At ZOOZ Fitness, many trainers are motivated by deeply personal experiences, often stemming from their relationships with siblings who have disabilities. For gym manager Cammy Zuccaro, this inspiration comes from her younger brother Ashton, who has Down syndrome.
Cammy, who has been part of ZOOZ for three years, grew up in a family of nine siblings and was just 10 years old when Ashton was born. From the moment he entered her life, Cammy’s path began to take shape.
“My younger sister and I would sit with Ashton during his behavior, occupational, and speech therapy sessions,” Cammy recalls. “Seeing what those therapists offered him was incredible. It sparked my passion for helping Ashton’s community.”
This commitment led Cammy to step in as coach for Ashton’s baseball team when his previous coach retired. She ran the West Hills Champions League for four seasons, all while nannying a young man with Down syndrome named Jacob. It was Jacob who introduced her to ZOOZ Fitness.
“When I first sat in on a ZOOZ class, I thought, ‘This is amazing. How can I be part of this?’” Cammy says. “From leading yoga classes to volunteering and shadowing, my journey eventually led me to become a trainer here.”
Siblings Driving Change
Research shows that having a sibling with a disability often leads individuals to pursue careers in disability services. Studies suggest this stems from heightened empathy and firsthand understanding of challenges faced by the disability community.
For ZOOZ trainers Ethan Cope and Allison Norlian, their personal connections have shaped their professional paths.
Ethan’s older brother, who has autism, trains at ZOOZ twice a week—once with Ethan as his trainer. Ethan says this shared experience has strengthened their bond and become an invaluable resource for his family.
“Growing up with a brother with a disability inspired me to do this work,” Ethan shares. “At ZOOZ, I get to build meaningful relationships with athletes and their families while fostering a space where they feel empowered and treated like everyone else. Helping them build strength, improve daily living, and work on motor planning is incredibly rewarding.”
For Allison, whose older sister is profoundly developmentally disabled, advocacy has been a lifelong mission. As a journalist and filmmaker, Allison has dedicated her career to telling disability-focused stories and changing societal perceptions of disability. Now, she also has the privilege of combining her passion for fitness with her dedication to the disability community by training individuals with disabilities at ZOOZ.
“ZOOZ is special because it creates an inclusive environment where people with disabilities can get fit, build community, and feel seen,” Allison says. “It’s an honor to contribute to a space that’s so transformative.”
The Mission Behind ZOOZ
Founded in 2014 by Jake Weiner, ZOOZ Fitness in Woodland Hills empowers individuals of all abilities to embrace a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Starting with just a handful of clients, ZOOZ has grown to serve 472 members, with a waiting list that continues to expand.
ZOOZ offers one-on-one and group sessions, including classes like circuit training, boxing, and Zumba. Virtual sessions are also available for those unable to attend in person.
Jake, who has spent more than a decade working with people with disabilities, saw a pressing need for greater access to fitness in this community.
“There’s a recurring theme in the disability community: lack of exercise, healthy habits, and movement,” Jake says. “I wanted to change that by creating a space that promotes health, wellness, and inclusivity.”
The need for inclusive fitness spaces is undeniable. According to the National Library of Medicine, 60% of adults with mobility disabilities report no aerobic activity, leaving them at a significantly higher risk for chronic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. The CDC further highlights that individuals with developmental disabilities are far less likely to meet physical activity guidelines compared to their non-disabled peers. Alarmingly, studies reveal that only 17.5% to 33% of individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities engage in the recommended levels of physical activity, compared to about 50% of the general population.
This gap is compounded by accessibility and inclusion challenges. The American College of Sports Medicine reports that 81% of people with disabilities do not feel welcome in fitness environments, underscoring the critical need for adaptive gyms and programs that prioritize accessibility, community, and empowerment.
Transforming Lives
ZOOZ Fitness is breaking barriers and reshaping expectations. Its trainers, many of whom are siblings of individuals with disabilities, bring unique perspectives and unwavering dedication to their roles.
“Every day I get to work at ZOOZ is a good day,” Allison says. “It’s a privilege to be part of a facility that prioritizes inclusivity and movement for everyone.”
Ethan echoes this sentiment: “What we do at ZOOZ is second to none. It’s changed my family’s life, and I know it’s changed so many others’ lives too.”
For Cammy, it’s about helping each athlete thrive: “Fitness is inclusive, and we make it possible for anyone to move their bodies in ways that benefit them. We want every athlete to succeed—and have fun while doing it.”
Through its innovative approach, ZOOZ Fitness not only helps its clients build physical strength but also fosters a sense of belonging and empowerment.
It’s a place where everyone is welcome, and everyone can thrive.
If you are interested in training or being a trainer at ZOOZ Fitness contact us: https://www.zoozfitness.com/contact
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