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In this episode of Horror Heals, Corey and Kendall dive into a conversation with Zak from Death Comes Lifting – a one-of-a-kind gym that combines horror, punk rock, and heavy metal with fitness and mental wellness. Zak’s mission? To create a judgment-free space where horror fans, metalheads, and self-proclaimed misfits can feel comfortable, get fit, and take charge of their mental health. From sharing stories of transformations to the reasons behind his fitness journey, Zak explains how physical wellness impacts mental wellness and why Death Comes Lifting has become a safe haven for the 'Lifting Dead Army' – his community of horror-loving gym members.

Death Comes Lifting is Where Horror Meets Health

Death Comes Lifting's Mission: Death Comes Lifting is a multimedia health & wellness universe that creates original clothing, content, podcasts, playlists, monsters, music, motivation, workouts, and weirdness in order to foster & serve a community in which physical, mental, and spiritual well-being can Lift alongside the the strange & deranged. We are Fitness For The Misfits. Welcome to The Lifting Dead Army.

“Death Comes Lifting: The Gym Built for Horror Fans – You Can’t Skip This!”

• Zak shares the origins of Death Comes Lifting, starting from its humble beginnings as a clothing brand for horror cons to its evolution into a fully functional gym.
• Discover how Zak’s journey to fitness grew out of his love for horror culture and his desire to help others, especially those who never felt at home in traditional fitness spaces.

“Why Horror and Fitness Go Hand-in-Hand – Don’t Miss This Perspective!”

• Zak explains his philosophy: taking care of your physical health has a powerful impact on mental wellness, and vice versa.
• We explore how he’s challenging the stereotype that horror fans don’t care about health – in fact, he’s showing that you can embrace the macabre and still be physically and mentally strong.

“A Horror Gym Community Unlike Any Other: The Lifting Dead Army”

• Zak’s 'Lifting Dead Army' isn’t just about lifting weights – it’s about lifting spirits. He shares stories of members who’ve transformed, including a friend who lost 100 pounds and reclaimed his health.
• For Zak, success isn’t just opening a gym; it’s creating a community where horror fans can support one another, get healthier, and feel like they belong.

“Breaking the Stigma: Fitness for Horror Fans is Hardcore – And Here’s Why You’ll Love It”

• Zak discusses the stigma surrounding fitness and horror fans, the stereotypes of “douchebag gym bros,” and why he’s dedicated to showing his community that fitness can be for everyone.
• Hear how he brings humor, horror culture, and authenticity to fitness, proving that being healthy doesn’t mean giving up on the things you love – it just means finding a balance that works for you.

“Virtual Training with a Twist: The ‘Lifting Dead Army’ Goes Digital!”

• Learn how Zak turned the challenges of the pandemic into an opportunity to connect with his commu

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If you want to support our guests, check the show notes for links to their work, conventions, and fundraising pages.

You can also listen to our sister podcast Family Twist, a show about DNA surprises, identity, and the families we find along the way.

Horror Heals is produced by How the Cow Ate the Cabbage LLC.

Is horror good for mental wellness? Of corpse it is.