General Manager, Head Trainer and Group Instructor

Ernie Zuberbuehler is a dedicated strength and conditioning specialist with 18 years of professional experience in the field. He graduated cum laude from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside in 2008 with a Bachelor of Science in Health and Fitness Management-Exercise science focus, while simultaneously attaining certified personal trainer (CPT) certificates through the American College of Sports Medicine as well as the University of Wisconsin enhancing his professional expertise. 

Ernie is committed to advocating for the highest level of safety for his clients and is extensively versed in fitness facility guidelines and standards and is also a published co-author of three peer-reviewed articles in "Preventative Cardiology" (February 2009, May 2009, and September 2009) addressing diminishing pre-participation adherence and compliance in health and fitness facilities.

Very well-versed in every aspect of human performance he helps individuals identify and achieve their personal goals, whether it’s weight loss, general wellness, improving or maintaining the independence to perform activities of daily living, or preparing for high-level competition. His clientele spans all ages and ability levels, from those who have never engaged in strength and conditioning to professional athletes. Ernie has successfully trained two national champion powerlifters, along with one world champion and former world record-holder in powerlifting.

His passion for enhancing athletic performance and promoting overall fitness is evident in his ability to create tailored training programs that empower clients to achieve their health and performance goals.  Ernie believes that his greatest gift is his ability to connect with people not only as a coach but as a friend. He understands that success as a coach, regardless of the goal, is achieved by truly connecting with individuals through genuine care. He emphasizes that great coaching requires the intuition to know what to say, how to say it, when to say it, and to whom it should be said to elicit effective responses.  But actually saying it, is a result of caring enough to do so.

An avid athlete, Ernie is a former national champion archer and has extensive experience in baseball, weight training, and boxing, boasting 24 years as a combined fighter and trainer. Ernie understands the physical and psychological struggles associated with injuries and the demands of the rehabilitation process, having undergone nine major reconstructive knee surgeries due to congenital knee abnormalities, starting at age 13 and culminating with bilateral total knee replacements eight years ago leading to one one of his crowning achievements by completing the Chicago Marathon in 2023.