Meet Christopher Zaino | Doctor, Speaker, Men’s Optimization Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Christopher Zaino and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Christopher, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My thought process behind starting my own business was rooted in a desire to create a life on my terms, aligned with my personal definition of success and freedom. To achieve that, I knew I had to take full responsibility for my path by building my own business. Working for someone else, even in a great job, often means contributing to their vision rather than pursuing your own. I believe we’re here to evolve, expand, and create progress. Starting a business is challenging, but the growth and fulfillment that come from that journey are part of becoming who you’re meant to be.

I’m not saying everyone needs to be an entrepreneur, but I’d bet most people, including those in a 9-to-5, have felt a spark of inspiration to pursue something of their own. Too often, fear, scarcity, or the unknown hold us back, keeping us in a comfortable but unfulfilling routine. For me, the idea of staying comfortable, living someone else’s vision, and running on the hamster wheel just to cover the overhead of life wasn’t enough. I refused to let regret define my story, so I took the leap to build something of my own.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
What Sets My Business Apart and What I’m Most Proud Of and Excited About

My business, A Better Way Chiropractic, with four locations, is a direct reflection of my personal journey. At 25, I was a Mr. America winner, a celebrity trainer, and on magazine covers, but my life changed when I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, an “irreversible, terminal” autoimmune disease. In just six months, I dropped from 230 pounds to 158 pounds. The best doctors in Houston told me my only option was to remove my entire colon. I was a week away from that surgery when my mom, a prayer warrior, connected me with my 10th-grade anatomy teacher, who urged me to see a corrective care chiropractor in Sarasota, Florida.

Skeptical at first—I jokingly called it “witchcraft”—I went anyway. This chiropractor showed me how the nervous system controls everything in the body. My X-rays revealed significant damage in my lower spine, affecting the nerves connected to my organs—a blind spot no digestive specialist had considered. After seven months of spinal adjustments to correct my nervous system, my body healed itself from a so-called incurable disease. That was my greatest testimony, born from the toughest time in my life.

This experience led me to become a chiropractor, something I never imagined doing. At Better Way Chiropractic, we focus on removing interference from the nervous system so the body can heal itself without relying on drugs or masking symptoms. I’m most proud of how we empower people to take responsibility for their health by addressing the root cause of their problems, not just treating symptoms. What excites me is giving people hope and teaching them that health is their greatest asset—not how they look or feel, but how their body functions.

How I Got Here and the Challenges I Overcame

The journey wasn’t easy. Going from a near-death health crisis to building one of the largest-volume chiropractic clinics in the world required resilience. The biggest challenge was overcoming skepticism—both my own about chiropractic care and others’ about my approach. I also faced the emotional and physical toll of my illness, moments of despair when I couldn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. But I leaned into my story, went back to school, and committed to sharing my experience.

Another challenge was scaling the business. Growing to four locations meant learning to lead, manage, and inspire a team while staying true to our mission. I overcame these hurdles by focusing on authenticity—speaking over 4,000 times in the Houston area over 20 years, sharing my story through speaking engagements and videos. Instead of relying on gimmicks or ads, I connected with people by opening my heart, offering hope, and teaching them how to prioritize their health.

Lessons Learned

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that health is your greatest asset, and you must be proactive, not reactive. Too many people wait for a health crisis to act, but your habits and standards must align with valuing your health. I can look at someone’s bank account or credit card statements and see their true priorities. If health is number one, your time, money, and energy should reflect that. Another lesson is that the body has an innate ability to heal when you remove interference and address the root cause, even when conventional medicine says it’s impossible. Finally, I learned that your story—your personal experience—is your most powerful tool to inspire and lead others.

What I Want the World to Know About My Story

I want the world to know that health is the foundation for everything—your relationships, your business, your life. Your body is a one-time deal; you can’t trade it in like a car or a house. Yet, people pour money into fleeting things while neglecting their health, only to regret it when it’s too late. My story is about taking responsibility for your greatest asset and investing in it daily to optimize and maximize your life. At Better Way Chiropractic, we’re not selling a quick fix; we’re helping people find the cause of their problems and live the life they were created to live. My mission is to inspire everyone to prioritize their health now, so they can thrive every year of their life, not just survive.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting The Woodlands or Houston, I’d show them the best of what this area has to offer. We’d start with a walk along The Woodlands Waterway, a scenic spot perfect for relaxing and enjoying the vibe. If there’s a concert at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, we’d definitely go—it’s an amazing outdoor venue. For dining, I used to love Truluck’s for its incredible seafood, , I’d take them to Amrina, a fantastic restaurant with a vibrant atmosphere and top-tier culinary experience.

We’d also hit Market Street for some shopping and a lively, upscale feel. Then, we’d head downtown to Houston’s Museum District to soak in the world-class art and culture. I’d make sure to visit Lakewood Church for some inspiration. My wife and I are huge foodies—our date nights are all about great meals—so I’d take my friend to some of Houston’s Michelin-rated or James Beard-recognized restaurants, like BCN Taste & Tradition or Le Jardinier, for unforgettable dining experiences. I don’t drink, so we’d skip bars and clubs, focusing instead on the food and meaningful experiences that make The Woodlands and Houston special.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
This might not be a popular answer, but I believe the shout-out goes to each individual themselves—in my case, me. Don’t get me wrong—my mom and my wife have loved and supported me unconditionally, and I’m deeply grateful for them. But a man with a supportive mother and wife still has to step up. Their love and encouragement are invaluable, but they don’t automatically get things done. You have to rise above, whether you’re loved or not, supported or not. At the end of the day, the drive and love for your own journey must come from within.

We can seek advice, read every book, and learn from mentors, but it’s up to us to make the decision to act. We’re the ones who have to respond to the circumstances we don’t like and choose to change them. That’s the difference between staying a victim, blaming the situation, and building the tenacity to create the life you want. It’s rooted in healthy self-esteem. Every successful entrepreneur will tell you there’s a moment when you have to bet on yourself. It’s personal.

Yes, I’ve had incredible people offer guidance and mentorship, and I cherish the support from my family. But ultimately, I had to listen, put in the work, and take responsibility for my path—whether I succeeded or failed by my own sword. In those dark moments behind closed doors, when you’re broken and can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel, it’s just you and your resolve. You have to keep going. Knowing that your success or failure depends on you is both daunting and empowering. While the love and support around you are a blessing, everything—your drive, your progress—starts internally.

Website: https://www.abetterwaychiro.com

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