Personal training & Olympic weightlifting coaching in Chicago — in-person at your gym, or online coaching anywhere in the USA. Tailored for every goal & age, from beginners to elite athletes.
Tailored training for every goal & age — from beginners to elite weightlifting athletes
1-on-1 Personal Training
Fully customized sessions with direct technique analysis, accountability, and periodized plans.
From $100/session
Olympic Weightlifting
Snatch, Clean & Jerk progressions, technique drills, and competition prep for all levels.
From $100/session
Online Coaching
Remote personalized plans, video analysis, weekly check-ins — available anywhere.
From $76.67/session
Programming
Tailored training blocks and periodization for strength, Olympic lifts, or general fitness.
From $100/4 weeks
Fusion
1 personal training session with Coach Zara — in person or online — plus 3 workout programming sessions per week.
From $350
I'm a Chicago-based personal trainer and USA Weightlifting certified coach, working with clients in person across the city and online anywhere in the USA. Nothing about your program is generic — every session and every rep is coached with patience, honesty, and real attention to detail.
Choose a service to see its packages and prices
Whether you're stepping into a gym for the first time or preparing for the podium — Coach Zara builds champions at every level.
Certified expertise — proven systems, real results
"It's not about being the strongest in the room. It's about being stronger than you were yesterday."
Real results, real people
I've had the opportunity to work with several fitness trainers over the years, and while many were helpful, none have matched the professionalism, expertise, and personalized approach that Zara brings to her clients. From the very beginning, Zara takes the time to understand your background, current fitness level, and specific goals. She then develops a customized training plan tailored to your individual needs and continually refines it after each session based on your progress, feedback, and evolving objectives. What truly sets Zara apart is her level of preparation and attention to detail. She combines the qualities you would hope for in an exceptional trainer: the discipline and knowledge of an accomplished athlete, strong motivation and professionalism, and a warm, encouraging personality. Whether you're a beginner, a former athlete getting back into shape, or an experienced athlete — Zara is outstanding at what she does.
After taking just a few Olympic weightlifting sessions with you, I understand the movements so much better. I can now lift confidently without fear. I've also gotten to know my body more, and it feels so much better to lift during CrossFit classes.
For the first time, I was able to lift my own luggage into the overhead bin on the plane without struggling or asking for help. That's a huge win for me — thank you!
World-class guidance — no matter where you are
Custom remote training built around your schedule, goals, and equipment. Real-time communication, expert feedback — no commute required.
Periodized, science-based templates for strength, Olympic lifting, or sport-specific demands. Built to progress you systematically — not randomly.
Personal training in Chicago usually costs between $85 and $150 per session. My in-person sessions range from $100 to $125 per session depending on the package, with a free bonus session (a $100 value) on the 15-session package and 2 free bonus sessions (a $200 value) on the 20-session package, semi-private sessions range from $120 to $150, Olympic weightlifting sessions range from $100 to $125 per session depending on the package with a free bonus session (a $100 value) on the 15-session package, and online coaching ranges from $76.67 to $85 per session with a free bonus session (a $80 value) on the 10-session package and 2 free bonus sessions (a $153.33 value) on the 15-session package. Your first session is a free trial.
No. We can start from scratch. I teach the snatch and clean & jerk step by step, starting with the basic positions and building up at your pace, so beginners are welcome.
We schedule your sessions and train together live over FaceTime, WhatsApp, Zoom, or whichever video app you prefer. All you need is access to free weight equipment.
In person in Chicago, either at your gym or mine. Online coaching is also available anywhere in the USA.
Let's build a custom plan — in-person in Chicago, or online anywhere in the USA. Your first session is on us.