Every day at ZOOZ Fitness, athletes of all ages and abilities experience the transformative power of movement. In a recent circuit class, Hayley Tran and ten other athletes jumped hurdles, rowed with their arms, and pushed their bodies in a dynamic display of strength and coordiation.
“I love this circuit class,” Hayley shared, capturing the energy and camaraderie that define the ZOOZ experience.
Moving Beyond Muscle
At ZOOZ, every workout is designed not only to build muscle and improve overall fitness but also to enhance cardiovascular health. In our circuit classes, athletes engage in continuous movement for 45 minutes, keeping their hearts elevated. This sustained activity is crucial for improving blood circulation, lowering resting heart rates, and increasing the body’s ability to deliver oxygen to working muscles—all of which contribute to better heart health.
Tristan Salle, a ZOOZ-certified personal trainer with an exercise science degree from Cal State Northridge and certification from the American College of Sports Medicine, explains, “Our circuit training classes help regulate blood pressure and balance cholesterol levels. By keeping the heart rate elevated for at least 30 minutes, we promote healthier heart function and reduce the overall stress on the heart.”
The High Stakes for the Disabled Community
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States and worldwide. For people with disabilities, the risk is even greater. Studies show that 10.4% of adults with disabilities have heart disease compared to 3.7% of adults without disabilities. Moreover, 16.6% of disabled adults have diabetes versus 7.9% in the general population. Autistic adults, in particular, are two to three times more likely to develop heart disease.
This increased risk for autistic adults is influenced by factors such as high stress, poor sleep, and medication side effects. In many cases, these health issues for autistic adults, and people with disabilities in general, are compounded by poor nutrition, lack of movement and exercise, and limited access to exercise facilities and opportunities.
Tristan adds, “For many of our clients, accessing a traditional gym can be challenging. They might not be able to walk into a box gym and run on a treadmill without support. That’s why adaptive spaces like ZOOZ are so critical—they provide a safe, welcoming environment where every individual can work towards better health.”
A Holistic Approach to Health
At ZOOZ, exercise is seen as a preventive measure—a way to stop heart disease before it starts. Even moderate activities, like a brisk 30-minute walk or a structured circuit class, can significantly lower the risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Staying hydrated, too, plays a crucial role in regulating blood pressure and overall cardiovascular function.
Tristan said the overall best approach is for a person to commit to 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise a week or 75 minutes of intense exercise.
Our trainers reinforce these lessons daily. The 475 athletes who train at ZOOZ experience not only improved strength and endurance but also a renewed sense of self-worth and community. As one athlete puts it, “Working out at ZOOZ makes me feel really healthy.”
Building Community Through Movement
The benefits of exercise at ZOOZ extend beyond physical health. The gym is a place where barriers are broken down, where individuals find connection and belonging. Through shared workouts and supportive trainers, athletes develop meaningful friendships that help foster both mental and emotional resilience.
“There's a unique sense of community here,” says one of our dedicated athletes. “It’s not just about getting fit; it’s about feeling seen, supported, and empowered to live life to the fullest.”
Risk Factors for Heart Disease
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Smoking
Diabetes
Obesity
Excessive use of alcohol
Lack of exercise and movement
Poor nutrition and dietary choices.
Recognize the Warning Signs
While exercise is a powerful tool for maintaining heart health, it’s also important to be aware of heart attack warning signs. These include:
Pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, or back
Pain or discomfort in one or both arms
Shortness of breath
Nausea, indigestion, or heartburn
Cold sweat, fatigue, light-headedness, or sudden dizziness
In Conclusion
At ZOOZ Fitness, our mission is to bridge the gap in accessible fitness, ensuring that everyone, regardless of ability, has the chance to improve their overall health -- including heart health -- and well-being. Our comprehensive approach—combining physical, mental, and emotional growth—creates a supportive community that goes far beyond traditional gym experiences.
For many, like the athletes at ZOOZ, movement is not just exercise; it’s a lifeline. Through innovative classes, adaptive training methods, and a warm, inclusive atmosphere, we’re proving that fitness has the power to transform lives—one workout, one breath, and one heartbeat at a time.
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