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Coach Tyler spends his days training athletes at ZOOZ, a gym with a mission rooted in inclusion and empowerment. He’s passionate about watching how fitness—especially dynamic exercises like box jumps—helps ZOOZ athletes unlock their potential and become the strongest versions of themselves.

Although working with the disabled community wasn’t always in his plan, life experiences led Tyler to ZOOZ four years ago. From day one, it was a natural fit.

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From the Marines to Movement

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At just 18 years old, Tyler enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. He worked his way up the ranks to become a Machine Gunner—a vital infantry role responsible for providing direct fire support with heavy weapons.

In those early days of training, things weren’t easy.

“I was really struggling with hiking while carrying the full weight of my gear—my backpack, ammunition, and my weapon,” Tyler recalled. “They make you hike really far distances, really steep hills, and I was on the lighter side—about 140 pounds at the time.”

Recognizing his struggle, a supervisor and friend stepped in to mentor him, introducing Tyler to targeted workouts and the fundamentals of physical fitness. That guidance changed everything. Though Tyler was never deployed into direct combat, his time stationed in Alaska and Japan, along with his mentorship, sparked a lifelong passion for fitness—and a desire to pay it forward.

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Finding His Calling

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After leaving the military, Tyler enrolled at California State University, Northridge (CSUN), majoring in Kinesiology. He also earned his personal training certification and began working with private clients, including a family friend with autism.

“I could tell this population was being overlooked when it came to physical fitness,” he said.

While at CSUN, Tyler worked as a personal trainer at the campus recreation center and took a clinical rehabilitation course focused on training individuals with physical disabilities. That course became a turning point.

“I realized that through coaching, I could help people with disabilities reach their potential,” Tyler said. “And now I had the educational foundation to train people with physical and cognitive disabilities with confidence.”

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‍Joining the ZOOZ Family

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While job hunting, Tyler came across a listing for ZOOZ. He applied, got the job, and has never looked back.

Today, he trains athletes one-on-one and also supports group programs like Rock Steady Boxing, a class for adults living with Parkinson’s disease.

One story that stands out to him involves an athlete with Down syndrome.

“When we first started working together, years ago at the old gym, he couldn't even step onto a small stepper due to issues with balance and vision—and a lack of confidence with movement,” Tyler explained. “Now, he’s stepping up onto tall steppers, carrying weights, and his balance, concentration, and willingness to try new things have all improved.”

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Leveling Up: Occupational Therapy

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Two years ago, Tyler decided to deepen his impact even further. He returned to school at Stanbridge University to pursue a degree in occupational therapy—a decision inspired by his desire to better serve the athletes he trains.

Balancing school, work, and fatherhood, Tyler completed a rigorous two-year program, including two clinical rotations, all while continuing to coach part-time at ZOOZ.

Since graduating this year, he has integrated his OT skills directly into his work.

“As an occupational therapist, I can better assess how an athlete’s physical or cognitive condition impacts their independence in everyday life,” he said. “It’s not just about physical strength—it’s about functional empowerment.”

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Looking Ahead

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Tyler plans to stay at ZOOZ for the long haul, with hopes of fully integrating occupational therapy into the gym’s offerings.

He believes that more gyms could benefit from adopting ZOOZ’s inclusive and empowering model.

“So many people assume that individuals with disabilities can’t or shouldn’t train like everyone else—but they absolutely can. The progress I see every day proves that. Fitness can be a tool for transformation—for anyone.”

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Fun Facts about Coach Tyler:

• Favorite exercise: deadlifts
• Favorite athlete activity: box jumps

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