Today we’d like to introduce you to Jesse Zavala.
Hi Jesse, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
Growing up, I was involved in all kinds of sports, including basketball, football, track and field, boxing, and strength training. Sports and training have always been my outlet to stay in shape both physically and mentally. I started my endurance journey in 2015 as a way to mix up my training and ran my first half marathon that year. Fast forward to 2018, I completed my first Ironman distance triathlon – a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike, and a 26.2-mile run. During my training, I learned a lot about myself and what the human body is capable of. We often put up walls that limit us from reaching our full potential. This is what led me to enter the world of coaching. I wanted other people to experience what it feels like to accomplish those daunting goals and be proud of the hard work they put in to get to where they want to be. The three main services I offer include endurance coaching for runners/cyclists/triathletes, strength training for athletes and clients of all ages and fitness levels, and boxing for those wanting to learn the basics for fitness or wanting to learn the sweet science for fighting. All of the experience I have obtained over the years has helped me grow not just as a coach but as a human being.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road to where I’m at today has been fairly smooth, but as always there are always a few speed bumps along the way. Most of the obstacles and challenges have been from the business side of things. Coming from a science background, I do not have business experience when it comes to being an entrepreneur. There are so many legal/formal things that you need when starting up your own business. Luckily, I have had a few mentors from the beginning, so the learning curve wasn’t too bad. However, I will say that the learning never ends, and for anyone wanting to start their own business, I say go for it! The obstacles and challenges make everything worth it when you’re passionate about what you do!
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about JZ Fitness and Consulting, LLC?
My coaching business includes endurance coaching, strength training, and boxing. My endurance coaching is primarily remote coaching, and I have athletes all over the United States. I coach athletes from the beginner looking to do their first 5K run to seasoned veteran triathletes and ultra runners and have even coached a professional MMA fighter for his endurance work during fight camp. In addition to programming, I offer consultation calls for those just wanting to learn more when it comes to training, racing, and nutrition to properly fuel for endurance events.
I provide strength training and boxing sessions out of my garage gym, which has been coined the “Zavala House of Pain” by my clients/athletes! It’s a safe space for everyone to come in and get in a solid workout after a long day at work. During that hour, it’s just you vs you. No judgment. Everyone is supportive of one another and pushes each other to be the very best they can be. It’s an environment that I’m very proud to have built, and you have to experience it to understand.
Over the years, I’ve seen this transform into something special. People from all walks of life come together for one purpose – to get stronger both physically and mentally. When you surround yourself with like-minded individuals, are consistent, and put in the work, you can push yourself beyond limits you ever knew existed!
One thing that sets me apart from others is my creativity. Yes, coaching is a science, but it’s also an art. Many athletes I’ve coached have had some very crazy feats that they wanted to accomplish. I will do everything in my power to think outside the box and set them up with a plan to get them to accomplish that goal. When you’ve done this long enough and have been in the trenches yourself, you know the body is capable of doing some amazing things that don’t make any scientific sense.
A couple of things I’d want your readers to know about my brand it would be that we are a fun group that enjoys learning and pushing ourselves to do hard things and that EVERYONE is an “athlete.” Even if you’re not looking to compete in any events, everyone can benefit from training for Life! When you’re physically and mentally fit, you’re working on longevity so you can be active with family and friends for years to come.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
The best thing about the Houston area is the diversity! There are so many different types of people, and I’ve been lucky to work with some amazing human beings. When it comes to fitness, nothing else matters – titles, social status, politics, etc. For that workout, everyone is equal, and witnessing athletes come together to push and encourage each other during a workout is a beautiful sight to see.
The one thing I like least about Houston – TRAFFIC!!!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.coachjessehtx.com
- Instagram: @CoachJesseHTX
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CoachJesseHTX/
Image Credits
Patrick Pressgrove Photography
