The Story
Scott Zilligen is a Personal Trainer/Strength and Conditioning Coach with over 10 years of experience. He is certified through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) as well as the National Exercise & Sports Trainer Association (NESTA). He worked for commercial gyms before branching off on his own in 2013, when he started his own brand, Z Fit Sport.
Scott believes that an athlete lies in each and every one of us, and encourages each client to find that athlete. He works on developing overall strength, power, speed and agility with injury prevention always at the forefront. His programs vary based on the needs and abilities of the client. Scott also likes to add a mental piece to his training, creating a fun, friendly environment that kids and adults enjoy visiting. He wants his clients to use the gym as a place to get away from the normal stresses of life, and where a person can put his/her entire focus and attention on him/herself. He encourages clients to talk and have fun in between sets as a means for relieving stress.
Scott's motivations are his passions for fitness and helping people make lifestyle changes. He wants people to view health and fitness as a positive experience and not a necessary evil. His goal for his clients at every session is that they leave feeling at least one percent better than when they first came in (even if they are a little out of breath).
Scott works with a wide variety of clients from weight loss to muscle gain, functional strength, and injury rehab. He also specializes in youth athletic strength and conditioning, and helps many young athletes compete at the high school and college levels in several sports including baseball, gymnastics, soccer, lacrosse, and hockey to name a few. In addition to his business, Scott worked as the Chicago Young Americans Hockey League U16 and U18 strength and conditioning coach.
Scott grew up on the Southside of Chicago and was introduced to sports early on as he played hockey, baseball, and basketball. He attended St. Rita High school where he joined the track and field team, competing in the 200 meter and 400 meter sprints as well as the high jump. He qualified for state in the 4x200 meter relay team event. After graduating high school, Scott enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. During active duty, Scott’s interest in health and fitness grew. And after being medically discharged, Scott decided to chase his passion and get his personal training certification.
Scott brings his love of boxing to Z Fit Sport. Back in high school, Scott joined his school’s boxing program and in 2012, he competed in the Chicago Golden Gloves Tournament. He currently holds his USA Boxing Coach Certification and teaches boxing to all age groups at both the fitness and competitive levels. In addition to training, Scott enjoys reading and writing fitness articles and blogs. He is currently featured as the fitness expert for his local magazine, “The Heart of Lincolnshire,” where he writes quarterly articles on health and fitness.
Scott now resides in Lincolnshire with his wife and four children. He also has a married step daughter currently residing in Colorado. Besides working out, Scott’s hobbies include coaching his daughter’s ice hockey team, cooking, camping and, most importantly, spending time with his wife and kids.