jake’s coach at ZOOZ, who worked with him for over a year, saw that dedication firsthand.

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“He’s eager to get stronger, eager to learn… and he’s not someone who quits easily. He’s come a long way.”

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From treadmill runs and box jumps to strength training and conditioning, Jake embraced the process — even when it was difficult.

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At the beginning, even running short distances was a challenge.

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“You were out of breath the first 50 yards,” Barry recalled. “Now, that’s just a warm-up.”

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Stepping outside the comfort zone

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But Jake’s journey didn’t stop inside the gym.

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At ZOOZ, athletes are encouraged to take what they build in training and apply it in the real world — even when it feels uncomfortable.

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For Jake, that meant stepping onto a Spartan race course.

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His first race in Temecula brought nerves and doubt.

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“I had butterflies the whole weekend,” he said. “I kept saying, ‘I’m nervous, I’m nervous.’”

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But he showed up anyway — and finished.

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Soon after, he completed a second Spartan race at Dodger Stadium, this time alongside his dad.

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The experience was unforgettable.

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“To see him out there competing… it’s something we never imagined before,” Barry said.

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One moment, in particular, stood out.

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Jake climbed over a wall at the Temecula Spartan race.

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“In a million years, I couldn’t have seen that happening,” Barry said. “And he didn’t even hesitate. That was one of the best days of our lives.”

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More than physical strength

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While Jake’s physical transformation is undeniable, something else stands out most. 

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“I have more confidence now,” Jake said. “I feel like I can do anything.”

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That confidence shows up everywhere — in his workouts, in competitions, and in his relationships.

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At ZOOZ, Jake has built friendships that extend beyond the gym.

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“I have a lot of friends here,” he said. “We go to the movies, grab dinner… It's like family and friends combined.”

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Breaking limits

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Jake’s journey challenges the idea that people with disabilities have limits placed on what they can achieve.

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Through his work at ZOOZ, he’s not only grown stronger — he’s become a competitor, an athlete, and a role model.

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“He’s turned into an incredible athlete,” Barry said. “He’s doing things I couldn’t even hope to do.”

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And Jake is just getting started.

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He plans to continue competing in Spartan races and pushing himself further.

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When asked why he likes to challenge himself, his answer was simple:

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“Because I’m capable.”

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Looking ahead

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Jake’s goals are clear — stay healthy, keep getting stronger, and continue building the life he’s creating.

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For his dad, the goal is just as meaningful:

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Independence.

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“We want Jake to be productive, happy, and have a wonderful life,” Barry said.

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At ZOOZ Fitness, Jake found more than a workout.

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He found belief — in himself, in his abilities, and in what’s possible.

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And now, he’s proving it every single day.

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