BECOME STRONG FOR LIFE
What does it mean to be strong for life?
Strong for life means that no matter the obstacles life throws at you, you have the skills, resources, and the psychological and physical strength to adapt and persevere.
With the help of our experienced coaches, you too, can develop strength for life.
What we believe
ZAO Strength is a community that prioritizes the growth and development of athletes as individuals alongside their development as athletes.
Our coaches believe in the importance of applying the bio-psycho-social model as a foundation for athletes to build upon their journey toward strength and success.
Our Coaches
Jim Elli
Powerlifting Coach
For the past 8 years, Coach Jim Elli has been coaching lifters around the world to become the strongest versions of themselves. He’s helped to develop multiple world record holders in powerlifting, as well as dedicated strength athletes simply interested in becoming strong for life.
When he’s not obsessing over the nuances of strength training for his clients, he’s likely taking pictures to pursue his secret passion in hopes of becoming either a nat geo photographer or America’s next top model.
Tyson Eckel
Powerlifting Coach
Tyson earned his bachelor’s degree in Biokinetics from Bethel University in 2016. Over the last 5 years, he has coached a wide variety of clients (high school students to grandparents, new lifters, and competitors), and enjoys connecting with each one.
Tyson’s best competition lifts are 485lb Squat, 257lb Bench, and 585lb Deadlift @181 lbs. When he isn’t picking up barbells and setting them down again, or helping others do the same, you can find him reading, walking the paths by the Mississippi River, or meditating on a cushion.