★ 5

I cannot say enough good things about Mark and my experience training with him. It exceeded all my expectations such that I renewed for another 12 weeks! I walk out of every session feeling that I accomplished something new and pushed myself to another level. Mark’s approach is encouraging and supportive while also challenging and pushing you to excel. He follows up to see how you are doing post work out, gives tips and advice in between sessions, but it never comes across as overbearing but rather genuine. Mark is very knowledgeable and it shows through his attention to details. He works at your pace and at your fitness level, which makes his program approachable and achievable. I could go and on, but as he says “come as you are”, you won’t regret it!

Source: Google

★ 5

For both your muscles and your mind, training with Mark at MZJ Fitness—whether virtually or in person—is transformative. At 59 years old, I finally found someone who opened the door to fitness and empowered me to believe in a stronger version of myself. Mark’s welcoming philosophy of “Come as You Are” made all the difference. I had been mostly sedentary but wanted to change. I wanted to feel stronger, move more easily, navigate stairs without worry, and create habits that boosted my energy. Mark met me exactly where I was, and the impact has been life-changing.
The combination of in-person and virtual sessions has been incredibly helpful. Working out at his Chicago gym is convenient and offers a wide range of equipment. Virtual workouts allow me to train from my own gym, connecting with him through my phone screen. With his attentive coaching, Mark ensures my movements are safe and effective by continuously evaluating my form. Before working with Mark, I felt uncomfortable and out of place at my local gym, unsure of how to use the equipment. After several guided virtual training sessions, I gained the knowledge and confidence to navigate my gym independently.
The MZJ mobile app has been a game-changer. It includes a personalized daily to-do list that Mark customizes for me, along with exercise programs featuring video demonstrations of each movement. The app keeps me accountable, tracks my progress, and serves as a platform for communication whenever I have questions.
Mark is professional, organized, thorough, positive, empowering, and kind. In just a few short months, I’ve become stronger, my muscles are more toned, and I feel inspired to keep the momentum going. I’ve gained the confidence to believe in my own power all thanks to my training with Mark. I couldn’t have done it alone!

Source: Google

★ 5

The one on one personal attention is a game changer. Mark is consistently in tune with my activities and within the first couple of months I learned more than in the past 20 years and had a solid workout plan. Mark has a very flexible schedule and really gets to know the people he works with, which translates to a customized and specific plan to achieve the goals set. You're not going to get any better when it comes to personal training. Highly recommended.

Source: Google

★ 5

I first met Mark in late 2023 and it has been a great experience! I was nervous the first time I met Mark as I have never done any weight lifting or had one-on-one personal training before. I immediately felt at ease after meeting Mark. Mark challenges me and is very supportive as well. I have seen a physical improvement since I started working with Mark - more than when I used to go to the gym myself! Mark's studio is private which I like because no one else is watching me work out. His equipment is varied and allows for a great and productive workout session. I would recommend Mark to anyone looking for a great personal trainer who listens to you and tailors your workout to the level you are at with the goal of challenging you to do more as you progress.

Source: Google

★ 5

Loved my experience with MZJ Fitness! Mark was excellent to work with and felt that he truly cared about my goals and overall health and fitness. I would highly recommend working with him in any way you are able. I'm very satisfied with my results and how quickly those results came. I feel like I have a great plan going forward and can take control of my health!

Source: Google

★ 5

I’ve worked with Mark across his various offerings over the years from in-person, both 1-on-1 and boot camp, to the online coaching program through his phone app. Mark was very attentive across all of them helping set goals and then the plan to achieve them. The programs can be tailored to various levels of support depending on your need.

My latest experience with Mark I was living in the UK so I signed up for the online coaching program using the phone app. Having all the workouts pre-set with tutorials on the app made it extremely flexible and adaptable which fit around my work schedule that has me traveling almost every week. Coupled with a diet plan and weekly sessions with Mark, I was able to achieve my weight goal within 6 months. The sessions with Mark were extremely valuable letting me give feedback on the exercises which allowed him to fine tune based on how my body was responding. I highly recommend Mark no matter if you are just beginning or trying to reach those final goals.

Source: Google

★ 5

Mark has helped me to successfully meet and exceed many of my fitness goals. In fact, I have found Mark’s professionalism, and proven training expertise to be absolutely second-to-none! Mark has always used “positive reinforcement” when training me, making me feel respected and valued for the hard work I put in, which has built confidence in my own fitness abilities. Mark also happens to be a genuinely awesome person (which can be pretty important when someone is training you one-on-one for an hour).

Bootcamps on Saturdays are a bonus for anyone looking to join a great community of hard working fitness enthusiasts. Mark has certainly earned this 5 star rating from me!

Source: Google

★ 5

I have been working with Mark for the last few months and highly recommend. He is very knowledgeable, has been flexible on scheduling, and he caters workouts to my specific goals. He has also been quick to respond to any fitness questions I have had outside of our sessions, which has been very helpful.

Mark was willing to visit my home gym to give me workout recommendations catered to my specific setup, and he provided me with workout routines I could do while on vacation away from the gym. Mark is truly passionate about what he does and is a genuinely nice dude. Couldn’t recommend more.

Source: Google

★ 5

I highly recommend Mark at MZJ Fitness for getting on a workout regiment and getting motivated to step up your fitness level. Mark is a fantastic guy, very knowledgeable and great at motivating people no matter the level they start at.
I started with Mark on a monthly burpee challenge during the pandemic and then stepped it up to personal one-on-one training sessions. I have seen the results come in quickly as he taught me how to do my sets correctly and how to focus on the crucial muscle groups. Motivation & consistency has been high ever since.
Highly recommend!

Source: Google

★ 5

One of my favorite bootcamp classes! Thx Mark!

Source: Google

★ 5

I found Mark (MZJ Fitness) through a local google search of Personal Trainers in my area (Jefferson Park / Northwest Side of Chicago). Low and behold he is very conveniently located nearby, a 5 minute walk.

We met to discuss my fitness goals and made a plan for personal training 2 morning / per week, plus he offers an awesome Boot Camps @ 8:00am on Saturdays nearby (Montrose & Milwaukee), a wonderfully welcoming & inclusive mix of people, all ages, capabilities. This moves outdoors during the warmer months (weather permitting), which I am very much looking forward to.

First Boot Camp is FREE to all then returning clients can buy a punch card or pay for a drop-in.

Highly recommend to anyone near or far!!

Source: Google

★ 5

Marks Boot Camps are amazing. Mark has years of experience and is encouraging and kind to his clients. His Boot Camps are a great supplement to my workout routine. Highly recommended signing up for his Boot Camps.

Source: Google

★ 5

I have been working with Mark for over 6 years: I can attest to his level of expertise: his commitment, knowledge, passion for his craft and others: there is one other quality that is not easily identifiable and I believe, quite exceptional.
His laser focus as he observes you throughout the duration of your particular exercise. He notices everything; your form, any deviation in your ability to handle the weight, on the alert for a possible misstep:
The transference is this: the subtle perception you receive from his vigilance gives you a sense of security, safety which in turn gives you permission and the confidence to push yourself beyond what you think you're capable of, knowing that at any time he will intervene to assure your safety.
You don't need to look any further to find the best trainer on the planet: he's right here, ready to do for you what he's done for me. At age 78 I can dead lift 139 lbs: kettle bell: 80 lbs and much more

Source: Google

★ 5

Mark is a fantastic trainer and coach. I came to Mark too nervous to go to the gym and do anything besides using a treadmill because I didn't know what to do. Additionally, I was didn't want to have a focus on losing weight but rather challenging myself, feeling healthy, and getting strong. Mark not only respected my goals but helped me get excited about them!

I spent about four months training with Mark, learning more about how muscles work and challenging myself to be strong. He always gave kind encouragement in moments that were tough and help me figure out a plan to be less scared of using other machines at the gym. I am so happy to say that my workouts have gone beyond the treadmill now, and I am confident at how I can get stronger and healthier with his guidance. Thank you, Mark!

Source: Google

★ 5

I was at a real personal low when a friend found Mark for me. Within 6 months, not only was I physically stronger, but my frame of mind was much improved and despite a vision loss issue, I was moving with much more confidence. Mark is caring and inspiring, knowing just how hard you need to be pushed and when to back off. Also, I finally worked up the nerve to try his boot camp, thinking I'd never be able to keep up. Guess what? I may always be last but I can do it! And now I actually look forward to it! I'm SO grateful to have found Mark.....

Source: Google

★ 5

Mark is an excellent trainer. He goes beyond simply training you. He takes the time to help you develop reasonable lifestyle changes to accomplish and maintain your health goals. Personal training with him doesn't end at the session. He sends at-home work outs for off days and includes you in his weekly bootcamp sessions. I'd highly recommend him to anyone looking for a qualified, dedicated fitness trainer and coach.

Source: Google

★ 5

Prior to teaming up with Mark, I'd never worked with a trainer before. Mark is the real deal. He meets you where you're at and works with you one-on-one to hit your goals. If you're looking for a friendly, professional, and knowledgeable trainer -- Mark's your guy! I count myself lucky to have found him and hope to work with him again in the future.

Source: Google

★ 5

I would highly recommend Mark for your personal training sessions. Mark has done an excellent job adapting the exercise program to meet my individual needs and I'm seeing real progress. He is ACE certified and keeps up with the most recent fitness theories. He has a state of the art fitness studio and even offers sessions outdoors in nice weather. He also offers a Boot Camp (group exercise program) which is a lot of fun yet challenging and has a home based fitness app. Mark has the right combination of training style that is both demanding and yet encouraging.

As a health care professional myself, I would highly recommend Mark for your personal fitness needs.

Source: Google

★ 5

After going through about a dozen trainers through various gyms finding Mark was great. My wife ran into him working out with a client in the park and got his info. We spoke over the phone and booked a session. He helped meet me where I was (2 years sitting on the couch as a new dad) and worked on getting my stamina back up. I’ve gotten stronger, lost weight, and feel so much better since working with Mark. It’s rare to find a trainer that’s genuine and cares in my experience. Mark is one of the good ones. An all around good human. I couldn’t recommend him more.

Source: Google

★ 5

I have been going to MZJ Fitness for a year now and would highly recommend if anyone is looking for a trainer. Mark does a great job at catering workouts around my fitness goals and keeps me motivated to keep going!

Source: Google

★ 5

I cannot recommend training with Mark enough. He not only helps me train but teaches me as we go. When I train with him he pushes me to my fullest potential. He teaches me proper form and I am able to recreate some of our sessions on my own, maintaining my level of fitness on days I cannot train with him. Mark is also great with tailoring exercises to address my goals and adaptations to meet my limitations. Working with Mark has also helped me develop more life long healthy habits with not only training but with accountability and food. Not every trainer understands a vegetarian diet. I am grateful for his knowledge, patience and positivity!

Source: Google

★ 5

Mark is awesome. From day one I felt like he knew what I needed while also challenging me to go just a bit further. Having worked with a ton of other personal trainers, Mark is hands down the best I've worked with. He's knowledgeable, caring, and an all around fun guy to spend an hour with. Hire him immediately!

Source: Google

★ 5

My senior mother (in her 80s) has worked with Mark for several months. I’ve seen a big improvement in her core strength and ability to lift things. She can now lift her rollator to put it in the car trunk, which makes her much more independent. I also have appreciated Mark’s patience and care. He did a wonderful job helping her feel comfortable, and he was vigilant about spotting her, as she has severe balance issues. As a result of their work together her risk of falling is definitely reduced.

Source: Google

★ 5

Mark designed a fitness program specifically to meet my unique goal - get me back in athletic shape near my earlier years of being a U.S. Marine and Triathlete.

As a busy single-dad of two kids (7/10yo) who is moving through a career change (and Covid chaos) I knew I needed help meeting my fitness goal - and I couldn’t be more grateful to have Mark guiding me through reclaiming my fitness.

I get the care and coaching of a real human being, with incredible knowledge of fitness and physiology, as well as a variety of workouts to continue targeting the areas I need to work on most to achieve my goal fast… and safe.

I know I’m getting the most of time, Mark designs my workouts to level me up when I’m at my best and nudge the line when I’m not. Plus I have Mark’s keen eye, care and integrity as a genuine human being to guide me. Having that trust is a huge reason I chose Mark!

For me, Mark’s the real-deal and I cannot highly recommend you getting started with him enough, no matter where you’re at on your journey. Thank you, Mark!

Source: Google

★ 5

Mark is the absolute best! I had a goal of getting down to my college weight by the time I hit 40 and I think I only had 6-7 weeks. I dropped 15 lbs during that time and he was incredibly encouraging throughout the whole process. The workouts were hard and the diets were hard but I felt amazing. I could not recommend Mark more.

Source: Google

★ 5

I was referred to Mark, and I could not have asked for a better trainer. He tailors the workouts to what I feel I need, but also knows when I need my butt kicked a little more. Aside from knowing what he’s talking about in terms of fitness, he’s a genuinely caring person and easy to consider a friend. Coming from someone who absolutely despises working out, I would recommend Mark to absolutely anyone and everyone. He truly makes it easy for me to wanna get off my couch!

Source: Google

★ 5

(From Libya, from North Africa) Yes! MZJ FITNESS became known to me and my family and friends in North Africa! Yes it's MZJ FITNESS! I am from North Africa, the last time I exercised I was 17 years old, then I never played sports until I was 36. I did not expect to know Mark! And I did not expect that Mark would affect me like this, while he is in the other part of the world !! It's incredible! Mark made me love to exercise, when I exercise, my mom and sister come to exercise with me too! Mark not only affected me but also my family, I became part of his online training boot camp every Saturday morning. Also, I became part of the challenge that he plans for us every month. Mark made me love myself and take care of my body health and fitness and made me more confident in myself. Mark made exercise and health among my priorities, like prayer every day. Do you all know I am in a better mood every day! even when I encounter some problems in life, it does not affect me like I was before. I am stronger now thanks to the exercise that nourishes my body. Mark Zanders is not just a trainer, he is a doctor too! I thank God so much for making me know Mark. I pray to God to protect him and empower him to do good for people.

Source: Google

★ 5

I started working out with Mark right after I found out that I was pregnant. I'm currently in my third trimester and convinced that the only reason I feel this good are thanks to my workouts! He ensures the workouts are safe during pregnancy and adjusts the workouts as necessary. Mark is extremely knowledgeable and I cannot recommend him enough. I feel stronger and healthier. I look forward to continuing my fitness journey post-partum with Mark!

Source: Google

★ 5

Personable and care. True professional and not afraid to share his Faith! Great village of people here in Portage Park.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Mark is very knowledgeable in physical fitness. He cares about each individual’s fitness needs and creates custom exercises/workouts so it’s safe but beneficial. I truly enjoy working out with Mark through our personal training sessions and the Bootcamps sessions as well. He challenges me to work harder and pushes me without sacrificing safety. He’s taught me different types of routines targeting specific muscle groups and body parts and they are never boring.
As a result, I am stronger, I feel a greater balance in my daily physical movements, I’ve lost a few pounds and a few inches (where I wanted to😄)
I sleep better, and really just feel great! My fitness goal was not necessarily to just lose weight, but mostly to feel better, physically!
I am recommending Mark - MZJ Fitness, to EVERYONE!

Source: Google

★ 5

Mark is a great trainer. He is very knowledgeable, patient, and encouraging. And I never thought I would say this, but workouts with Mark are actually fun! With a variety of exercises tailored to my abilities, no two sessions with Mark are the same. I am sometimes surprised how fast the time goes by when we train together.

Thanks to Mark, I feel and look healthier than ever before. And when I was scheduled to get a hip replacement, Mark worked with me before the surgery to keep me strong without stressing or further hurting my hip, then helped me afterwards to quickly recover and regain my strength. I wholeheartedly credit him with minimizing my discomfort and post-surgery rehab.

I would recommend Mark to anyone.

Source: Google

★ 5

Mark Zanders has encouraged me greatly toward becoming more fit. This is a guy who is relentlessly encouraging; when he knows you want to get more in shape, he works hard to help you get there. He set up a series of fitness challenges for our church, and the response he got from the congregation was uplifting to see--not to mention how much it did for my own health and motivation. I highly recommend Mark and MZJ Fitness for anyone who wants to lead a healthier lifestyle.

Source: Google

★ 5

Mark is a fantastic personal trainer! He is very thorough and tailors the athletes workout personally by talking about their needs and evaluating their current health state. I have loved being in his boot camps both in person and virtually. Mark pushes and challenges your limits. He succeeded on this very well virtually too by engaging us in the workout group and challenge keeping up with us daily. I highly recommend Mark!

Source: Google

★ 5

I've been a part of Mark's Boot Camp classes for a number of years. His boot camp classes are never the same...he's inventive in the exercises he gives us to keep things fresh, fun and knows how to work all our muscle groups in different ways. He promotes good form, good health and a focus on fitness. While I may not be able to make boot camp all the time, his 'Monthly Challenges" keep me focused on the ultimate goal, being fit! In addition to being a great trainer, he is just a great person. I am blessed to know him. Thanks Mark!

Source: Google

★ 5

Mark is an excellent trainer and motivates you to do your best!

Source: Google

★ 5

I love the option for customized OUTDOOR work outs under the guidance of such a skilled trainer right here in Portage Park. Training inside is extremely convenient in Jeff Park!

Source: Google

★ 5

I have never been one to work out consistently. I have never been one to work different muscle groups - I would just hop on an elliptical and then maybe do some crunches - but Mark’s boot camp is something that pushes me to work different muscles and equipped me with the exercises to do on my own. Mark’s boot camp is something my husband and I enjoy doing together. It is certainly a full body workout and you can go at your own pace/intensity, so truly any level can participate. The camaraderie among the other participants is fun and welcoming and I never regret going. Great way to start the weekend! Mark is encouraging and pushes you to be your best.

Source: Google

★ 5

I don’t think there is enough space to express how amazing Mark is-he is incredibly knowledgeable, passionate about helping his clients reach their goals-designs workouts specific to those goals: I am a senior (76) and am grateful every day for the 3 years we’ve been working together; I can dead lift 50 lbs: do 10+ push-ups: have a strong core which key to prevent falls: so much more: Working with Mark will be the best investment you can do for yourself: Please reach out to him, especially now: with the quarantine- we need all the endorphins we can generate

Source: Google

★ 5

I've been taking boot camp with Mark for over eight years and it's a really fun way to get outside and challenge yourself at your own pace. Mark consistently changes up the workouts and provides different levels of difficulty for each exercise, depending on your fitness level.
My husband and I also train with Mark outside of boot camp, and we really enjoy working with him! Mark is such a positive person and makes you want to keep improving. I’ve seen big improvements in my overall fitness levels, and I love that as I get stronger, Mark adjusts the workouts so that I am always being challenged.

Since being quarantined, Mark has offered a variety of virtual workout classes that have been tons of fun, challenging, and a great way to get a workout in while the gyms is closed.

I highly recommend Mark for both bootcamp and personal training, and now virtual classes too!

Source: Google

★ 5

I am lucky to call myself one of Mark’s first clients starting in 2007. I’ve trained on and off with him over the last 13 years and I’m always in the best shape when we are “on”. He prepped me for my first triathlon and I would never have made it through without his help. He is great at knowing just how hard to push you and when to mix up his workouts to get the best results. I could not recommend Mark more as a trainer – whether you are getting ready for a race or just wanting to get in better shape. Thanks for all the years of support, Mark - you’re the best!

Source: Google