From Police Grenadier to Fitness Founder

Lovis Michael Friess’s life story reads like an adventure. From carpenter to police officer to independent fitness pioneer. In between lie 20 years of training and education. It all follows a clear path in hindsight – but read on and see for yourself.

Lovis always wanted to be a police officer. But beyond athletic ability, that career required a completed vocational education. So he first trained as a carpenter. With that qualification secured, he entered military service, completing training up to officer school. Somewhere along the way, he also completed a year-long business school program. Most importantly: he passed the entrance exams for the Zurich city police academy.

After several years of experience in law enforcement, Lovis became a chief instructor in shooting, personal security, and tactical response for high-risk operations (e.g., active shooter situations). At the same time, he served with the Zurich Cantonal Police’s special operations group “Diamant” – as a grenadier, personal bodyguard, and breaching specialist. It was as thrilling as it sounds.

Rethinking career after restructuring

Amid internal restructuring at the Winterthur City Police, Lovis made a bold change. At age 43, he completed a vocational baccalaureate in health and social care. As if that wasn’t enough, he also earned a degree in physiotherapy. Since then, Lovis has worked as a physiotherapist and athletic trainer. In 2023 – shortly after graduating – he made his next big move: into self-employment. Managing everything was no easy feat.

Ahead goes sporty

Lovis founded the 24-hour fitness center Power-Akt in Weisslingen. Just in time, he came into contact with Ahead Microcredits. We quickly saw the potential in his idea and supported him in founding and financing his GmbH, budgeting, and acquiring additional fitness equipment.

The fitness center is thriving: subscriptions are growing steadily. The facility will soon expand, and services will broaden. A new type of personal training is being added – one that includes personal development and self-therapy. Coaching for future police officers and army candidates, as well as support for elite athletes, are other areas he may expand. It’s safe to say: there’s more to come.

Lovis Michael Friess
Fitness-Center Power Akt – ProActus GmbH
Hintergasse 7
8484 Weisslingen ZH
+41 79 121 50 00
power-akt.ch
info@power-akt.ch