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Zak Zahner

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September 9, 2025

From Insecurity to Strength: My Fitness Journey

A Mirror Moment That Changed Everything

At 11 years old, standing in front of a mirror in 5th grade, I thought I was “fat.” I didn’t realize then that it was insecurity driving that thought—a feeling of not being enough. Even now, as the owner of Well Street Fitness, I sometimes see that insecure 11-year-old in the mirror. But fitness, sparked by my mom and dad’s support and shaped by physical therapists, athletic trainers, and my certifications, transformed my body, confidence, and purpose. Through injuries and comebacks, I learned to train smarter and came back stronger, fueling my mission to help others invest in their wellness and avoid my early mistakes.

The Early Days: Building Strength with Mom and Dad

Determined to feel better about myself, I turned to my mom, who became my biggest cheerleader and workout partner. We tackled 15-minute HIIT workouts from YouTube, sweating through burpees, jumping jacks, and mountain climbers in our living room. Those fun, high-energy sessions built my strength and sparked my confidence. My dad also played a key role, offering encouragement and tips to keep me motivated. Their support showed me that fitness is about resilience, self-worth, and community—values I now bring to Well Street Fitness.

Football, Weights, and Hard Lessons

By 8th grade, I was hooked on fitness and dove into football and school weight training, loving the thrill of lifting heavy and pushing my limits. But my enthusiasm led to mistakes. Improper form and overtraining caused injuries—torn muscles and strained joints—that brought back those insecure feelings. Each setback felt like a failure, but they became turning points. With the help of physical therapists and athletic trainers, I didn’t just recover; I came back stronger by learning injury prevention and proper strength training techniques.

Learning from Experts and Earning Certifications

Those injuries pushed me to deepen my knowledge. I worked with physical therapists and athletic trainers who taught me the importance of proper form, recovery, and balance. I also took it upon myself to study, diving into resources on controlled movements, stretching, and rest days. Over time, I earned my Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) and CF L1 certifications, which gave me a solid foundation in fitness principles. Most recently, my Parisi Speed School Anatomy of Speed Level 2 certification sharpened my expertise in speed, agility, and injury prevention. These experiences and credentials helped me build a smarter, stronger approach to fitness—and a passion for sharing it with others.

Building Well Street Fitness: A Community for Resilience

Today, at Well Street Fitness, I’m driven by that 11-year-old’s determination, inspired by my mom and dad’s support, and informed by years of learning from experts and certifications. Our gym is a community where everyone—beginners, athletes, and kids like I was—can build strength and confidence through smart training. Our Parisi Speed School programs, rooted in science-backed methods, help young athletes move faster and safer, while our adult classes focus on sustainable fitness. I still see that insecure kid in the mirror sometimes, but now I know he’s the reason I’m helping others transform their lives.

Join Us and Build Your Strength

Your fitness journey doesn’t have to include injuries or self-doubt. At Well Street Fitness, we offer expert coaching, a supportive community, and programs designed to make you stronger—inside and out. Visit wellstreetfitness.com to learn about our classes, try a free session, or enroll your kids in our Parisi Speed School. Invest in your wellness today, because every comeback makes you stronger.

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