Striding Forward: Daniel’s Path to Strength and Belonging
July 8, 2025
Every Monday evening, without fail, Daniel strides into ZOOZ Fitness with a huge grin and unstoppable energy. His smile is magnetic — not just a reflection of his own joy, but a gift to everyone around him. At that moment, he’s not just arriving for a workout — he’s lighting up the gym.
Inside, Daniel trains with Coach Ben, tackling strength exercises, cardio drills, and the occasional impromptu dance party — complete with karaoke.
He runs, he lifts, he laughs. And in the process, he inspires.
“I love all the trainers,” Daniel says. “They support me more than anyone else. And I love bringing the other athletes a nice big smile.”
Daniel has been a part of the ZOOZ community since 2018. His journey began through Rosie’s Foundation, a nonprofit that supports individuals with disabilities in pursuing meaningful opportunities. That’s where he met Jake Weiner, founder of ZOOZ Fitness.
“Jake was just getting started,” Daniel’s mom, Marlene, recalls. “He’d visit Rosie’s in Culver City and work out with a small group — Daniel was one of the first. There was an immediate connection, and Daniel’s been with Jake and ZOOZ ever since.”
As ZOOZ grew, Daniel grew with it.
He trained in the first Encino gym. When COVID shut the doors, he showed up for virtual sessions and online group classes. When outdoor workouts started at Balboa Park, he was there — rain or shine. And when ZOOZ opened its current location in Woodland Hills, Daniel was one of the first through the door.
That consistency has meant everything to him — and to his family.
Before ZOOZ, Daniel tried a traditional gym, but it didn’t work. The crowded space, loud music, and lack of individualized attention made the experience isolating and stressful.
“We went once and quickly realized it wasn’t the right fit,” Marlene says. “He felt like the odd one out. And for someone with a seizure disorder, autism, and cognitive delays, the gym should be a place of encouragement — not discomfort.”
That’s exactly what they found at ZOOZ.
“ZOOZ is welcoming. It’s inclusive. And the trainers really see each athlete,” Marlene continues. “They know Daniel — what motivates him, what challenges him, how to help him thrive. There’s no stigma here. Only support.”
And it’s not just about fitness.
Daniel’s involvement at ZOOZ has transformed his emotional and social well-being, too. He’s made close friendships, built confidence, and cultivated a strong sense of self.
“Even on days when Daniel is tired and doesn’t want to go, once he’s there, everything changes,” Marlene says. “He leaves happy, empowered, energized. It’s like a light switches on. ZOOZ always turns a negative into a positive.”
That inner light has shone brightly through Daniel’s athletic accomplishments. A longtime competitor in the Special Olympics, he’s earned five gold medals in track and field, bowling, soccer, and basketball over the last two years. He credits ZOOZ for helping him build the strength, focus, and discipline to succeed.
“I love lifting heavy weights,” he says. “I recently bench pressed 115 pounds. I like to push myself harder and longer, just to see what I can do.”
His progress is impressive — physically and emotionally.
“Coach Ben is just the best,” Marlene says. “He brings Daniel up. If he starts the day down here, he leaves up there. It’s more than coaching. It's a connection.”
Coach Ben feels the same.
“Daniel is a beam of true light,” he says. “He brings joy and positivity to everyone he meets. Watching his growth, strength, and determination is one of the best parts of my work.”
And Daniel’s not slowing down anytime soon.
You’ll still find him at ZOOZ every Monday — lifting, sledding, sprinting, laughing. Always pushing forward, always bringing the energy.
His message to others with disabilities who are considering ZOOZ is simple, powerful, and heartfelt:
“Come. It’s a loving place. Everyone belongs here.”
Then he smiles — wide, proud, and true — just like he does every Monday.
“I love ZOOZ,” Daniel says.
