OUR STORY
 

THE BEGINNING

Fitness, athleticism and nutrition became an interest of mine at a young age.  From growing up as a kid near the shores of Ventura CA, to my high school years out in the sticks of Uvalde TX, I used athletics as an outlet. During my high school years I discovered a passion for running and nutrition. I excelled quickly in running becoming an esteemed athlete for my school. Soon I realized the poor nutrition I was raised on wasn’t efficient for my performance nor body, and that to improve my physical abilities and natural skills I needed to fuel my body and train with precision and intent. Thus beginning my passion for athletics and nutrition, eager to learn as much as I could about anatomy, nutrition and performance in sport. At this time of my life the intended career was to be a teacher/educator. I knew this was attainable as both my grades and athletic achievements set me up for opportunities in higher education. However, I always had a vision that id be my own boss and head where my heart had always been, back to Southern California.  

Now, I had always had an entrepreneurial mindset with a vision, hustling whatever I could. After some years of retail work I was confident that this would pay bills, never allowing to take a part of me as I knew time was most valuable, I would resign or quit every time I would be given more hours or promoted. My personality and sales experience got me a job I did not apply for. While working out one morning at my local Fitness 19 the GM walked up to me mid set and said “are you looking for work.” I said “When do I start.” Beginning as a sales rep my desire was to bring people a perspective lifestyle that would give them longevity, quality of life through strength, free from physical limitations, in control of pain and minimizing illness. After selling my first membership I knew that I could forever impact peoples lives in a positive way through education of health and fitness. Quickly working up through the ranks, Lead sales, Kids group fitness instructor, Personal Trainer and Shift Manager. Because of my drive, opportunities in management positions were presented from the likes of LA Fitness, Crunch Fitness, Fitness 19. But I instead took a risk. A peer in the fitness community offered me studio time if I would sub her aerobic classes. After visiting the aerobic studio I noticed a small 10’x15’ storage room filled with boxes. At a breakfast meeting I said “not only will I sub but ill pay you monthly to rent out that storage room.” After setting the agreements, I got the keys to a storage room that I would convert into a personal fitness studio. Choosing to resign from Fitness 19, I then condensed my client list of 30 to 8 individuals that I knew I could positively impact. These clients would be the foundation of what would be ZAO ATHLETICS. After one year I bought the entire studio. Reconstructing every inch of the facility, filling it with all of the fitness equipment I desire. No longer a storage room or aerobic studio, it was now my office, the Head Quarters for ZAO ATHLETICS.

BEHIND THE NAME

In acknowledgement of sport and physic, I knew my business name would be of Greek origin. Looking for a Greek word meaning life, Zao found me.

Definition: To live, breathe, to be among the living, to have true life worthy of the name, active, blessed, endless in the kingdom of God, living water, having vital power in itself and exerting the same upon the soul. Strong and efficacious.

This is what ZAO ATHLETICS represents!

OWNER

Victor Cervantes

STATEMENT

Zao Athletics represents a commitment to healthy living, and showing appreciation for the gift we’ve been given. When you wear our apparel, take our supplements, use our products or join our gym, you are investing in becoming the best version of yourself. Not for just a season but for the rest of your life.