“We aspire to redefine fitness standards, inspiring a transformative journey towards optimal health, strength, and vitality”
BY MARK ARIEL | PHOTO BY ZIV SADE
Amidst the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, Rocco Distefano’s perseverance and passion led him to create The Lab Sunset Athletic Club, a haven for fitness and well-being.
Evolving from a dream in his living room to Sunset Boulevard and beyond, The Lab’s growth prompted collaboration with Zack Ament, the founder of two addiction and mental health treatment ventures—Westwind Recovery in Los Angeles (since 2014) and the nascent Recover Together Bend (RTB) in Bend, Oregon, and Michael Moreno, who has 20 years of experience in business management with a BA in Marketing and MS in Organizational Psychology.
Distefano, the son of a former professional bodybuilder, says “it was only natural for me to follow in my father’s footsteps, enter the world of fitness, and build a career as a Personal Trainer, Strength & Conditioning and Nutrition Coach.”
United by personal experiences of loss to addiction, the three partners established The Lab as a community-focused space, recognizing the pivotal role community plays in mental health recovery.
United by personal experiences of loss to addiction, the three partners established The Lab as a community-focused space, recognizing the pivotal role community plays in mental health recovery
With expertise in various fields, they aim to guide individuals toward their best lives through movement, mindset, and nutrition, emphasizing the transformative power of holistic wellness. The Lab’s driving force is a genuine commitment to healing those grappling with mental health and addiction, shaping a philosophy that believes in the profound impact of changing one’s state of being.
Recognizing that individuals walk through their doors with diverse motivations, whether for movie roles, athletic pursuits, health, or vanity, at The Lab, every client is guaranteed an experience that transcends expectations. “Regardless of the reason, our commitment remains unwavering—to provide an experience that profoundly transforms lives, creating a holistic impact on their well-being,” states Ament.
“We are committed to pioneering excellence in personal training, utilizing the latest advancements in performance and strength training equipment to engineer unparalleled human performance,” says Ament.
“Our aim is to craft an innovative and dynamic fitness environment where clients encounter cutting-edge methodologies and state-of-the-art equipment. At The Lab, our mission is to empower individuals to reach their peak potential, fostering a community rooted in continuous improvement, scientific precision, and a shared passion for pushing the boundaries of human performance. Together, we aspire to redefine fitness standards, inspiring a transformative journey towards optimal health, strength, and vitality.”
THE LAB Sunset Athletic Club is located at 8305 Sunset Blvd., Suite E, in Los Angeles. For more info visit: www.thelabsunset.com.
