I have been a fitness professional (ACE-certified personal trainer) since 2006. I had been coaching high school basketball for several years and just really enjoyed working with the kids in the offseason on their strength and conditioning. At that point, I made the decision to stop coaching and go into personal training.
Since then I've enjoyed doing 1-on-1 training, working with couples and small groups, and running my boot camp. My clients have ranged from young children up to 85 years old including some that have been with me since I started over 16 years ago. I currently train out of my studio in Jefferson Park.
Since then I've enjoyed doing 1-on-1 training, working with couples and small groups, and running my boot camp. My clients have ranged from young children up to 85 years old including some that have been with me since I started over 16 years ago. I currently train out of my studio in Jefferson Park.
Services
Save money by training with multiple people. We meet at my studio in Jefferson Park, outdoors at nearby park, online, or in your home (add $10 for in-home). Discounts given for the following: multiple sessions per week; paying a month of sessions or more in advance; married couples; military. Contact me for more info.
Reviews (22)
George Sorensen
Jan 09, 2022
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Jean Francione
Jan 04, 2022
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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
Robert Conlin
Dec 27, 2021
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Positive: Communication, Professionalism, Quality
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!
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!
Robert C.
Dec 08, 2021
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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!
Steven Srotir
Nov 02, 2021
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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
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
Chef Billy Account
Oct 28, 2021
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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.
Cheryl Dahle
Oct 27, 2021
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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.
I highly, highly recommend Mark, particularly for work with seniors who need a little
I highly, highly recommend Mark, particularly for work with seniors who need a little
Diana S.
Oct 19, 2021
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If you are reading this, you are probably thinking about hiring a trainer. Is it worth the $? Is he the right fit? Will he judge you? Will he get you on track to where you want to be? This picture says it all. Saturday morning at 7 AM on vacation with my family and I woke up to set up a TRX on a swing set because I didn't want to miss my 7AM training with @MZJ. 8 weeks in and I am stronger, more confident, and determined. It doesn't matter your age, weight, or fitness level. Take that first step.
Angelika Tryba
Aug 02, 2021
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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!
Emerald Koziol
Feb 02, 2021
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Positive: Communication, Professionalism, Quality
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 Bootcamp 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
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 Bootcamp 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
Jehan Abon Cowan
Feb 01, 2021
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As a new mom with a c-section delivery, on top of the COVID restrictions, finding a way to start exercising again and stay motivated was really challenging to do on my own. I found Mark through the NextDoor app, and I am so grateful for his care and investment in my health and fitness! He quickly understood my goals and was able to get me in gear… right away. He really understands how to work with your individual and unique fitness capability and capacity. He challenges and pushes you without causing injury. He intently observes you to ensure you’re learning and executing exercises
Dorothy Laskowski
Sep 10, 2020
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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!
Tamara P.
Aug 10, 2020
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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
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
Elise Weiler
Aug 04, 2020
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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
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
Lizette O.
Jun 19, 2020
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My husband and I live in the Portage Park/Jefferson Park area and ran into Mark one summer morning at a local park. Intrigued by the outdoor setup - weights, a huge tire for flipping, a bosu stability board set among the trees in the park - we stopped by to chat. Mark is a personal trainer and leads a local fitness group for folks in the area. Throughout the conversation he talked about his approach - making sure that each individual is challenged based on their own ability level, but in a safe and supportive way. Since that initial meeting, both my husband and I have attended several sessions
Romi O.
Jun 18, 2020
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I highly recommend 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 find themselves in.
I started with Mark on a monthly burpee challenge a few months ago and now I'm still working on another workout challenge with him. Highly recommend.
I started with Mark on a monthly burpee challenge a few months ago and now I'm still working on another workout challenge with him. Highly recommend.
Joel G.
Jun 18, 2020
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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.
Catherine Hebel Shannon
Jun 17, 2020
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I've been training with Mark since 2008 and there's a reason. He's a personal trainer that cares about your overall well-being, not just physical. His style of training is not what you see on TV where trainers are "yelling" at their clients to get them to push themselves. Mark will push you, but to your ability and what will help you meet your… goals.
As a personal trainer, Mark is super flexible with schedules. He will work with you on what works best for both of your schedules. He's good at holding you accountable by checking in to see if you want to train each week. It's a good way not
As a personal trainer, Mark is super flexible with schedules. He will work with you on what works best for both of your schedules. He's good at holding you accountable by checking in to see if you want to train each week. It's a good way not
Peggy McEachern
May 20, 2020
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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&rsquo
Mary Kuester Zanders
Mar 13, 2020
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Not only do I have the privilege of training with Mark, but also the privilege of having the most amazing son. Mark has been training me for approx 2 years. He is compassionate and dedicated to all of his clients, treating everyone different to meet and challenge their needs. He is very knowledgeable and keeps the workouts fun and interesting. I have lost 48lbs. in the last year thanks to Mark! I feel stronger, healthier and have a lot more energy. I thank God everyday for him. Give Mark a try...you won't regret it!
Chris Sedlacek-Sustr
Mar 04, 2020
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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!
Lisa Prats
Dec 09, 2017
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