ABOUT
Lake Bluff’s #1 Trusted Personal Training Studio
for More Than a Decade.
HOW WE
BEGAN
In 2013, Zak and his wife, Kristen, founded Focused Results with a shared vision of creating a supportive space where people could build healthier, stronger lives. Zak’s passion for fitness began at the University of Wisconsin, where he played and coached baseball while earning his degree in Kinesiology and later a Master’s in Business. With nearly 20 years of experience as a personal trainer, Zak brought both expertise and heart to the studio they built together.
More Than a Studio
From the beginning, Focused Results was created to be a welcoming space. We believe strength is built through encouragement, expertise, and a belief in every person’s potential. Here, clients gain more than muscle or improved mobility. They build confidence, resilience, and become part of a community that stands beside them.
A Legacy That Lives On
Zak passed away in 2025 after a courageous battle with cancer. His integrity, warmth, and unwavering attitude continue to shape the heart of Focused Results. In October 2026, longtime trainer Mercedes Nagel became the owner of Focused Results. Having spent more than six years working with the studio’s clients and team, she brings a deep connection to the people here. Under her ownership, Focused Results continues to offer the personalized training and welcoming environment that have always made it special, while creating room for new ideas and growth.
Join Our Community
Whether you’re beginning your journey or continuing it, we invite you to be part of the Focused Results family. Here, you’ll find expert guidance, genuine encouragement, and a place that feels like home.
Meet Our Trainers
Mercedes
Owner | Personal Trainer | Functional Nutrition Counselor
Born and raised in Lake Bluff, Mercedes brings both expertise and a strong connection to the community she now serves. She earned her Master’s in Exercise Physiology from the University of Texas at Austin and integrates her background in strength training, functional movement, and yoga to create a well-rounded, personalized approach for every client. Mercedes is passionate about meeting people where they are, helping them build strength, mobility, and confidence in a way that feels sustainable and empowering. Credentials: M.S. in Exercise Physiology — University of Texas at Austin Certified Personal Trainer — American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Functional Range Conditioning Specialist Functional Nutrition Certified Certified Yoga Instructor
Andrew
Fitness Manager | Personal Trainer | Nutrition Coach
Andrew has been a dedicated member of the Focused Results team for over 10 years and serves as our Manager of Personal Training. With a background in Exercise Science and a passion for helping others grow stronger, he brings both expertise and steady encouragement to every session. Andrew is driven by one simple goal: to help clients accomplish what they once believed was out of reach, both in fitness and in life. A former college and semi-professional baseball player, Andrew understands the value of discipline, consistency, and mindset. His coaching style blends structure with motivation, creating an environment where progress feels both challenging and achievable. Credentials: B.A. in Exercise Science — North Central College Certified Personal Trainer — American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Postural Restoration Institute Certified Corrective Exercise Specialist Precision Nutrition Certified Coach
Emily
Personal Trainer
Emily’s passion for health and wellness grew from personal experience. After transforming her own life through meaningful lifestyle changes, she now helps others do the same. She holds an Associate of Applied Science in Health & Wellness Promotion and brings a thoughtful, supportive approach to every client she works with. Over the past six years, Emily has helped clients build strength and sustainable habits through yoga, pilates, strength training, and personalized programming. She also spent three years specializing in medical weight loss, helping individuals develop long-term strategies for lasting success. Credentials: Associate of Applied Science in Health & Wellness Promotion Certified Personal Trainer — NASM Certified Health & Wellness Coach
Zach
Personal Trainer
Raised in Lake Villa, Zach discovered his passion for strength training at 15 while playing basketball, football, and baseball. He brings 15 years of experience in health and fitness, with a focus on building strength and improving sports performance. Zach has worked with clients pursuing a range of goals, including aspiring Navy SEAL and other special operations candidates. His approach emphasizes consistent training, attention to the fundamentals, and steady progress toward each client’s goals. Credentials: • Bachelor’s in Exercise Science & Health Promotion — University of Illinois at Chicago • Master’s in Applied Exercise Science & Sports Nutrition — Concordia University Chicago
Nathan
Personal Trainer | Focused Stretch
Nathan brings a background in athletics, martial arts, and performance training to his work with clients. He draws on weightlifting, kettlebell training, agility work, and yoga to help people improve their fitness and build healthier habits. He also offers Focused Stretch sessions, providing personalized stretching to support flexibility and mobility. Each session is adjusted to the client’s needs and comfort level, whether they’re complementing their training or making stretching part of their routine. As a professional table tennis athlete, Nathan understands the importance of focus, discipline, and coordination. These qualities shape his coaching approach, along with his belief that small, consistent habits create lasting change. Credentials: • Certified Personal Trainer — National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
Kurt
Personal Trainer
Kurt brings a thoughtful and structured approach to training, grounded in both education and practical experience. As a full-time P.E. and Health Teacher, he understands how to break down movement, build strong foundations, and create programs that are clear, effective, and sustainable. His coaching style blends encouragement with accountability, helping clients develop lasting strength and healthy habits. Credentials: Bachelor’s Degree — Iowa State University Certified P.E./Health Teacher — Northeastern Illinois University Certified Personal Trainer