A Year of Movement, Milestones, and Momentum: Reflecting on 2025 at ZOOZ Fitness

If 2025 had a theme at ZOOZ Fitness, it would be this: movement creates possibility. Movement creates confidence. Movement creates connection. Movement creates community.

This year, our athletes, families, and coaches didn’t just show up — they pushed, grew, supported one another, and proved again and again that inclusive fitness is powerful fitness. As we reflect on everything we accomplished in 2025, one thing becomes clear:

ZOOZ is more than a gym.

It’s a place where people discover what they’re capable of—together.

Jake, our founder, put it perfectly:

“Every time an athlete walks through our doors, they’re telling the world they’re capable of more than people expect. That spirit is what built ZOOZ — and what keeps it growing.”

Celebrating 10 Years of ZOOZ

In 2025, ZOOZ Fitness officially turned 10 years old — a decade of adaptive fitness, community building, and redefining what strength looks like. What began as a small idea and Jake training a few athletes in a park, has grown into a vibrant, movement-filled home for athletes with disabilities across Los Angeles.

“Ten years ago, I just wanted to create a place where people felt seen, supported, and pushed — in all the right ways. I never imagined we’d grow into a community this strong, this proud, and this unstoppable,” Jake says.

A New Home: Moving Into a Gym Twice the Size

Another major milestone: ZOOZ 3.0, our move into a brand-new 11,000-square-foot facility, nearly double the size of our old space.

The new gym features:

• A larger turf area
• Expanded cardio equipment
• A new sled and strength-training zones
• New medballs and training equipment
• Two dedicated class rooms for group classes
• Multiple sensory-friendly private rooms
• A redesigned waiting area (that encourages positive interactions)
• More space for more athlete

“This gym isn’t just bigger — it’s built with intention. Every inch is designed to give our athletes freedom, dignity, and room to grow.”

Two Spartan Races 

One of the most emotional highlights of the year? Completing in not one, but TWO Spartan Races, including Temecula and Dodger Stadium.

Athletes pushed through heat, hills, mud, fear, and fatigue — and crossed the finish line stronger than they ever realized they could be.

“Watching an athlete look back at a wall they didn’t think they could climb — and realize they did — that’s everything. Those are the moments that change people,” Jake said. 

Launching Monthly Run Clubs

This year we also launched monthly Run Clubs, bringing athletes, families, and coaches together for morning walks, jogs, rolls, and runs across Los Angeles. We even did one hike! Our monthly meetups quickly became a beloved ZOOZ tradition.

“The goal isn’t speed — it’s community. When athletes run together, cheer for each other, and cross a finish line side by side, that’s the heart of ZOOZ,” Jake says.

Our First “Sweat & Surf” Day

Among our favorite events this year was the first-ever Sweat & Surf collaboration — adaptive fitness in the morning, adaptive surfing in the afternoon.

“So many athletes tried something new that day. That’s the magic. Not the surfing itself, but the bravery it takes to try,” Jake says.

Partnerships

We strengthened connections with incredible organizations, including:

• Camp Erin – integrating movement into grief-support programming
• ACEing Autism – hosting a joint adaptive tennis clinic
• Loyola Marymount University – bringing inclusive movement onto campus
• DSALA T21 Walk & Festival – walking as a unified ZOOZ team
• Malibu Moves 5K & “Because I Can” Virtual 5K – celebrating movement at every level

These partnerships helped our athletes experience new spaces and new confidence.

Growing Our Coaching Team & Improving Access

As our athlete community expanded, so did our coaching team. We doubled our staff this year, allowing for:

• More one-on-one sessions
• More classes
• Reduced waitlist time
• Better support for athletes with diverse needs
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“No one should have to wait to feel strong, proud, and included,” Jake says.“Adding more coaches means adding more opportunity — and that’s a win for everyone.”

Sharing Our Mission Far and Wide

ZOOZ reached new audiences this year through media and podcasts, including:

• Accessibility Accelerator Podcast
• Brilliantly Resilient Podcast
• AwareNow Media

Jake shared on one of these episodes:

“If we want a more inclusive world, we can’t just train athletes — we have to train people’s minds. Conversations matter. Representation matters.”

Looking Ahead to 2026

If 2025 was a year of building, then 2026 will be a year of expanding — expanding access, expanding programming, expanding our impact.

Jake says it best:

“Every athlete who walks through our door reminds us that strength comes in endless forms. Next year, we’re going to keep creating space for all of them.”

We are endlessly proud of our athletes, families, supporters, and the entire ZOOZ community. 

Thank you for making this year extraordinary!

Here’s to 2026 — a year of movement, empowerment, and community.  We can’t wait to see what we accomplish together.